Balsa Wood Planes Bring Summer Fun

There’s an interesting story behind the creation of Guillow balsa wood airplanes. It began when a former WWI U.S. Navy aviator by the name of Paul K. Guillow started a company called Nu Craft Toys in 1926 out of his barn. His experience and interest in aviation led to the introduction of a line of military airplane models made out of balsa wood. The first official aircraft flight by Orville and Wilbur Wright had occurred in 1903, only 23 years prior. Airplanes were still very much a novelty. In 1927 when Charles A. Lindbergh flew from New York to Paris, the nation’s interest in aviation soared. As a result, Guillow’s model airplane kits were very much in demand, making it necessary to move his toy company to a larger place, and again to an even larger one in 1933 to the present location at 40 New Salem Street in Wakefield, Massachusetts. The name of the company was changed to Paul K. Guillow, Inc.

The first product line of balsa wood airplanes made available was of WWI biplane fighters that sold very well right up to the mid 1940’s. During WWII balsa wood was harder to get since it was being used to produce life rafts and life jackets for the war. The 1950’s saw a renewed interest in balsa wood airplanes that continues today.

Retroplanet.com carries two models of balsa wood planes, both with a 12-inch wingspan. There’s the Jetfire Balsa Wood Glider and the Sky Streak Balsa Wood Airplane, which is a rubber band-powered plane.

Get a bunch of these planes this summer for when you’ve got friends and family over. Set them loose in the sky and have a blast. They can also be used for races. See who can make them go the fastest or the highest! They always make great party favors, too.

Posted Monday, July 14th, 2008 at 4:03 am EST by Ann
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