Scale Models - Overview and Tips
(not flying models)

On This Page

• Finished Scale Models
• Scale Model Kits

Overview
I have long been a fan of scale sailplane models. I built a fair number of scale model airplanes in my youth, and I currently have a scale sailplane model hanging over my office desk. It is loosely suspended by thread - giving it the freedom to dance and sway - as if ever working to find the core of some great thermal.

A nice sailplane model, like any work of art, is enjoyable to look at. Sailplanes are certainly elegant and efficient machines. When I look at a sailplane model, I see the lovely long wings, and the purpose built aerodynamically optimized fuselage, but I also see the history of that particular sailplane. Every sailplane type has an interesting history. There was a person, or group of people, or company that put their hearts and minds into the development of that particular sailplane. It may have been the descendent of many, similar (or quite different) sailplanes in a long line of sailplanes. I see all that when I look at a scale model sailplane. I also see the potential for adventures to come. I see the cross-country soaring flights that await me in the future.

But sailplane models are more than just fun to look at. Sailplane models can be a great tool for introducing the sport of soaring to others. Sailplane models look great hanging over or sitting on your desk at work, or sitting in a display counter at the local gliderport. They are a great way to encourage friends and colleagues to ask you about soaring. Just think how many more people would ask you about soaring if you had one of these models prominently and proudly displayed!

They are also great to admire while waiting for your new full-size glider to be delivered, or while waiting for spring as your glider is hibernating in its trailer for the winter.

Model sailplane kits are also a great way to promote soaring with kids. Building a model glider is fun and a kid that hangs a glider from his bedroom ceiling is more likely to get into flying gliders in the long run. Buy one for your kids and grandkids and nephews and nieces - and help them build it. I sincerely believe that glider model kits are a great way to introduce kids to gliders.

Finished Scale Models


HpH in the Czech Republic is known for their incredibly detailed finished scale aircraft models.  They are also the manufacturer of full scale sailplanes.  Their models are not unassembled model kits, they are detailed finished models.  Each model is made to match the original full-size aircraft - including paint schemes, contest and registration numbers, and cockpit details. They are, therefore, much more expensive than unassembled model kits, but they are worth every penny.  They look great hanging in your office or sitting on your desk and they are a great way to encourage friends and colleagues to ask you about soaring.  Just think how many more people would ask you about soaring if you had one of these models on your desk!  They are also a great to admire while waiting for your new full-size glider to be delivered.  Their sailplane models are all done in the 1:25 scale - which makes them larger than all the model kits listed below.  Details are available on the HpH Models page.

Scale Model Kits

Overview
This web site is targeted at pilots of full-sized gliders - it is not a hobby shop.  I'm not an expert model builder.  However, many pilots of full-size gliders are also builders of model gliders.  The page is a collection of some very nice, scale plastic and resin models of gliders from around the world.  It has been fun hunting them down, collecting and documenting them.  They are delivered as unassembled kits which require assembly, gluing, and painting.  They make excellent display models or as training aids for showing new pilots the parts of a sailplane or for "flying" the model (in your hand) through a maneuver that will later be done in the air.  Another great idea is to display the completed model on your desk at work as a way to invite questions about soaring.  I have a few nice models hanging over the desk in my office. 

Give a Glider Model Kit to a Kid
I am a firm believer that model kits are a great way to promote soaring with kids.  Building a model glider is fun and a kid that hangs a glider from his bedroom ceiling is more likely to get into flying gliders in the long run.  So buy one for your kids and grandkids and nephews and nieces - and help them build it.  I suppose you will think that I'm saying that in order to sell more kits and make more money, but I really do sincerely believe that glider models are a great way to introduce kids to gliders.  However, some of these kits have very limited instructions, so adult help is recommended.

