Do not limit yourself to reading only about your particular hobby.
Many of the techniques I have learned have come from other crafts.
Woodworking, for example, has much to offer in terms of techniques, jigging,
etc. Many hobbies have the same problems we do regarding finding ways
to make parts fit, avoiding splintering, glue joints, tools
— you name it.
This page includes resources that I personally recommend. I like home pages having real content - especially sites that are
educational or share techniques useful to model-builders. I also like
to provide links to companies that provide excellent service.
I am always interested in linking to good websites.
If you have a favorite site please
send me the link.
How to not get your site mentioned here
Please don't e-mail me with a request to exchange links. If you want
me to look at your site all you have to do is ask. If I like your site
I'll link to it.
The AMA Cub and Delta Dart are rubber powered planes designed for first time
builders. This site takes you well beyond the basic instructions while
explaining things in simple language. Site has some interesting videos,
history, theory and more.
This
site contains excellent information about setting up your plane so it flies as
well as it can. It shows you how to use
mixing in your
computer radio to its maximum advantage. Site also contains areas
covering gas, glow, electric, and non-powered flight as well as various building
tips, a gallery and other information.
The National Air and Space Administration (NASA) site provides excellent
information and answers to all those questions that people keep e-mailing to me
but I don't know the answer to.
I really like Dave's work. He has a lot of small R/C planes that he
seemingly picked just because he knew I had a soft spot for them.
Dave builds really nice models and he has plans of a lot of classic planes that
I've wanted to build since I was a kid.
If you grew up in my time or earlier then you'll recognize a lot of these
planes. And the nice thing is that they are just as good of designs as
contemporary sport models.
A nicely done site that shows three modeler's collective efforts building a
large scale B-17. Plenty of construction photos as well as a detailed
chronology of the build make this an interesting site. Narrative gives
nice insight into the various problems a modeler must solve to realize his dream
plane.
Thanks to Damien Nott for sending me this link. Now I have even lower self
esteem because I can't read the schematics to make many of the very cool gadgets
on this site.
A
site primarily dedicated to pylon racing. This site has in-depth technical
information regarding
airfoils and
aerodynamics. Site also has ordinates for fast airfoils.
Michael's
work is stunningly beautiful! The site is in German, but even if
you can't read the language, the photos of his works of art are worth the visit.
There is an English version, but I couldn't get it to work properly, so I
browsed the German version.
Click the "Tipps" link and then look at all the links in the frame. Wow!
This site has some neat charts that are informational. For example, there
is a chart showing what paints are compatible and another giving the weights of
various covering materials.
Mike
James has done some very impressive work. He tells me that his designs are
going to be kitted. If you want a nice, modern-looking, composite model
aircraft, check out his stuff.
Additionally, Mike has some interesting things to say and demonstrates many
techniques that I wasn't aware of
— especially
composites techniques. I highly recommend this site.
This site has some very
cool paper models. I had no idea that paper models of this caliber
even existed. The site is in Polish, but the models are designated
in English.
Take a look at a few of the models and you'll see why I included this link.
These are models that I would be proud to display.
This
is an excellent resource for building tips, expert advice and scale building
techniques. Site contains lots of photos, videos and various builder's
projects with construction photos. This is a site I will be referring back
to for techniques when I get started on my
SkyShark Focke
Wulf.
This
is an excellent website. There are a number of articles by a variety of
authors that cover multitudes of topics from beginner to advanced. Expect
to spend some time here.
The website is in magazine format with a new issue each month. As far as I
can tell the entire content of the site is free. Take a look at the Archive
Index to find articles from back issues.
This site has a simple rubber powered model called the Squirrel which would be a
great way to introduce kids to flying model aircraft. Several videos are
posted which show the Squirrel in flight.
This is one of those sites that I can easily spend hours reading through. There's tons of information with links
to tons more. Many different genres of model-building are addressed as well as information about toys I enjoyed as
a kid (slot cars, for example). There's lots to learn here.
This is a nicely done website by Harry Barr who has contributed a number of
comments to this site. Harry's site contains a gallery displaying the
work of several builders, news and events, technical information, a list of
Canadian clubs as well as links to other interesting sites.
Plastic Model Home Pages
There are a lot of plastic model sites that I have visited to get information
about particular kits. Even though many of these sites have provided me
with excellent information, I tend to delete the bookmarks after getting what I
need. Otherwise I would have hundreds of bookmarks and have no idea what
any of them are. These are the ones that I've kept because I keep going
back.
This site has a wealth of information for plastic model builders as well as
builders of scale models. There are literally thousands of reviews of
plastic kits (aircraft, armor, dioramas, figures, spacecraft and warships) as
well as tools and reference materials.
Additionally, there is a very active forum, links to reference photos and a
lot more.
Keith's site takes you step-by-step through the building of a diorama and gets
into the minute detail that many sites leave you wondering about. Lots of
big, clear photos and many examples. Although the site consists of plastic
models, the weathering techniques are appropriate to any subject that you want
to look realistic.
