Decide which size engine you will want to put in your plane model first, as this will determine how big the plane model itself must be. (See Tips for more information)
Gather all the equipment and material you will need to build the plane; find a large working surface, and spread it all out so that you will have easy access to it. (See Tips for more information)
Build your framework (or fuselage) first, using the spruce or similar wood to form a triangle shape. Remember that your framework will also be holding a plane engine, so make sure the wood you use is thick enough to hold the engine’s weight. Sand the wood if necessary after you have cut it, to get rid of any rough edges.
Glue, nail, or screw the fuselage together where the vertical sides meet in a point at the bottom; glue the wood forming the top of the triangle to the tops of the vertical sides.
Build your rear and middle cross braces of bamboo wood, using thread to lash them.
Glue, nail, or screw each cross brace to its proper place on the fuselage. The rear cross brace should be one-half inch from the rear end of each of the fuselage pieces; the middle cross brace goes between the two ends of the fuselage.
Use the flat, oiled steel wire to build your frame by bending the wire to the necessary shape so that it will fit over the fuselage and act as a “rib.” Remember to leave room at the front of the plane for the engine compartment.
Assemble the engine kit, according to the manufacturer’s directions, and secure it to the fuselage with strong glue, small screws, nails, or any other fastening material that will hold it in place.
Turn your plane frame over, lay it on the bamboo paper, and trace the outline of the plane frame. This will be your pattern for the plane model covering. (See Tips for further information).
If using bamboo paper or thin, lightweight aluminum for your plane model covering, make the tracing approximately one-fourth inch larger than the plane frame itself so that the paper or aluminum can be folded over and glued, nailed, or screwed to the underside.
If using balsa or other light-weight wood, you will want your pattern to be the exact size of the frame, so trace exactly around the frame perimeter on the sheet of wood, then use a thin-bladed saw to cut the pattern out. Lightly sand the cut edges until they are smooth.
Attach your frame covering to the frame, using glue, nails, or screws.
Depending on the type of material you have used for the frame covering, apply a thin coat of bamboo or wood varnish to the covering, and let it dry thoroughly.
Find a wide-open, clear space, fire up the engine, and take your plane model for a test flight.
