The Long Saga of Paper Airplane Models

The Long Saga of Paper Airplane Models
Copyright 2006 Niche Empire

Airplane models are made of different materials such as plastic, photo etched brass and wire. Other materials are also used such as metal and paper.

Nowadays, the use of paper in making airplane models is already limited because of the availability and the quality of many available materials. The materials available today are stronger and last longer compared to paper.

Paper airplane models became popular in World War II due the shortage of materials. The uses of materials that are available on that time were restricted. Of course, the bottom of the list includes the toys. Part of these restrictions is to rule out metal toys.

Since the availability of materials needed for the construction of airplane models were restricted and paper is the only material available, paper airplane models became very popular.

During that time, one man became popular in making paper airplane model. He was Wallis Rigby, an Englishman. He was internationally known for his paper airplane models and was credited with introducing a method for paper airplane model construction.

The realistic models of Rigby became very much popular during the time of war. The paper airplane models of Rigby were published as an individual books and box sets.

Another man who became popular because of his paper airplane models Douglas dauntless. His paper airplane models were published in many newspapers. Example of newspaper that published the work of Dauntless was the Sunday Comic. The paper airplane models were published in this newspaper as part of the colored section of the newspaper.

Even cereal makers on that time used paper airplane models as part of their publicity and advertisements. Simplified paper airplane models were used as cereal premiums. Some company gave away thousands of paper airplane models as part of nationwide contests.

In the end of the World War II, the restrictions for materials were lifted. With event, many companies especially those toy companies returned in making toys especially airplane models with the use of metals and some plastics.

The use of paper in making toys and airplane models disappeared rapidly. The plastic airplane models replaced the paper airplane models. There are only very few companies that continued to make paper airplane models.

Today, still, the use of paper in making airplane models is practiced at least. Few people do this. To those that are making paper airline models, the following are some tips that will help improve the talent and the skills in making and building paper airplane models.

•     In building or making paper airplane models, make use of a model knife. Make use of it even those that are small disposable type.

•     In cutting and folding the parts, you need to have a flat and smooth surface. Assemble the kit in the same surface, flat and smooth. Make sure that it is thick enough for you not to cut through and ruin the worktable.

•     Make of small curved scissors because it makes easy the cutting of the curves like the tips of the wings.

•     If a realistic model is wanted, color the cut edges of all parts before assembling it. Make use of colored marker pen or pencil around the edges. Test the marker first before using it.

•     A metal straight edge as a cutting guide makes it easy to trim parts to shape.

In making paper airplane models dedication and love is important.

Although airplane models are not that popular nowadays, people should stick to the fact that paper airplane models are the first one to rule.

Model Airplane Articles

Basic Type of Airplane Model: What is out there for you
Different Types of Airplane Models
Model Airplane and Its Attributes
Collecting Model Airplanes
The Long Saga of Paper Airplane Models
Building and Flying the Paper Airplane Model
Things to Know About Plastic Model Airplanes
Construct your very own Plastic Model Airplane
The Truth About Airplane Model Kit
Airplane Model Kit: Constructing Your Own Airplane Model