January 28, 2013
Fantastic Plastic
Ian's Dauntless, pre-assembly...
Time was when almost every boy knew how to carefully lower a bubble canopy to a P-51 Mustang, eyeball a fuselage to make sure the wings were straight on a P-47, or perhaps line up the Luftwaffe cross on the wings of a Ju-88. All done with glue-smeared and paint-stained fingertips. Today, plastic models have given way to Xboxes and PlayStations.
I’ve collected models since childhood. They spent decades stored in cardboard boxes, following me from move to move. Once we settled back in Florida, I finally unpacked them and carefully shelved the kits above my father’s old worktable, where he had once built museum-quality ship models that were auctioned at Sotheby’s. My airplanes were never gallery-worthy, but they were still a pleasant reminder of my youth.
...and after
Years ago, when I began working for Air & Space as an editor, I found those old plastic models served me in another way. Spend hours of frustration painting cockpit details or studying the various struts of a Rube Goldberg F4F Wildcat landing gear trying to get it to a) not collapse, and b) not make the model tilt drunkenly to one side, and you find you can start to recognize aircraft simply by a propeller spinner, a gear door, or a wing — a skill that became valuable when editing photo captions, for instance. A chin turret on a B-17? It’s obviously a “G” model. A two-door nose gear on an F-16? Why, that’s the prototype YF-16 and not a production “A” model.
The Wildcat
It warmed my heart when my then-nine-year-old son Ian caught the bug and started building kits from my dusty collection. First an F4U Corsair, then the inevitable P-51. And, without prompting, the day came when he wanted help hanging the planes from his bedroom ceiling — something I, and most of my friends, had done 30-odd years earlier, but few kids do today. Pretty soon a de Havilland Mosquito had joined the formation behind a Martin B-26, while a North American T-28, Republic P-47D, and Lockheed P-38J flew a combat air patrol over his bunk bed. Now age 11, his skills have improved, and he’s currently working on a Douglas SBD Dauntless — a kit I also built when I was his age — that features a retractable landing gear, dive flaps, and a droppable bomb.
The English company Airfix began producing plastic kits in 1947, but it was its 1953 Supermarine Spitfire that is perhaps best known, and beloved, by aircraft modelers. Check out this excerpt from the first episode of the BBC series James May’s Toy Stories, in which the host enlists a crew of kids to build a full-scale Spitfire model, molded in the form of the Airfix kit:
American companies like Lindberg, Revell, and Monogram were staples of my own childhood air force, later to be joined by the excellent kits of Japanese companies like Hasegawa and Tamiya. The earliest plastic kits were rudimentary, with sometimes questionable proportions and ridiculous steam locomotive-appropriate rivets festooning fuselages and wings. But they were only a few bucks, well within a typical suburban allowance. Todays airplane modelers are typically my age, and the high-end kits are bought with twenties. Inside, they’re nearly perfect technical representations, with recessed panel lines and laser-etched metal accessories for fine details, like the thin metal frame of a Head Up Display. Some, especially large-scale warbirds, like the latest 1/32 scale jets, can run hundreds of dollars.
As of tonight, the Dauntless is painted, and has done some practice bombing runs in the living room. Soon, it’ll take its place hanging in formation, rolling in on an imaginary Japanese destroyer sailing the carpet below.
The chin turret (and cheek guns) were standardized in the G model B-17 but introduced toward the end of the F model production run.
Comment by Mark Breeding — January 31, 2013 @ 1:40 am
Oops, I hit submit too quickly, the B-17 chin turret was developed for the B-40 escort gunship.
Comment by Mark Breeding — January 31, 2013 @ 1:58 am
Being an Air Force brat I caught the airplane bug at about age 7 yrs. old. Dad was stationed at Edwards and then Beale AFb in Calif. Being near military flightlines was always a great thrill. I built plastic models all through elementary, jr. high and high school. Loved modern military jets. Couldn’t count how many SR-71s and F-4s I built. My photographing of military aircraft came as natural as building models. I’m now approaching 50 and I still have desk top models and airplane pictures in my “man cave”. I’m still “plane crazy”.
Comment by Jeff M. — January 31, 2013 @ 3:57 am
Nice article! I agree that putting together model airplanes really allows people to appreciate the beauty of them.
One thing: I thought Revell is a German company…
Comment by Sauer — February 2, 2013 @ 9:05 am
I’m 62, and still love to build models. I still fondly remember building my first one with my father when I was 5. Models have led me to learn and understand history, engineering, mechanics, and what can be done with skill and patience. And teaching my son about models led him to study history in college. A great hobby that I hope lives on in future generations.
