Flying Machine Rubber Powered Airplane

Flying Machine Rubber Powered Airplane

Flying Machine - nifty little balsa hand launched glider airplane. Fun little wood plane to fly
Wing Span: 17 Inches
Min. Age: 10

A sleek long distance flyer packaged in a shrink wrapped full color box. Plastic propeller, nose bearing and wheels. Two motor bands provided. A long time best selling rubber band plane. It has a one piece wing with a built-in dihedral for flight stability. The propeller and nose bearing are made of hi-impact plastic.

Rubber band powered balsa wood airplanes are a kid's favorite toy! Simple to build and fun to fly, the rubber band motors require no batteries or fuel. Just wind up the rubber band and give the Flying Machine a toss and it rides the wind.



Rubber band powered balsa wood airplanes are great teaching tools, too. Simple to construct, the planes can be used to teach the basic parts of an airplane as the students put it together. The rubber band powered prop can be used to give a simple demonstration of thrust and how it affects the airplane. Organize competitions to see who can fly the fastest or most distance. Encourage simple modifications to the plane to see if flight is improved or worsened.

Simple experiments can be peformed with the Flying Machine balsa wood airplane to teach avaion's basic prinicples. Moisten the wing flaps and bend gently to test the effect on flight. The same thing can be done to the rudder and aileron to test the effects here.

The Sky Flying Machine is a great companion to keep kids, young and old, occupied on trips to the park, the beach, sporting events and other outdoor activities. They are wonderful backyard toys also

For education or just plane fun, the rubber band powered balsa wood plane is hard to beat. Simple to construct and easy to fly the Flying Machine is sure to please teachers, students, parents and kids. And they will bring a smile to Grandad's face as he remembers the fun he had flying one of these toy airplanes with his grandad!

Back To Balsa Wood Airplanes

© 2012 Hobby Hobnob

Stratostreak Rubber Band Powered Airplane

Stratostreak Rubber Band Powered Airplane

The Strato Streak is a Rubber Powered Balsa airplane from Guillow's.
Strato Streak - nifty little balsa hand launched glider airplane. Fun little wood plane to fly
Suitable for Ages 10 and Older.
INCLUDES:
Easy to fly and assemble!
Flies hand launched.
When fully wound, it takes off from the ground under its own power for a long extended flight.
Plastic nose bearing.
Red molded 2-blade propeller.
Landing gear with red plastic wheels.
Canopy, wing, rudder and elevator are pre-decorated with red print and graphics.
Illustrated assembly instructions.
INCLUDES:
One Balsa Motorplane
REQUIRES:
Assembly
SPECS:
Wingspan: 16-1/4" (41.28cm)



Rubber band powered balsa wood airplanes are a kid's favorite toy! Simple to build and fun to fly, the rubber band motors require no batteries or fuel. Just wind up the rubber band and give the Sky Streak a toss and it rides the wind.

Rubber band powered balsa wood airplanes are great teaching tools, too. Simple to construct, the planes can be used to teach the basic parts of an airplane as the students put it together. The rubber band powered prop can be used to give a simple demonstration of thrust and how it affects the airplane. Organize competitions to see who can fly the fastest or most distance. Encourage simple modifications to the plane to see if flight is improved or worsened.

Simple experiments can be peformed with the Sky Streak balsa wood airplane to teach avaion's basic prinicples. Moisten the wing flaps and bend gently to test the effect on flight. The same thing can be done to the rudder and aileron to test the effects here.

The Sky Streak is a great companion to keep kids, young and old, occupied on trips to the park, the beach, sporting events and other outdoor activities. They are wonderful backyard toys also!

For education or just plane fun, the rubber band powered balsa wood plane is hard to beat. Simple to construct and easy to fly the Sky Streak is sure to please teachers, students, parents and kids. And they will bring a smile to Grandad's face as he remembers the fun he had flying one of these toy airplanes with his grandad!

Back To Balsa Wood Airplanes



© 2012 Hobby Hobnob

Sky Launcher Rubber Band Powered Airplane

Sky Launcher Rubber Band Powered Airplane

Sky Launcher - nifty little balsa rubber band powered airplane. Fun little balsa wood plane to fly
Wing Span: 17 Inches
Min. Age: 10

An "Action" motorplane for hours of flying fun! A new "twist" on the balsa airplane market. A 17 inch wingspan plane with a spectacular action feature - it releases a parachutist or glider while in flight, then glides back to the ground. Both the parachutist and the glider are included with the airplane.