This site has some very interesting scale models including some beautifully
built historical ships. Every time I visit I find something I did not
notice before. I think the site is bottomless.
A
nice site for builders of SciFi models including detailing the hulls, adding
interior lighting and a lot of other information for builders and fans of this
genre.
Online Forums
There are a bazillion online forums. These are ones that I visit
regularly where I sometimes participate and sometimes I just lurk.
Many of these sites are more than just discussion forums. There are
reviews, videos, how-to's, etc.
An excellent forum for those who build plastic models or anyone who builds
any type of scale model and needs information about some detail or another.
There are many very helpful articles, reviews, galleries as well as a forum
where you can get all of your questions answered regarding any plastic model or
technique.
HyperScale is also a great place to get detailed information regarding
full scale
types — even if you build radio control models. Many of the
members have exhaustively researched
full-scale armor, aircraft and other types and can provide appropriate
information to help you with the details of your masterpiece.
The work by the member/builders in this forum is very impressive. These
guys are scale enthusiasts who have some very interesting building techniques.
While you'll see many of the most popular scale models you'll also see a lot of
seldom modeled and obscure subjects.
The language is in Dutch but many of the members are English speaking.
Dutch also translates better than a lot of languages using
Babel Fish.
If you look in my gallery you'll see the kind of models I build.
Mostly they are not scale models. Frankly, I don't have a good system to
protect my airplanes in my home which is the place they are most frequently
damaged. And like most builders, I have dream planes I want to build.
I have a lot of experience as a builder so I know realistically what quality I
can turn out of my shop and what quality is a dream.
RC Scale Builder is a site where I lurk and learn. There is a lot
that I don't know and when I get around to building some of the scale models
on my list this will be the first place that I turn for answers.
Commercial Sites
These links are companies that I recommend. Companies with stars have
provided really outstanding service.
If you are thinking about getting into any kind of model flying, then you
should consider becoming a member of the AMA. Most clubs require you to be a
member for the liability insurance that comes with AMA membership.
The AMA
does much more for us than provide insurance. They are our strongest
advocate and lobby. The AMA also sponsors competitions, various youth
programs and a host of other activities.
Manufacturers of excellent pilot busts. These are the best I've seen.
Each bust is hollow molded resin and is lightweight but highly detailed. I
am extremely pleased with the one I painted for the
SR Eindecker E1.
I
have had good dealings with this company. The person I spoke to was very
patient with me when I was bombarding him with questions about their various
products which include just about any type of composite material, resin or
related tools you would ever use in a model.
I buy the vast majority of my wood from this company. My order has
always arrived quickly and I have always been satisfied with the selection of
wood I received. I usually order several hundred dollars worth of wood at
a time.
A good source for thin hardwoods. If you have a
table saw (small or
large) then you can save a lot of money purchasing quality hardwoods and sawing
your own blocks and mounts rather than purchasing small pre-cut pieces through
the hobby industry at a much, much higher price.
Hardwoods are excellent for making many of our own tools as well. You
can't go wrong having a plank of 1/4" maple on hand, for example. You'll
find lots of uses for it.
One of the true Scale Masters. I think he has done more to advance the art
of scale modeling than any single person. There are a handful of modelers
in the world with his skill, but he has always been a high profile modeler and,
more importantly, had a desire to pass his knowledge along.
You
might not have a lot of thoughts about rubber bands. However, they are
extremely useful and versatile tools. Personally, I got tired of being
aggravated by never having the right size and also by the low-quality variety
offered in local stores.
Dykema sells sample packs of rubber bands of very high quality. Each pack
contains a dozen different sizes. Each size is individually boxed so you
actually know what size you're using. When you need more you'll know what
to order.
I ordered every sample pack they carry for about twenty-five bucks. It was
money very well spent. I recommend you check them out.
A very nice hobby shop located in Leimen-St. Ilgen, Germany owned by Reiner Pfister.
While I was stationed in Germany I spent a lot of my off-duty hours browsing
through the shop and doing my best to communicate with Reiner.
I don't
speak German and he doesn't speak English but that didn't stop us. Usually
a lot of gesturing and picture drawing was involved but we also managed to
figure out what the other was talking about. In any case, his shop was
nicely stocked and has some interesting items. Definitely worth stopping
in if you're ever in the area.
I
purchased my
Raptor
helicopter from Heliproz. They took the time to exchange several
e-mails with me and customized my order so that I could get the most for my
money. Their service was fast and I found them to be a good company to do
business with.
More good service and they import items from Germany. However, beware of
their bulk hardware. I purchased some several years ago and it was mostly
junk that I wouldn't put in any of my planes.
This site contains a lot of useful information regarding caring for your tools.
The online catalog has lots of very nice tools that should be useful to builders
of wood models.
As far as I'm concerned there are only two types of paint for flying model
aircraft — Dope and Epoxy. Klass Kote paints are
excellent epoxies, fully fuel proof and extremely durable. They are
compatible with the original K & B SuperPoxy and HobbyPoxy brand paints.