Manufacturers of Model Kits
Logo	Manufacturer	Location	Scale	Type	Comments	Available Kits
	Revell	Germany & USA	1:32	Plastic injection molded	The largest, most detailed, and best.
	Planet Models	Czech Republic	1:32 and 1:48	Resin	Very nice, larger than most other kits
	Ardpol	Poland	1:48	Resin	Very nice
	Heritage Aviation Models, Ltd.	United Kingdom	1:48	Resin	nice
	Profiline	Czech Republic	1:72	Plastic injection molded	Very small, but very nice.
	Czech Master Resin	Czech Republic	1:72	Resin	Very small, but nice. Many interesting kits
	Kora		1:72	Resin		Coming Soon
	Sharkit		1:72	Resin		Coming Soon
	Dujin		1:72	Resin		Coming Soon

Model Sizes
Please note that there are several different scales used in these model kits.  The larger the scale number, the smaller the model.  The 1/72 scale models are quite small.  The table below can be used to get an idea of the actual sizes of the different scale gliders.  I have also included the approximate actual size wing span of each model to help you conceptualize the size of the model.  I don't want anyone to be shocked to find an extremely small model upon arrival.

Tips

• Wash Parts - Be sure to wash all parts of all model kits in mild detergent before assembly to remove any trace of mould release wax.  I use a mild dish washing soap and a lot of water.
• Glues
  • Plastic Injection Molded Kits - Plastic model glue is most commonly used. However, cyanoacrylates ("CA", "superglue") and epoxies also work fine.
  • Resin Kits - Plastic model glues will not work.  Use super glue (also called cyanoacrylate or "CA") or epoxy.
• Safety
  • Use a safety mask when sanding and painting all models.  Resin and plastic dust and paint fumes can be harmful if inhaled.
  • "Wet sand" to minimize dust in the air.  Wet sanding is sanding with the sandpaper wet.  Since the dust sticks to the sandpaper so it won't get into the air and be inhaled.
  • Provide good ventilation when sanding and painting models.  A painting hood that is vented outdoors is highly recommended.

Modeling Tips Web Sites
The web sites below offer tips on building scale plastic model kits.

• http://buildingscalemodelaircraft.com/Videos/Tutorial1.htm - Great Tutorial Video
• http://buildingscalemodelaircraft.com/
• http://buildingscalemodelaircraft.com/ModelingFAQ.html
• Testors Scale Model Workshop - Great free video series
• A Resin Model Kit Primer - Very good
• The Art of Building Plastic Model Airplanes
• Plastic Model Building Tips
• http://www.ehow.com/how_7927_build-plastic-model.html
• Revell Knowledge Base
• Tips on building Revell plastic airplane models

Terminology

• Plastic Injection Molded Kit
  If you have ever built a plastic kit, it was probably an injection-molded one. The parts are formed in polystyrene plastic that are attached to frames known as sprues. After removing the parts from the sprues, you put the kit together as a three-dimensional puzzle, helped by detailed instructions. Plastic parts are glued together with plastic cements such as the tried-and-true tube glue, liquid cements, superglues, or epoxies.  The Revell and Profiline model kits on this page are Plastic Injection Molded Kits.  Note that these kits offer the highest quality, lowest price, and they are the easiest to build. 
• Resin Kit
  Sometimes referred to as "Garage Kits". This term has been coined to represent the fringe of the model kit manufacturing community (generally individuals) who produce kits (yes, sometimes in their garage!) that number in dozens, rather than the hundreds or thousands or millions that constitute the bulk of consumer-oriented commercial model kits sold at regular retail outlets.  Instead of being molded with hot plastic as injection-molded and vacuum-formed kits are, resin kits are made from liquid urethane or polyester resins poured into silicone rubber molds. The liquid resin sets after a few minutes, and the molds are separated to release the parts. Resin kits usually are of subjects that are not available in injection-molded kits, and they can be expensive. You must use super glue (also called cyanoacrylate or "CA") or epoxy to build resin kits - not plastic model glue.  All the model kits on this page (except the Revell kits) are resin kits.  Note that some of these kits are of lower detail and quality than the plastic injection molded model kits (with the exception of the very nice Ardpol kits).  Resin kits are also generally more expensive and more difficult to build.  See: A Resin Model Kit Primer

Related Links

• TMRC - Tom Martin Radio Control - Radio control model glider kits and plans
• DecalPaper.com - Create your own decals using your printer
• FiddlersGreen.net - Neat paper card model of airplanes and gliders.
  
• eModelAirplanes - Custom scale display models - Try doing a search for either glider or sailplane.  Interesting, but they don't appear very accurate.