Making Vintage Aircraft in Wood
by Joe B. Hicks
Review by Mark Gezella – October 2005
I arrived at this month's selection in a round-about way. It all starts with my daughter. She had to make a model of a catapult for her history class this month. So, since her project became our project, I started with some research. When I first heard of her assignment, my initial thoughts harkened back to an SLWG library book I read some time ago. You may recall my review on The Ultimate Wood Block Book (March '03 newsletter)? It contains plans for all sorts of projects, including medieval type stuff like castles and catapults. The essence of each design is based upon an innovative technique that transforms wooden building blocks into all sorts of captivating creations. Do you recall how then-president Bob Colgate proved out the methods by creating a bunch himself? It was great entertainment!
With the Wood Block book in hand, and some supplemental info from the public library and web, I had all of the information I could ever need to assist my daughter with her project. And, as the saying goes, "…timing is everything…". As we planned "our" project, a neighbor threw out a bunch of really nice strips of clear oak which were the perfect size for a project of this scale. Well, we scribbled and we tinkered and after a few days we had the thing done. I think it turned out alright. Maybe I'll bring it to a future meeting.
Since I had already reviewed the Wood Block book, I didn't want to dwell on it this month. Yet my foray into model-making put me in a "fun" sort of mood that left me bent on a library entry with a little whimsy. The time of year also played a part; the first "cold snap" of the season made me think of typical fall-like activities; woodworkers returning to their workshops, craft fairs, carving shows, eventual holidays, etc. What I chose reflects my disposition and parlays the model-making theme; Making Vintage Aircraft in Wood.
I always enjoyed making models of cars, trucks, planes, etc. as a kid (remember kits by Revell, AMT, and the like?). You could spend endless hours fashioning pieces plucked from disparate parts trees, then suddenly step back and realize they actually formed something recognizable. It was good, clean fun, and served to stir my imagination. As I read over the Vintage Aircraft book, I experienced the same sensation once again. The Author provides straight-forward plans for 37 different flying apparatus. And it's not limited to planes; it includes plans for lighter-than-air craft such as a small hot-air balloon and a zeppelin. After basic craft are explained, Mr. Hicks leads into more sophisticated inventions, spanning centuries with models of recent planes that can do many times the speed of sound. Each of the 37 entries also includes a (very) brief paragraph on the history and flying characteristics of each. For example; ever hear of the L'Entreprenant? It was used by French military in the 18th century for observational maneuvers, and identifies the balloon at the start of the book.
None of these models are difficult to construct. I don't think anyone in our group would be intimidated by the sequences or materials employed to build them. I found the most interesting to be the older selections. My favorite is the Wright Flyer, flown at Kitty Hawk over a century ago. There's even a model of a Sopwith Camel - how many remember watching Snoopy take on the Red Baron in one of these?! Most of the biplanes are good and some of the fighters have nice features like brass canopies. The older subjects seem to have more detail, while more recent aircraft tend to be constructed with fewer, larger blocks of wood, rendering them rather plain.
I chose this month's book to encourage you to tap your imagination and recall the kid in you. Even if you don't have much interest in aircraft, you might enjoy a quick thumb through the pages if you've ever had an interest in model making or small scale work. And while you're at it, might as well start your Christmas list for Santa! Both books mentioned are currently available for check-out in the Guild library.