Rubber band powered balsa wood airplanes are a kid's favorite toy! Simple to build and fun to fly, the rubber band motors require no batteries or fuel. Just wind up the rubber band and give the Sky Launcher a toss and it rides the wind.



Rubber band powered balsa wood airplanes are great teaching tools, too. Simple to construct, the planes can be used to teach the basic parts of an airplane as the students put it together. The rubber band powered prop can be used to give a simple demonstration of thrust and how it affects the airplane. Organize competitions to see who can fly the fastest or most distance. Encourage simple modifications to the plane to see if flight is improved or worsened.

Simple experiments can be peformed with the Sky Launcher balsa wood airplane to teach avaion's basic prinicples. Moisten the wing flaps and bend gently to test the effect on flight. The same thing can be done to the rudder and aileron to test the effects here.

The Sky Launcher is a great companion to keep kids, young and old, occupied on trips to the park, the beach, sporting events and other outdoor activities. They are wonderful backyard toys also!

For education or just plane fun, the rubber band powered balsa wood plane is hard to beat. Simple to construct and easy to fly the Sky Launcher is sure to please teachers, students, parents and kids. And they will bring a smile to Grandad's face as he remembers the fun he had flying one of these toy airplanes with his grandad!

Motorplane Rubber Band Powered Airplane

Motorplane - A nifty little balsa rubber band airplane. Fun little balsa wood plane to fly
Guillows rubber-powered Motorplane is an all balsa, rubber band powered glider plane that is easy to assemble.
FEATUERS:
Plane has printed wing, tail and canopy surfaces.
Easy to loop, soar, glide, and dive.
Planes can soar over 25 feet.
These are "rubber band" powered planes.
INCLUDES:
Five precut balsa pieces
One green plastic nose gear with built in prop.
One set of wire landing gear with green wheels.
One 6"rubber band
One 15-1/2" red paper tail streamer.
SPECS:
One piece wing with 12" wing span, wing has built in dihedral.
Overall length of plane 11 1/2" (with tail streamer total is 22 1/2")
REQUIRES:
No glue required, these are a slot and tab type construction.
COMMENTS:
Recommended for ages 8 and up. Tail streamer will swirl as plane flies, adding extra action.

Rubber band powered balsa wood airplanes are a kid's favorite toy! Simple to build and fun to fly, the rubber band motors require no batteries or fuel. Just wind up the rubber band and give the Sky Streak a toss and it rides the wind.

Rubber band powered balsa wood airplanes are great teaching tools, too. Simple to construct, the planes can be used to teach the basic parts of an airplane as the students put it together. The rubber band powered prop can be used to give a simple demonstration of thrust and how it affects the airplane. Organize competitions to see who can fly the fastest or most distance. Encourage simple modifications to the plane to see if flight is improved or worsened.

Simple experiments can be peformed with the Motorplane balsa wood airplane to teach avaion's basic prinicples. Moisten the wing flaps and bend gently to test the effect on flight. The same thing can be done to the rudder and aileron to test the effects here.

The Motorplane is a great companion to keep kids, young and old, occupied on trips to the park, the beach, sporting events and other outdoor activities. They are wonderful backyard toys also!

For education or just plane fun, the rubber band powered balsa wood plane is hard to beat. Simple to construct and easy to fly the Motorplane is sure to please teachers, students, parents and kids. And they will bring a smile to Grandad's face as he remembers the fun he had flying one of these toy airplanes with his grandad!

Back To Balsa Wood Airplanes

© 2012 Hobby Hobnob

Stratostreak Rubber Band Powered Airplane

The Strato Streak is a Rubber Powered Balsa airplane from Guillow's.
Strato Streak - nifty little balsa hand launched glider airplane. Fun little wood plane to fly
Suitable for Ages 10 and Older.
INCLUDES:
Easy to fly and assemble!
Flies hand launched.
When fully wound, it takes off from the ground under its own power for a long extended flight.
Plastic nose bearing.
Red molded 2-blade propeller.
Landing gear with red plastic wheels.
Canopy, wing, rudder and elevator are pre-decorated with red print and graphics.
Illustrated assembly instructions.
INCLUDES:
One Balsa Motorplane
REQUIRES:
Assembly
SPECS:
Wingspan: 16-1/4" (41.28cm)



Rubber band powered balsa wood airplanes are a kid's favorite toy! Simple to build and fun to fly, the rubber band motors require no batteries or fuel. Just wind up the rubber band and give the Sky Streak a toss and it rides the wind.

