Model airplane kits - building methods explained
Traditional model airplane kits (such as the SE5A shown below, from Guillows, a well known manufacturer of traditional balsa kits) are typically made from balsa wood, with individual parts being cut from sheet or strip balsa.
Balsa is actually a hardwood, and is ideally suited to model airplane kit construction because of its excellent weight:strength ratio. Thin modeling-grade plywood is also used in certain areas of a model airplane's construction, where more strength is required such as engine bulkheads and landing gear plates.
Once constructed, the airplane is then covered in a heat sensitive plastic film, put on using an iron. The heat melts the adhesive backing which sticks the film to the balsa, then the iron or a heat gun is used to shrink the film over the model.
Heat-shrink covering film is a modern invention though, and traditionally balsa model airplanes were (and still are in some cases) covered in colored tissue paper and cellulose dope. The principle is the same, but the dope has the same effect as the iron in sticking and shrinking the paper. Builders of 'old timer' model airplane kits may still use this method, to keep the model as traditional as possible.
Nowadays however, it's quite normal for a model airplane to be constructed from fiberglass, foam and various plastics as well as balsa; typically most ARF (Almost Ready to Fly) and RTF (Ready to Fly) airplanes are made this way.
ARF rc airplanes need just a few hours to complete the model whereas an RTF airplane needs nothing at all doing to do it, other than maybe attaching the wing.
ARF and RTF airplanes have become increasingly popular in the last couple of decades or so, and models like the NexStar Select 46 gas airplanes and its electric cousin have introduced many people to the hobby of rc flying, without having to build their airplane from plans.
Of course, for modelers looking to build an rc airplane completely from kit form, the traditional balsa kits are still favored. The kit will usually contain everything that is required, with the modeler just needing to buy covering material, paint and of course engine and radio gear where necessary.
In a traditional model airplane kit, it's usually the wing that is the most complex part of the plane to build, but it's very common now for wings to be constructed of a foam core and covered in a thin wood veneer. This method gives great strength with very little weight, and the wings need little work to finish them.
If the wing is to be a one-piece wing, left and right wings are glued together at the center, and this central joint is then wrapped in fiber glass to give the necessary strength.
Construction accessories
Various tools and accessories are needed to construct a model airplane from a kit, such as modeling knives, pins and small clamps, modeler's vice and covering accessories as well as various adhesives.
A flat modeler's board is also essential, this needs to be something rigid and is possible to insert a pin into, something such as medium density fiberboard (mdf) would be a good example.
Browse a selection of tools and accessories for building model airplane kits.
If you're completely new to the model airplane building game, an excellent resource is Carl Baer's book 'How To Make RC Airplanes'.
Carefully detailing the build of a typical balsa rc model airplane from a kit, the book takes you through each stage with detailed photographs to illustrate the build.
Not only does the book cover the build, it also shows you how to set up and organize your building bench and work area before you get started.
Related pages
Vintage rc airplanes - modern-day traditionally built kits.
ARF rc airplanes - more info on Almost Ready To Fly airplanes.
RTF rc airplanes - what to expect from a Ready To Fly airplane.
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Carl Baer's new book 'How To Make RC Airplanes' is an excellent resource for aeromodelers regardless of experience.