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The History of Paper Model Airplanes
Paper models have been around for centuries, probably as early as the days of papyrus paper. In China, paper was used for kites over 2000 years ago, and paper models of all kinds are still popular there and throughout Asia and Europe. In the late 1700's the Montgofier Brothers in France used paper in the construction of the first balloons, and balloons used to carry humans in 1783 were made of cloth lined with paper.
Early Aero magazines from 1908-1909 had articles which described the use of paper models to explore the field of aerodynamics, and to assist in the design of airfoils. In the United States paper was used by Jack Northrop in the 1930's to help him design wings for his airplanes. A gentleman named Wallis Rigby brought his paper model manufacturing company to the U.S. in late the late 1930's, and was recognized internationally for his paper airplanes, boats and cars. His models were the first made with "tab and slot" construction, and were very popular.
During the Second World War materials of all kinds were scarce, and toys were not a priority. In order to survive many toy manufacturers made paper toys and games until after the war when plastic models dominated the market.
I remember listening in 1944 to the radio adventure program "Jack Armstrong, All-American Boy", and one of the advertisers was General Mills. A series of aircraft were offered for 5 cents and two box tops from Wheaties, Breakfast of Champions, and were constructed by cutting out the airplanes on heavy paper and gluing them together. Some of the models I recall were the Japanese "Zero" and the German "ME-109".Paper models are popular in many countires even today, and have been a staple for modelers in Eastern Europe and the old Soviet Union. In Europe it is called "Paper Card Modeling" and these models come in all different shapes including ships, airplanes, cars, military vehicles and buildings. Plastic models are still available; however, in an effort to control costs and price they are much smaller than in earlier years. Today they range from tiny scale (1/144th) to small scale (1/48th) with few models larger. Our models continue the tradition of high quality paper models, and are in a scale which is easy to use, and which shows enought detail to be enjoyed by all.
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