Balsa wood airplanes are very interesting models to build. This is the ultimate working model. You can purchase a kit that has been machined to the closest tolerances, and then you have the joy of building a balsa wood airplane that you know will look like the full size plane it was modeled after.

  As a boy we used to fly the balsa wood airplane gliders that were very simple build and fly kits. We would buy them two or three at a time because after a few crash landings they would get pretty beat up. Then came the gliders with rubber band wind up propellers, you would wind up the prop and let it fly, these are great fun. After you experience the fun of build and fly you can progress on to more elaborate kits. These rubber powered balsa wood airplanes are available in many different skill levels. They are great for kids ages 7 and up starting out in the hobby of model building. These can be used to teach kids patience and discipline and they will be learning real craftsmanship as they build a balsa wood airplane that can be flown once the project is completed.

  Now let's get into some real fun with the joy of building a real, true to scale balsa wood airplane that is flown using remote control or R/C. These are available in many different models and scales and are very intricate with many working parts. Some balsa wood airplanes can be built with working flaps and most are powered with small gasoline engines. These require some patience and diligence and a pretty good sized work space as some of these balsa wood airplanes have a wingspan of as much as eight feet. This is a great hobby for the craftsman who appreciates quality and detail. And then there is the excitement of flying your R/C powered balsa wood airplane that you built yourself.

  If you are excited and can't wait to fly your balsa wood airplane, there are many "ARF" (almost ready to fly) kits on the market. This eliminates the need to build and cover your model, which in my opinion is a big part of the enjoyment of the hobby, all that is needed is some basic assembly, like installing the radio system and mounting the engine and fuel tank. This is the quick and easy way to get into the air.