Rubber band powered balsa wood airplanes are great teaching tools, too. Simple to construct, the planes can be used to teach the basic parts of an airplane as the students put it together. The rubber band powered prop can be used to give a simple demonstration of thrust and how it affects the airplane. Organize competitions to see who can fly the fastest or most distance. Encourage simple modifications to the plane to see if flight is improved or worsened.

Simple experiments can be peformed with the Sky Streak balsa wood airplane to teach avaion's basic prinicples. Moisten the wing flaps and bend gently to test the effect on flight. The same thing can be done to the rudder and aileron to test the effects here.

The Sky Streak is a great companion to keep kids, young and old, occupied on trips to the park, the beach, sporting events and other outdoor activities. They are wonderful backyard toys also!

For education or just plane fun, the rubber band powered balsa wood plane is hard to beat. Simple to construct and easy to fly the Sky Streak is sure to please teachers, students, parents and kids. And they will bring a smile to Grandad's face as he remembers the fun he had flying one of these toy airplanes with his grandad!

Back To Balsa Wood Airplanes

© 2012 Hobby Hobnob

Balsa Starfire Glider

Balsa Starfire Glider

Guillows all balsa free flight gliders are easy to assemble.
Starfire - nifty little balsa hand launched glider airplane. Fun little wood plane to fly
FEATURES:
Plane has printed wing, tail and canopy surfaces.
Easy to loop and glide.
INCLUDES:
5 simple pieces of percut balsa.
SPECS:
One piece wing, 12" wing span with built in dihedral.
Display size is 7 3/4"x4"x14".



REQUIRES:
No tools or glue required. These planes have slot and tab construction. COMMENTS:
This is the "Big Daddy" of the easy-to-fly, hand launch gliders.
Designed for strong "baseball arms", kids love to rear back and heave this racy job. Recommended for ages 8 and up.

Back To Balsa Wood Airplanes

© 2012 Hobby Hobnob

Balsa Wood Toy Folding Wing Glider Airplane

Folding Wing - a nifty little balsa glider airplane. Fun little balsa wood plane to fly
Guillows' Folding Wing Gliders are all balsa, free flight gliders that are easy to assemble.
FEATURES:
Balsa wood plane has printed wing, tail and canopy surfaces.
Preset wing position is balanced for proper flight.
Planes can soar over 50 to 60 feet.
These are "sling launch" planes.
Wings automatically fold back until glider reaches peak altitude.
INCLUDES:
One Plastic nose piece
One Rubber Band "launcher".
Six pre-cut balsa pieces.
One front wing connector
One rear wing connector
Plastic wing holders built onto each wing
One sqare of bright orange wing tape.
SPECS:

Two piece folding wing with 12" wing span, flat wing design.
REQUIRES:
No glue required, these are a snap together type construction.
COMMENTS:
Recommended for ages 10 and up.
These gliders can soar several hundred feet if they catch a good breeze.
For education or just plane fun, the rubber band powered balsa wood plane is hard to beat. Simple to construct and easy to fly the Sky Streak is sure to please teachers, students, parents and kids. And they will bring a smile to Grandad's face as he remembers the fun he had flying one of these toy airplanes with his grandad!

Back To Balsa Wood Airplanes

© 2012 Hobby Hobnob

Eagle Balsa Wood Toy Glider Airplane

Eagle Balsa Wood Toy Glider Airplane
Eagle - nifty little balsa glider airplane. Fun little balsa wood plane to fly Guillows Eagle Gliders are all balsa, free flight gliders that are easy to assemble.
FEATURES:
Balsa wood airplanes have printed wing, tail and canopy surfaces.
Easy to loop, soar, glide, and dive.
Balsa gliders can soar over 25 feet.
These are "hand launch" planes.
Display box has vivid red, white, green, and blue coloring.
INCLUDES:
5 simple pieces of precut balsa, per plane.
SPECS:
One piece wing with 9" wing span, flat wing design.
REQUIRES:
No glue required, these are a slot and tab type construction.
Recommended for ages 6 and up.


