AIRPLANE MODEL BUILDING CLASSES
starting January 31st!

Aviation history enthusiasts, hobbyists, crafters, woodworkers or anyone looking for a great way to chase away the mid-winter doldrums are invited to take part in a new model airplane building program beginning January 31 at the Empire State Aerosciences Museum (ESAM), 250 Rudy Chase Drive, at the Schenectady County Airport in Glenville.

- The program is open to anyone age 13 and older, although those under age 16   must be accompanied by an adult.
- The cost is $30. 
- Classes will be held on six consecutive Tuesday evenings beginning Jan. 31   from 6:30-9 p.m. in the museum’s Exhibit Shop, adjacent to the main Gallery   One building.
- At the conclusion of the class, participants may choose to have their models   judged competitively and displayed at the museum.
- To register, call (518) 377-2191 Ext. 10.

Click here to view the Course Outline
Click here to view the course Bill of Materials
Click here for the Medical Release Form

Participants will learn the basics of scratch-building scale model airplanes from wood, using simple plans and templates, elementary woodworking techniques and common household tools and materials. Scratch-building is the art of creating models from basic materials rather than assembling them from prefabricated commercially made kits. No prior experience or expertise in woodworking or model-building is required. During class time, instructors will demonstrate the procedures and techniques involved. Students can then perform the procedures in class, with each student working at his or her own speed, and instructors on hand to advise and assist. Students also may choose to perform the required tasks at home and bring their projects back the following week for inspection and advice.

In keeping with ESAM’s historical mission, the program will use as a starting point a program the U.S. government promoted during World War II which encouraged schools, model-building clubs and community groups to carve and build 1:72 scale solid wood models of Allied and Axis aircraft. These models were made from simple, non-rationed materials, helped young people learn basic woodworking skills and gave them an opportunity to contribute directly to the U.S. war effort, with the models produced used to train naval and military personnel, aircrews and civilian aircraft spotters in the identification of friendly and enemy aircraft.