Introduction: DIY Plane Model From a Kid's Drawing

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When he was a young kid my son liked to draw planes. His favorite was this red model in the style of the "Red Baron".

He even drew it on the wall (helped by the grand-father) during the replacement of the wall paper in one room. So this part of the wall is still untouched after 30 years ;-)

During the COVID lockdown I have prepared for his birthday a DIY version of his plane, so that it does not disappear.

I will describe here below the steps to reach this objective.

Supplies

The model is made of pine wood for the body and pieces of crate for the wings.

The landing gear is made from paper clips and weels from a kid car.

Is used paint sample cans.

The pilot is a sacrificed Playmobil.

I used a lathe similar to this one for the body machining : https://youtu.be/FPSQ0Om3FmI

Step 1: The Plane Body

To make the plane body I used the lathe. I finished by a fine sanding.

Step 2: The Wings and Stabilizer

These parts are made from crates. As the machine will not fly, the shape is not critical. However, the leading edge is round and the trailing edge is fine.

Step 3: The Landing Gear

The main concern for this accessory is to find wheels of the right size. Hopefully a toy model car was perfect for that.

Step 4: The Engine

Of course for such an "old plane" the power is delivered by a radial engine.

Step 5: The Pilot

The pilot is a half Playmobil, as he is sit in the cockpit. Represented here with the hand-made propeller.

To keep his scarf up in the wind I used some glue.

Step 6: The Main Assembly

The lower wing is fixed to the body with nails and glued. To position the upper wing correcly I used a home made spacer. The two wings are kept in place by skewer sticks.

Step 7: The Painting

Slef speaking pictures.

Step 8: The Final Details

After installation of the landing gear and engine, plus the pilot of course, the plane is finished.

Step 9: Into a Box

In order to prevent accumulation of dust in the future, the plane is installed in a wooden box, with a plexiglass cover equipped with magnets, so as to open it easily.

Of course as it is an actual plane, the box floor mimics an actual track.

Step 10: Objective Reached

Impossible to describe here the emotion of my son when he discovered this plane !

Step 11: Bonus

During the preparation of a presentation of my work, I made a mistake by moving too fast my camera. However I love the result, this picture being so unrealistic.