History of Flight and Avaition

History of Flight and Aviation

History Of the Kite
Kites were developed by 500 BC, and possibly earlier, so people have been flying kites for at least 2500 years. The kite has been very important in the history of flight. Western tradition gives credit to a Greek scientist named Archytas of Tarentum as the inventor of the first kite in aviation history in the fifth century BC.

Aviation History - The Hot Air Balloon
Balloons were the first aircraft in history to take men into the air. Balloons are ‘lighter than air’ craft, so called because the bag of the balloon contains hot air, helium, or hydrogen. Aviation History - Dirigible Airship Lighter than air craft such as balloons and airships are colorful and delightful vessels. Who among us hasn’t looked upon a flying balloon or blimp with delight and wonder as the craft soared overhead with the wind at it’s back.

Aviation and Flight History
The ability to fly like a bird is an ancient aspiration of mankind. The history of aviation is a long story with many chapters.

A Brief History Of Flight - And The Airplane Part One
Lighter than air craft first gave humans the ability to fly. Balloons and airships were the first chapters in the story of the history of flight which have seen mankind reach for the stars.

A Brief History Of Flight - And The Airplane Part Two
In the Nineteenth Century the embryonic science of aviation was a hotbed of activity and the history of flight had some new stories written.

History of the Wright Flyer
The story of the first heavier than air aircraft, "Flyer 1", as dubbed by its inventors Orville and Wilbur Wright, is a fascinating saga in the annals of aviation.

History of the Biplane
Biplanes were the first airplanes to fly, the Wright Flyer was a biplane called a Canard.

Who Invented the Kite?

Kites - A History - Evolution

A Short History Of The Wright Flyer Airplane

History of Kites - China

History of Kites – Malaysia

History of Kites - Torpedoes

Kite History - World War 2 Kite History - The Telegraph

History of Kites - World War I Ben Franklin And His Kite

History of Kites - Carriages

History of the Kite - Sir George Cayley

History of the Kite - Niagara Gorge Kite Contest

History of the Kite - The Wright Brothers

History of Kites – Thailand

History of Kites - Japan

Kites In Chinese History

When Were Kites Invented?

History Of Kites - Meteorology

History Of Transportation - A Brief History Of The Hot Air Balloon

History Of The Hot Air Balloon And Dirigible Airship

Model Airplanes and The History Of Flight - Aviation History In A Nutshell

A Brief History Of Flight And The Airplane - Part One

History of Transportation - A Brief History Of Flight And The Airplane - Part Two

History of the Biplane © 2012 Hobby Hobnob

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A Look At the Modern Electric Toy Train

A Look At the Modern Electric Toy Train

There's something about a train layout which fascinates everyone - kids and adults alike. The lights, sounds, and movement of the trains are captivating for everyone. The modern toy train runs the gamut of pull toy, wind-up, battery powered, and electric. All make fascinating toys and hobbies.



There are four different basic types of trains on the market today. There are toy trains, model trains, collectable trains, and outdoor trains. Most people are surprised to find out that the majority of train buyers are adults buying for their hobby. The advent of some really neat trains for children in recent years has started a trend of trains for kids again.

Toy trains are different from the other trains in that they are meant for small children to play with. Manufacturers include Lionel, Leaning Curve, Tomica World, and Ertl. Toy trains are larger than model trains, and much more durable. The coupling systems are easy to use, and the wheels are large and easy to put on the track. Some good examples are the Thomas The Tank Wooden Railway System by Learning Curve, Tomica World Road 'N Rail System, and the Ertl Miniature Railways System. These trains are colorful, rugged, and encourage creative play.

Lionel is the oldest toy train manufacturer in business, and is easily the most recognizable name. After all, most of us had Lionel trains as children. The three rail track system is its most recognizable feature. The large size of the trains and easy to use couplers make the system very friendly to children. There are many neat accessories, working and static, that add a lot of fun and excitement to the trains. New is a Thomas the Tank play-set, complete with Thomas, Annie, Clarabel, track, power pack, and play-mat. Another new introduction is the Little Lionel Learning System, which includes a locomotive, tender, passenger car, train station with clock tower, and 25 pieces of track.

Learning Curve's Wooden Railway System is a complete train system for kids. Featuring the popular TV character Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends, the system comprises over forty characters, lots of track options, accessories, and sets. Suitable for ages two and up, it appeals to both boys and girls. The cars and track are of durable wooden construction, and feature easy to operate magnetic couplers. Learning Curve and Lionel are collaborating to create some very nice engines and play-sets for kids.

Model trains are suited mostly for adults and older children. Model trains are not meant to be toys, as the trains are too fragile for little hands. Model trains are accurately scaled down versions of the real trains that still work so hard to haul freight and other modern necessities. Model train scales include G, O, HO, N, and Z scale.

O scale is the approximate size of Lionel trains. Real O scale is a bit smaller, and operates on a two rail system similar to HO, N, and Z scale. At 1/48 scale, the trains are nicely detailed.

The most popular by far of the model trains is HO scale. At 1/87 scale a lot of layout can be packed into a reasonably small area. The amount of different accessories, buildings, rolling stock, locomotives, and other paraphernalia is staggering. Virtually any era, location, or rail application can be modeled accurately in HO scale. HO is approximately half the size of O scale.

Becoming more popular every year is N scale. At 1/144 scale, it is about half the size of HO, so a fantastic layout can be achieved in even less space than HO. Small apartments and mobile homes can have a layout in N scale. Coffee table layouts are popular, as a layout can be placed right in the living room. The smallest model train is Z scale. At 1/288 scale, it is tiny. The cars are the size of postage stamps. It is more popular in Europe than in the US. Mostly German manufacturers, the trains are extremely high quality and nicely engineered.

