5 Fun 1930s-1940s Solid Model Kits

“Solids,” or non-flying, carved scale models developed during the 1930s and came into their own during World War II.  Here’s 5 solid kits, all dating from 1935-1946, in the museum’s collection.

1)  Megow Glen Martin Clipper, 1935

Megow Glen Martin Clipper, 1935. Source: National Model Aviation Museum, donated by Bob Thompson, 1989.09.36.
Megow Glen Martin Clipper, 1935. Source: National Model Aviation Museum, donated by Bob Thompson, 1989.09.36.

2)  Megow Curtiss Helldiver, 1942

Megow Curtiss Helldiver, 1942. Megow Curtiss Helldiver, 1942. Source: National Model Aviation Museum Collection, donated by Bob Thompson, 1989.09.34
Megow Curtiss Helldiver, 1942. Source: National Model Aviation Museum Collection, donated by Bob Thompson, 1989.09.34
The back of the Megow Curtiss Helldiver has detailed procedures for finishing the model.
The back of the Megow Curtiss Helldiver has detailed procedures for finishing the model. Source: National Model Aviation Museum Collection, donated by Bob Thompson, 1989.09.34

3) Burkard Grumman F4F Wildcat, c. 1942-1945

Burkard Wildcat, c.1943. Source: National Model Aviation Museum, donated by Bob Thompson, 1989.09.49.
Burkard Grumman F4F Wildcat, c. 1942-1945. Source: National Model Aviation Museum, donated by Bob Thompson, 1989.09.49.
The Burkard Wildcat kit was so modern that the armament details were still classified.
The Burkard Grumman F4F Wildcat kit was so current to the WWII years that the armament details were still classified. Source: National Model Aviation Museum, donated by Bob Thompson, 1989.09.49.

4) Eagle Model Aircraft Corp, Ercoupe, c. 1942-1945.

Eagle Model Aircraft Corp, Ercoupe. Source: National Model Aviation Museum, donated by Bill Sehwertman, 2002.70.01.
Eagle Model Aircraft Corp, Ercoupe, c. 1942-1945. Source: National Model Aviation Museum, donated by Bill Sehwertman, 2002.70.01.

5)  Aircraft, Boeing P-26A, c. 1942-1945

Source: National Model Aviation Museum, Found in Collection, 2006.01.320.
Aircraft, Boeing P-26A, c. 1942-1945. Source: National Model Aviation Museum, Found in Collection, 2006.01.320.
Every scrap of material had to be conserved during wartime. Source: National Model Aviation Museum, Found in Collection, 2006.01.320.
Every scrap of material had to be conserved during wartime. Source: National Model Aviation Museum, Found in Collection, 2006.01.320.

—————————————————————————
For more information on the National Model Aviation Museum, including our location, hours and admission fees visit: www.modelaircraft.org/museum

Tags