Balsa wood airplanes are an old time favorite toy airplane as much fun for kids now as they were for us adults who remember flying them as children. Quick to assemble, balsa gliders are even easier to fly.
Balsa wood planes are a great way to teach kids about how a plane flies, as well as basic aviation principals. The toy airplanes can be made to do simple stunts by angling the wings and/or rudder. Or try moistening the rudder a bit and flexing it to see the effect on the flight of the airplane.
The Eagle balsa toy airplane is great to have at the park, at the beach, or just a neat little balsa glider for the back yard.

Back To Balsa Wood Airplanes



© 2012 Hobby Hobnob

Jetfire Balsa Wood Airplane

Jetfire Balsa Wood Airplanes
Wing Span: 12 Inches
Ages 8 and up
Jetfire - nifty little balsa hand launched toy airplane. Fun little wood plane to fly A high performance balsa glider with the style of a jet fighter.

This little balsa wood airplane has large 12 inch wing span with a built in dihedral angle in the wing, creating a stable flying toy airplane.

Colorful style prints on the wing, tail surfaces and canopy.

Balsa wood airplanes are an old time favorite toy airplane as much fun for kids now as they were for us adults who remember flying them as children. Quick to assemble, balsa gliders are even easier to fly.

Balsa wood planes are a great way to teach kids about how a plane flies, as well as basic aviation principals. The toy airplanes can be made to do simple stunts by angling the wings and/or rudder. Or try moistening the rudder a bit and flexing it to see the effect on the flight of the airplane.

The Jetfire balsa toy airplane is great to have at the park, at the beach, or just a neat little balsa glider for the back yard.

Back To Balsa Wood Airplanes

© 2012 Hobby Hobnob

Toy Metal Soldiers

54 MM metal collectable toy metal soldiers are popular with many military aficionados all over the world. There is good reason for this. The metal soldiers are finely detailed, historically accurate and make excellent display models. Most of the leading companies manufacture museum quality toy soldiers sure to please the most discriminating connoisseur of military models. The leaders in this field are the William Britain Company, King and Country, and Conte, although there are others.

The oldest manufacturer in business today is the William Britain Company. William Britains is an English company which began making collectable toy soldiers in 1893 and has continued producing toy soldiers ever since. Their specialty is the 1/32, 54 MM metal toy soldier. Their selections include a multitude of eras of soldiery. American Civil War, Revolutionary War, Knights, World Wars 1 and 2, many different types of English soldiers and other special editions.

Another company specializing in the 1/32 scale 54 MM metal toy soldier is Conte Collectables, LTD. This company also offers an astounding variety of collectable metal toy soldiers. In addition to the standard offerings of American Civil and Revolutionary war you will find Pirates, Vikings, Scottish, Medieval, and Roman toy soldier figurines. They have some miscellaneous special edition sets and some play sets as well.

King and Country is located in Hong Kong and has an exceptional selection of 1/32 scale, 54 MM metal toy soldiers. King and Country is one of the world's major designers and producers of all-metal military collectable toy soldiers and miniatures. In addition to metal toy soldiers, and miniature figures, King & Country is also offering an expanding range of scale model buildings and fighting vehicles.

The metal toy soldier figures manufactured by these companies are all predominantly 1/32 scale, 54 MM in size and can all be utilized in the same displays or dioramas. King and Country, William Britains, and Conte Collectables are just three of many companies distributing these high quality miniature soldiers for hobbyists and historical collectors. Collectable toy soldiers are historically accurate and are correctly scaled to size.

American Civil War Toy Soldier - Metal And Plastic

© 2012 Hobby Hobnob

World War I Balsa Wood Glider

World War I Balsa Wood Glider

Balsa Wood Toy Glider - Rubber Band Powered Airplanes Wing Span: 12 Inches Age: 6 and up. WWI Biplane - nifty little balsa toy glider airplane. Fun little balsa wood airplane to fly Balsa wood Biplane reminiscent of World War 1 fighters. The spacing of distinctive double wings is maintained by sturdy plastic wing holders.