Collectable trains are trains and accessories which can be run on a layout, but usually aren't. Purchased as an investment, or simply for the personal pleasure of owning the trains, these trains are usually very high quality and nicely detailed. Lionel is one of the major train lines collectors purchase, but there are others. Older Lionel, American Flyer, Marx, and other trains from yesteryear are considered quite collectable, with some pieces highly sought after.

Outdoor trains are popular in some areas. G scale is the train of choice for the outdoor railroader. The track, trains, and accessories are large and durable. 1/22.5 scale means the trains are large - G scale is the largest of the model railroader scales. Model trains are an integral part of American culture, having bound together generations of children with a common thread. Children of all ages enjoy trains to play with and be around. Adults can carry childhood memories into adulthood with their trains. The magic of model trains transcends the ages. Everyone loves toy trains.

© 2012 Hobby Hobnob

Build A Train Layout

Thomas The Tank Engine Toy Train HO Scale Electric Trains

N Gauge Model Railroad

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Model Paints For Hobby and Craft Uses

Model Paints For Hobby and Craft Uses There is a group of paints found in hobby and craft stores called model paints. Although these paints are manufactured specifically for plastic models, they are useful for many other craft, hobby, and home uses. Model paints are very high quality paints in which the pigments have been ground extremely fine. This process provides the scale thickness necessary for accurate and beautiful plastic models. Although the paints are manufactured specifically for styrene plastics - other enamel paints will 'melt' the plastic - hobby paints have many other uses. Since the paints are outdoor quality, they are useful for many craft projects which must be placed outdoors. Model paints are also ideal for ceramics and stone painting and they may be used on many other surfaces - wood, fabric, leather, and Styrofoam. Wax candles may also be painted with hobby paints. Fisherman who make their own lures may use the bright florescent colors to enhance their visibility in the water. Around the home, hobby paints are useful for appliance touch-up. Model paints are commonly available in solvent based enamel, in four types of finishes - gloss, flat, metallic, and Kandy. The paints produce a hard, durable surface. Clean-up and thinning are accomplished with solvent type thinners and cleaners. Gloss finishes are used for model car bodies, ceramics, appliance touch-up, and other surfaces needing a glossy finish. Flat finishes are used on military models and other craft projects needing a flat, dull finish. Metallic paints have finely ground aluminum flakes in them to give the paints a shiny, metallic sheen. Kandy colors are transparent colors which are used with a base coat. Many beautiful colors can be achieved by altering the base coat used under these colors. Model paints can be purchased in 1/4 oz. or 1/2 ounce bottles and may be applied with a brush or airbrush. Three ounce spray cans are also available for easy application on models or other craft projects. Paint pens can be used for lettering, striping, models, and other purposes. Hobby paints may be purchased singly, or in economical sets. Testors, one of the leading manufactures of hobby paints, has introduced a type of hobby paint called Acryl. This is a water based enamel, completely compatible with solvent enamels. Like the solvent based enamels, Acryl is lead free and non-toxic. As an added bonus, Acryl is odorless and is thinned and cleaned up with water. The paints may be hand brushed or air brushed, and can be used on fabric with the addition of a fabric medium. Finishes are similar to the solvent enamels - gloss, flat, metallic and clear. Clear finishes are similar to Kandy colors. They are transparent colors which are used with a base coat. Unique colors can be achieved with experimentation - vary the base coat and the final coat will be a color which can't be duplicated any other way. Model paints have many hobby and craft uses, are durable and versatle. Any hobbyist or crafter is sure to find many uses for these paints. Back to Building Plastic Model Kits

Kids Wood Craft Project Kits

Kids Wood Craft Project Kits Wood craft project kits are an ideal kids. These wood craft project kits are easy to assemble and include all parts necessary to build the projects. All you need are paints and glue.

Youth group leaders of Church groups, Cub scout troops, and other youth groups are always looking for inexpensive items for kids wood craft kits, and these wood crafts are ideal for this purpose. Wood crafts teach kids valuable lessons in organizing, reading and understanding instructions, and the satisfaction one gets from a job well done. And these wood crafts are useful when finished.

Wood projects also make ideal activities for summer camps. They are quick to assemble as all parts are pre cut. All that is needed is glue or nails and paint. Some of the kits have the nails included in them.

Some of the more popular wood project kits are the bird house and bird feeder kits. The kids can have a fun learning experience building the project and the completed kit can be the basis for a backyard nature center.

In addition to the wood bird feeders and bird house kits other neat projects are available. Wood boxes to paint, towel racks, sconces, roll note holders and many other types of kits are available. These wood craft project kits, like the bird feeders, have all the necessary precut parts included and are fun to assemble.

Wood ship kits can be fun to build and race when completed. Youth group leaders will find a nice assortment of sailing ships of different types to build. There is even an exciting wood catamaran project kit to build and sail. The ferry boat kit is available as both a boat and as a crayon holder.

In short, summer camp attendees, cub scout troops and many other kinds of youth groups will find these neat little wood craft project kits fun to assemble and easy to decorate when the building is complete.

Tips For The Wood Burning Art and Craft

Tools Needed For The Craft Of Wood Burning

Wood Burning Craft - Fun Hobby For Limited Spaces

Balsa - Basswood And Other Hobby and Craft Woods Relief Wood Carving - Craft For Beginner Back to Hobby List