The
best place I have found to purchase all the small nuts and bolts required for
use on radio-controlled models. I build a lot, so I save money buying in
bulk. If you are a beginner, then you are probably better off just buying
what you need from the local hobby shop. If you decide to stay in the
hobby, buying from Micro Fasteners will save you money over time so you can buy
that new engine or set of servos.
One more word about this company. I placed an order on a Friday night,
paid for regular mail, and it was in my mailbox the following Monday. I
live in Florida and the order was shipped from New Jersey. Best service
and prices I have ever had. I just can not say enough good things about
this company.
Among other things, it shows that good prices and good service are
simultaneously possible. Makes me wonder why other companies choose not to
have one or both of these things.
Sells many hard-to-find tools including many from the medical industry.
The prices are not the lowest, but they have pretty much everything you will
ever need for any type of model building. They do not carry many R/C
specific items, however.
For
many years I have been trying to find a source of good quality
scroll saw
blades. The ones available in places like Home Depot and Sears honestly
are not that great. They tend to be too coarse for fine model work and
tear out the back of the work too much.
Mike carries the best quality blades I have ever used. He will even send
you a couple samples for free. The prices are very reasonable - a gross
(144) of blades from $20 - $30 depending on the blade.
They
carry many plastic kits at good prices. But the best thing about them is
their wooden ship models and accessories. You have to see some of these
kits. Really beautiful. If you have the skill and the patience, you
can get a kit of a sailing ship from yesteryear and spend the rest of yours
rigging all 10,000 lines. Woo Hoo!
Some of the most beautiful model kits you will find anywhere in the world.
Every one of their kits is a work of art. They are for craftsman only.
If you do not like to build, but enjoy seeing the modeler's art, then take a
look at this site. If you do enjoy building, then it just does not get any
better than this.
I
ordered my heli radio and replacement parts for my Raptor from Rick's. I
exchanged several e-mails in regard to various upgrades and he always seemed
more concerned with making sure that I had the right equipment rather than
trying to sell me things I do not need.
An all-American model manufacturer. They produce many types of models,
from stick and tissue to control-line and R/C. All their kits are well
thought out with great instructions. I have built several SIG kits and
every one has been a good flying and durable model.
One thing you will notice about Sig kits that can not be said of some of the
other major manufacturers, is that their kits are developed. You can
always count on Sig to get their kits right before they release them. As a
result, if you build the kit per the plan and follow the instructions, you will
not have mysterious problems with your model.
Carries various composite materials and related items as well as polishes,
tools, etc.
Commercial Plastic Model Sites
The thing about plastic models is that the online companies tend to list them
all but often don't have them in stock. I placed several orders from
various companies in January one year and had all but forgotten about them when
they started arriving in June!
Some companies have much smaller listings but tend to have the items in
stock that they list. Generally speaking, if one company had an item out
of stock they all had it out of stock. I can't rate any of these companies
higher than the others.
This site has thousands of reviews of plastic models of all types as well as
related accessories. If there's a kit you are interested in purchasing,
then check out this site first.
Tamiya makes the highest quality plastic kits that I have ever seen.
The moldings are superb having an excellent fit and finish. Additionally,
the plastic used is very high quality and wonderful to work with.
Tamiya has an excellent line of accessories and acrylic paints as well.
Miscellaneous Links
Links to services that are not related to modeling, but are so excellent they
deserve recognition.
I found this site searching for rubber band gun ideas. The site lists
all kinds of cool toys. They have a really cool gatling gun that I
just might build to torment the
Shop Foreman.
This is a site that contains the details of a scooter
similar to the Segway that a man built at home. The reason I
include it here is because he describes in detail the inner workings of a
piezo gyro. This is the same type of gyro used in R/C helicopters
and auto-pilots. This is the first time I have come across this
information.
The information about the scooter is very
interesting as well.
This is a site that explains the cosmos and the history of the
universe. I found it when I first became interested in cosmology and
wanted to understand how galaxies are formed, their relative size, what's in
them, etc.
When I stepped outside my own frame of reference and
into the frame looking down at the universe the way I think about life changed
forever in a lot of ways.
This
is a site I came across that has some very good articles concerning woodworking
and tools. It is not a model-building site but the discussion about
tools is very relevant.
I found this site while looking for some information on something that I can
not remember now. Although there is nothing on the site specific to model
aircraft, there is a wealth of information on building techniques, tools,
materials, etc. to be found here.
I have learned a lot that I can use from
just reading through the various threads and highly recommend you check it out.
Once you get to the site, click the
Archives button.
This
site is one of the most interesting I've ever seen. I spent hours and
hours reading the various articles which is something I normally don't do.
Kudos to the webmaster and students for the hard work and TLC invested
in the site.
This is a great example of how to put topics in context to make them
interesting which in turn motivates people to learn.
Be sure to look at the
Science and Math pages for hundreds of articles including topics about
anything and everything including making your own Silly Putty!
This site has some very
cool paper models. I had no idea that paper models of this caliber
even existed. The site is in Polish, but the models are designated
in English.