Comment by Norm Samuelson — February 3, 2013 @ 12:33 am
The B-17G was not the only Flying Fortress with a chin turret. It was originally developed for the XB-40 escort gunship and then installed on end of production run F models.
Here is the link for Fact Sheet from the National Museum of the United States Air Forec.
http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=2590
Comment by Mark Breeding — February 5, 2013 @ 2:44 pm
I’ve wasted/invested many hours in making model airplanes, both plastic and balsa. My favorite has always been the P-40, followed by the DC-8, which, alas, has gotten rarer and more expensive. In the closet, waiting for an open dining table, is a Lockheed T-33, waiting to be built as an Oregon Air National Guard trainer. That T-33 was the first fighter I ever touched in real life at the (what I called) the Science Museum near the Portland Zoo. Got a good splinter in my palm from the platform leading up to the plane, too!
Comment by Mike in Hawaii — February 8, 2013 @ 10:03 pm
I too caught the modeling bug at an early age, only to pick it back up again at age 35. You are absolutely correct.. Modeling enables one to spend so much time looking at a particular aircraft that often a glimpse at a single part, say a tail wheel or a prop hub, is enough for me to identify it. It also, like carpentry or painting, is a detail oriented skill that one never stops improving on. You can always do better on the next one!
Comment by David Salay — February 16, 2013 @ 6:40 pm
I used to build kits in my youth too. Mostly Airfix but I did build the Tamiya CVN-65 USS Enterprise which took up a whole load of space.
These days, I have introduced a group of cadets from the UK’s Air Training Corps and we’re currently working on a Vickers Valiant, a Saturn V Rocket and will soon start a kit of a No.617 Squadron AVRO Lancaster that depicts an aircraft having just dropped it’s bouncing bomb on a dam in the Rhur Valley. This year is the 70th anniversary of the raid.
Comment by Jonathan Frater — February 22, 2013 @ 6:47 pm
Unlike Ian, when I first discovered my Father’s WOODEN aircraft models, ca. 1948, I attempted to “FLY” them down the steps from a landing to the 1st floor.
After recovering from that, I went on to build a B-17G, B-51 Hustler, P-47, and a “Dam Busting” Lancaster, among many others. By the time I got to junior high my friends had found Tamiya; we built a D-Day diorama AT school! I still have my German Krupp 88mm Flak.
Many thanks for the happy memories.
Comment by Joe Harbert — February 22, 2013 @ 6:49 pm
My last models were built PC (Pre Children) or PM (Pre Marriage) so I am long away from the hobby. I do have, however, a friend who super details kits and the results are truly impressive. Kit building is a great hobby. The only problem is space.
Comment by ErnestPayne — February 22, 2013 @ 6:50 pm
Clarification: I found the models in the early ’70s. My Father built them in the ’40s.
Comment by Joe Harbert — February 22, 2013 @ 7:06 pm
I loved Revell and Monogram model kits, especially the 1:32 scale. I entered a Revell contest and around age 10, I could have won a real F-86 Sabre! Dad said “Where ya gonna put it.
Comment by Pete Maurer — February 22, 2013 @ 7:15 pm
I have built models all of my life from the age of 8-58…I have also built model buldings with erector sets, Lincoln Logs and Legos Bricks…I love building things, drafting and designing new things…That is my entertainment…enlightenment of the brain.
Comment by Bruce R. Kuzma — February 22, 2013 @ 7:25 pm
Am I the only one to remember Strombecker? My very first model was their F-86, which I made in 1952.
Geo
Comment by George Gale — February 22, 2013 @ 7:56 pm
Hi.
I have been building plastic and wood model for many many years which I have given away or destroyed due to moves.
I have been buying for the past 2 years Die cast models
1:72 scale and 1:48 scale as they a true to exact real
aircraft painted and with proper decals.
Most are WW2 models. I have 15 die cast models at the present time and have on order a F-15 with Israel markings.
I live in Vancouver, Canada and have them shipped from
California a company called Flying Mule. I am 80 yrs old
and enjoy the models great hobby.
Comment by Myer Holtzberg — February 22, 2013 @ 7:59 pm
I started building models when my two sons were born and hung then in their rooms. Now both are career Navy ,one a pilot and the other a Captain and skipper of a ballistic missile cruiser. I love building replicas of what they flew and skippered. A great hobby and my sons enjoy the results of what I do and also offer special detail if I leave something out. Of course! Thanks for the article, a great way to spend time and great magazine to read. Stan Young
Comment by Stan Young — February 22, 2013 @ 8:03 pm
My dad, a modeler from WWII, started me at age six and I am still interested today. Model airplanes are making a comeback with the older crowd as a way to remember their youth and pass the skills on to their grand kids. A fun, educational hobby that does not involve computers, hand controllers, or skills the older of us do not practice. Another positive is that model building provides a great historical perspective and developes an interest in aviation in the younger set.