A short history of the Biplane
Biplanes were the first airplanes which made their appearance. The double wings have the advantage of providing more lift than a single wing airplane. The wings were held apart by struts and cables were used to pull the two wings tight to the struts. But the two wings and all those cables also increased drag which tended to limit the speed and manuverability of this type of craft.

The biplane was used extensively during World War 1. Larger three and four wing craft were built mostly to be used as bombers. But the developement of better wing structures caused single wing aircraft to become the dominant type of airplane in the 1930's.

The first type of biplanes were called "pusher biplanes" because the motor was mounted behind the wing and the prop pushed the airplane along. The original Wright Flyer was such a craft. Just before World War I "tractor biplanes", or planes in which the motor was mounted at the front of the craft were developed. This balsa wood glider plane is reminiscent of those early airplanes. The toy airplane is fun to fly, and can help to teach a little aviation history in the process.

Back To Balsa Wood Airplanes

Short History Of The Knight

The knight is a romantic figure which beckons to us across the misty pages of history. Pledged to be brave, loyal, courteous, and to protect the innocent, the knight epitomized the best ideal that a man could strive to become. The knight was usually a man of noble birth who had served first as a page, or attendant in a knights household. Later the knight errant served as a squire to the knight. His duties now were to take care of the knights horse and armor. 

The class of knights, or mounted warriors, came into existence to meet a specific threat. European kingdoms were under threat from a number of sources – Vikings from the north, Muslims from the south and east, and invaders from the east. The kings in the ninth century had only infantry to defend against these threats. Infantry alone was vulnerable to the mounted invaders. 

So the class of knights arose. The training and maintenance of these mounted warriors was a hardship to the courts. Feudalism arose as a process to maintain the knights. The knight, after pledging an oath of loyalty to the king, received a parcel of land, called a fief, to support him. With the land went serfs who were to serve the knight. The knight then had to answer the call when the king sent word that he needed assistance in battle. Usually this entailed a certain number of days a year that the knight had to serve the king. He rest of the time he resided at his fief. 

Chivalry as a code of conduct for knights arose from this feudalistic system. This code of honor entailed a number of practices which included not attacking an unarmed knight, and ensure that the knight fight only for Christian glory and honor, among other things.

Toy knights and figurines serve to replicate the honor and glory of that past age. Many of the ads here on this page will have an assortment of toy knights to suit your purposes. William Britains, Conte Collectables, and Forward March all offer selections of 1/32 scale toy knight figures.

American Civil War Toy Soldier - Metal And Plastic

© 2012 Hobby Hobnob

American Revolution Soldier

Most of us remember the names of the men who guided the United States through the American Revolutionary War. Men like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams and the like. But few really think much about the men who purchased our nation’s freedom with their sweat, blood, and suffering. These men are the soldiers of the American Revolution.

These brave soldiers suffered the visicitudes of cold, starvation, privation and disease to forge a nation. The boredom of camp could very quickly give way to the terror of battle. The American Revolutionary War soldier fought mostly on an empty stomach, not properly clothed and sometimes badly led. But fight they did, struggling for something much greater than themselves.


The American Revolution soldier has been commemorated by some very handsome toy soldier sets by various manufacturers. Metal toy soldiers in 1/32 scale, 54 MM are produced by Conte, William Britain, and King and Country, as well as several other fine manufacturers. BMC makes a nice line of plastic revolutionary war toy soldiers in the same scale suitable for play, or school projects.

You will find these toy soldiers of the American Revolution at some of the various links seen on this page. The American Revolutionary War was one of the greatest events in modern times and the soldiers who took part have earned our eternal gratitude and respect.

American Civil War Toy Soldier - Metal And Plastic

© 2012 Hobby Hobnob

Toy Soldier Catalog

Back to Toy Soldiers

Back to Toy Soldiers

All About Kites

All About Kites Simple pleasures are the best, and kite flying ranks as one of the simplest pleasures life has to offer. Most people have enjoyed kite flying at some point in their lives, either as children flying a simple diamond kite, or if they're lucky, they've kept up the hobby well into their adult lives. Many of us enjoy kites, but few are aware of the vast length of time kites have been with us or of the many contributions kites have made to our history. The history of the kite is a fun story to read!

