Construction
Materials for Model Aircraft Building
Models are built from a variety of materials. I believe one of the most
valuable things about a model-builder (and the most under-appreciated by the
general public) is the knowledge a modeler has regarding the use of various
construction materials.
For example, the average model probably uses a dozen
or more different materials, a handful of adhesives and several other components
that all must be properly selected and fastened in place by the builder.
Model-builders are the MacGyvers
of the world. They can fix anything or make something beautiful from
things most people would throw away.
The traditional materials for flying models are
wood products. History isn't my strong point, but as I understand it balsa wood
wasn't widely used in model building until some point between WWI and WW II. Prior
to that the primary building material was bamboo.
 Bamboo has pretty much faded
away from being a popular construction material but is still used by some
builders.
If you plan to build then you should make as many parts as you can. You
will know what they're for, what you made them of and why you made them that
way.
Articles in this series
|