My model building led to a private flying license in college, an flying career in the USAF and a second career as a contractor in the space arena. All from some pieces of plastic and a bit of glue.
Also, Revell Germany and Revell-Monogram are now under the same US ownership.
Comment by Bill Strandberg — February 22, 2013 @ 8:22 pm
Erratum: the Hustler, built by Convair, was a B-58.
Comment by Joe Harbert — February 22, 2013 @ 8:24 pm
I am 87 years old, born in Little Falls,Mn.The home of Charles Lindberg who attended school with my parents. I was told I once went for a ride on my Fathers lap with Lindberg as a small boy. Unsure of this.I have built Model planes from the Jenny up, My Father did own a “Jenny” in early 1930′s. I shake to much to build planes anymore so just buy what I want, Someday hope to give them to a Museum. I took my first lesson at about 12 years old to fly, and have loved planes all my life. Stay low and slow.
Comment by Gordon Bastien — February 22, 2013 @ 9:03 pm
At age 69, it has been a good many years since my older brother and I first built model airplanes. We stick-built them with balsa wood and tissue first, but later moved into the plastic scale models. I always admired his artistry with a paintbrush, and how perfectly he could turn out a B-24 or an F-86. I believe that Sabrejet was the first molded plastic kit we ever saw, around 1951, and it was all white plastic. Later, they came molded in more authentic colors, but the best results still required an complete paint job. Hey, a little bottle of Testor’s “PLA” only cost 10 cents, go for it! Your article has prompted some fresh incentive to get out the last project I began (in 1968) but never completed, a WWI Nieuport biplane. Yes, all it lacks is a skin of tissue…but good things take time, if I can only find that box in the attic. Last year, I gave Bernie an S2F Tracker plastic kit for his birthday, which he is still working on at age 75. Yes, we are back into the model airplane business!
RICHARD VOLKMER, 3S530 Mignin Drive, Warrenville, IL 60555
Comment by RICH VOLKMER — February 22, 2013 @ 9:35 pm
I remember my father and I building my first model a WWI bi-wing. I built all the WWII U.S./RAF aircraft and 1/48 Monogram was my favorite to built. Now I have a 4 year old son and I have been buying and storing the same kits in the hopes father and son can do the same hobby again. Yes it’s a great way to learn every detail about the A/C and the history of them.
Comment by Robin Bailer — February 22, 2013 @ 10:39 pm
I still have a dozen or so plastic models in storage.But my favorite were the Balsa Gillows kits. The Spitfire I made was ruberband powered and with a reduction gearbox, it flew well many times, sometimes over a minute. I have a giant Spirit of Saint Louis I purchased at the Smithsonian years ago, designed to fly as a kite. But I think my glue is all dried up! One day, it will fly! Thanks for the story!
Comment by Mike Weaver — February 23, 2013 @ 2:06 am
I am 56 and I too have a bunch of un-built models put away in the event of Armageddon. Building models is very therapeutic. I especially enjoy applying the paint schemes used on WWII aircraft. I noticed that they are now using my air-sprayer to apply makeup – perhaps I am qualified for a second career! The DC-3 is one of my favorites and I actually flew in one when in the Marines.
Comment by Alan Challet — February 23, 2013 @ 3:25 am
Revell-Monogram is owned by Hobbico (Great Planes), which is (as far as I know) a US company. As a buyer for an upstate NY hobby shop, I order from them 2 or 3 times a week. There is, however, also a company called Revell Germany (also distributed by Hobbico, among others) – its packaging is usually either blue or gray with pinstripes.
Comment by Al Plant — February 23, 2013 @ 3:47 am
I constructed my 1st plastic model way back in 1954.I believe it was a Stinson Station Wagon. There were only a few pieces..and I managed to get it together with my mom’s help and way too much glue! I think I may have built more planes than Boeing!
Comment by Jim Shaw-age 69 — February 23, 2013 @ 1:25 pm
As a 68 year old modeler, and owner of a tour business,I have had the pleasure of meeting many World War II pilots through my business. In December,2012, I had on tour, a German gentleman who had been pressed into the German Luftwaffe at age 17, in early 1944,when he was trained as a fighter pilot. Ultimately he was trained to fly the Me 109G, out of an airfield outside Munich, and in 1945 he was transferred to an airfield in Poland. He also got to watch early test flights of the Komet, a German rocket plane,which was more lethal to its pilots than the USAAF was .