Kites are aircraft by definition, a heavier than air craft consisting of a wood or fiberglass frame which is covered by light fabric, paper, or plastic. To this craft is attached a string, which is held by the flier on the ground. How does a kite fly? Read the story and find out!



There are literally hundreds of different types of kites to choose from, so how do you know what to buy? Choices can be narrowed down rather quickly if you decide what you want from the kite, and who your are buying for, if it is a gift.

Building and flying your own kite is easy, but proper design and materials are important components to consider. Structural materials should be strong, lightweight, and durable. Balsa strips are the most frequently used, but lightweight fiberglass poles and quarter inch dowels may also be considered. This article will describe how to build a kite and will tell you the materials needed to make a diamond paper kite.

Building and flying kites is a fun activity which dates back thousands of years in our history. Kite flying has contributed to our knowledge of aviation, meteorology, and engineering. Kite flying is a fun and relaxing recreation. A sunny, breezy day is made just for finding a spot to launch one.

How Does A Kite Fly - Kite Parts

Different Types Of Kites

Who Invented Kites and Where Were They Invented?

History Of Kites In Aviation

When Were Kites Invented?

Who Invented the Kite

History of Kites - China

How To Build A Paper Diamond Kite

History of Kites – Thailand

Kites In Chinese History

History of Kites - Japan

Kites - A History - Evolution

History of the Kite - Sir George Cayley

History Of Kites - Meteorology

History of Kites - Carriages

Back to Hobby List

History of the Kite - Niagara Gorge Kite Contest

Ben Franklin And His Kite

Kite History - The Telegraph

History of Kites - Torpedoes

History of the Kite - The Wright Brothers

History of Kites - World War I

Kite History - World War 2

History of The Kite – Kites At War

© 2012 Hobby Hobnob

Balsa Wood and Rubber Band Powered Airplanes

Balsa Wood and Rubber Band Powered Airplanes

Balsa wood airplanes are an old time favorite which have been popular with kids for many years. And for good reason! The toy planes are just plane fun to fly! Adding to the popularity is the fact that there are several different skill levels of balsa model airplanes, which means that there is a balsa wood airplane kit for just about everyone.

The simplest and most popular toy balsa airplanes are the hand launched gliders and rubber band airplanes virtually everyone remembers having as a child. Quick to assemble and easy to fly these fun little balsa airplanes are wonderful toys for the backyard or at the park. Just give the gliders a throw and off they go, providing hours of fun. The rubber band powered airplanes are just about as easy. Wind the rubber band motor and give it a toss, let the rubber band do the work.

Stick built balsa model airplanes are a bit of a challenge. These planes are first built up from plans on a building board using model pins, glue, hobby knife, and tissue paper. Once built, these model airplanes fly very well using a rubber band motor. Some of the larger ones can be fitted with a gas, CO2, or electric motor for free flight action. A bit more skill can rig one of these airplanes with radio control.

Balsa wood model airplanes are available in a wide variety of skill levels to suit just about any requirement. Simple balsa wood gliders and rubber band powered toy airplane are wonderful for children. The larger, more complex balsa wood airplane models are suitable for older children and adults who enjoy building things.



Building Rubber Band Powered Balsa Model Airplane Kits

Rubber Band Powered Airplanes

Guillow Easy Build-By-Number Balsa Model Airplane Kits

Building Balsa Airplanes

World War I Balsa Wood Glider

Flying Machine Rubber Powered Airplane

Building A Model Balsa Wood Airplane

Stratostreak Rubber Band Powered Airplane

Motorplane Rubber Band Powered Airplane

Balsa Starfire Glider

Model Airplane Parts

Sky Launcher Rubber Band Powered Airplane

Eagle Balsa Wood Toy Glider Airplane

Stratostreak Rubber Band Powered Airplane

Balsa Wood Toy Folding Wing Glider Airplane

Jetfire Balsa Wood Airplanes

Javilin Guillows Rubber Band Powered Balsa Wood Model Airplane Building Kit Build and Fly Balsa Wood Kits

Back To Hobbies

© 2012 Hobby Hobnob

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

Back Index

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

Back To Hobbies

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