I also met the pilot of the B-29, who flew “Bocks car”, he was a retired Major General of the Massachusetts Air National Guard, and I met a British gentleman, whose RAF unit was the 1st RAF unit to fly the P-51 Mustang….
I am retiring to Hawaii in a year,and have 50 or 60, un-opened 1:48 models, mostly of WWII planes….if anyone is interested,let me know….I cannot get them to Maui, that’s for sure…
Comment by Liam — February 23, 2013 @ 5:05 pm
You really put me on a “time machine” and sent me back to my childhood days and my many model aircraft, i absolutely share each and every one of your words describing this love for airplanes an model building im mexican and been all my life infected with the aviation virus…..excelent article.
Comment by Antonio Rangel — February 24, 2013 @ 5:36 am
As a young lad I used to make model airplanes and ships, spending hours and days in play and fantasy. In fact I now have a model of a Boeing 747-8 that I now work on and assemble in Everett Washington. I am a Tool Maker at the Boeing Company.
Thanks
Bruce Maresh
Comment by Bruce Maresh — February 26, 2013 @ 1:56 am
It came as a shock (altho I knew their popularity has dimmed considerably) to see the best modeler’s store in Indianapolis close after being in business since 1950. I knew it was coming, still…… My grandsons & thier friends could care less about anything “non-electronic, without sound”. But I CHERRISH the thousands of hours spent at our hobby & can still see clearly the 16sq.ft. diarama I made for my P-61 Black Widow, it’s service personell/toolage/engine spares/command car/Jeep/Dodge “Duce & a Half”/bomb train/prop hanger a-frame & much more, all in it’s sand & coral revetment on a 4′x4′ piece of a Pacific island. …. i gotta find another hobby shop !!!!
Comment by JC Leo — February 26, 2013 @ 2:26 am
My modeling years were long before plastic. Before WWII kits were either flying models or solid. The flyers were constructed much like the real thing with ribs,longerons etc.covered in tissue that was carefully doped and powered with a large rubber band. The solids came with a roughly carved fuselage,wings and tail. All to be carefully shaped,sanded and painted. I can still picture the prewar USN biplanes with their yellow and blue color schemes. Testors is the only name I can remember. They made glue and paint as well. .
Comment by Ted Goetz — February 26, 2013 @ 8:46 pm
Great to read your story and happy to find it at this website. Once plastic kits were common for all young boys, obtainable everywhere. I built many of them (most Airfix…) in the 1960/70′s with fond memories. Although Airfix is the name that stands out when one thinks of plastic kits, the earliest ones were made by FROG, a range called “Penguin”, available between 1936 and 1949. Although sold largely in the UK itself, they were exported to even the U.S.A. as early as 1939 and as far away as Australia. To honour them I am writing a book about its history, packed with fond memories of plastic kit building in the 1930/40′s.
Comment by Peter van Lune — March 1, 2013 @ 7:55 pm
Great story — brings back so many memories! I had 15 or so hanging from my ceiling as a boy.
Great reading your articles again, Sir!
Comment by Maj Layne Smith — March 4, 2013 @ 9:04 pm
Dude! Great to see your name!
Comment by John Sotham — March 5, 2013 @ 1:36 am
I’m checking every other day to catch your articles – hope all is well!!
BTW….I MISS S. FL!!!!!!
Comment by Maj Layne Smith — March 13, 2013 @ 12:44 pm
I was bitten by the modeling bug around 1967. Built many, many models of plastic planes, ships, spacecraft, armor and autos. From 1988-97, I was fortunate enough to work in a hobby shop part-time! During the 90′s-2000′s I owned a couple of airbrushes, a paint booth and all the fanciest tools. These days I can’t seem to find the time or patience. One day I’ll certainly build again!
Comment by Perry Rotzell — April 15, 2013 @ 4:03 am
Being an airline brat, I was always immersed in planes. My very first model was a Grumman F9F Panther, with a string attached to one wing tank and clay counterbalance in the other. That was back in ’64. I moved on up, building my own, but for some reason stuck with the P-40 and F4C (made about 3 each). Stopped for some reason in highschool (being in band and building models would be far too geeky, even for then). Now, I have a Monogram T-33 trainer, ready to have the colors of the Oregon ANG, which I first saw at the original OMZI by the Oregon Zoo.
Comment by Mike in Hawaii — April 30, 2013 @ 10:41 pm