Your Own K'nex Aircraft

I am sad to say that I will not be posting any new models for a very long time. However, I'd like to share with you some of my own memories from my previous models, some tips and tricks, and some ideas you can use to build your own models. It's one thing to build a cool model, but the real joy comes from the satisfaction and pride of making one on your own. With that, I give you to my guide on k'nex airplanes (and helicopters.)

All you need really is k'nex. Sure it helps to have a plan, a goal, and some references, but oftentimes I would just build and see where it took me. You'd be surprised on some of the models I've made after just randomly starting somewhere. My C-130 model started with my simply playing around and making the two wheels in the back and connecting them.

Other things you might find handy to have on hand are aircraft references, and maybe some ideas to incorporate into the model. I'll get more in detail with that later on though. As for references, after I had an idea as to what it was I planning on building, I'd look up general prints of the model and print them out. They might help, they might not. I used them for the Sopwith Pup, the S-64, and the CL-215.

Easier said than done? I think not. As I said before, just start building, and see where it takes you. The first thing I build on the C-130 was the rear wheels. The first thing on the Cessna 150 was the seat. My Sopwith Pup model started with the cowl. I didn't even plan on making the C-130 or the Pup, I just made something, saw what it could be, and went along with it. You'd be amazed at what you can create from scratch.

Another method of starting is to have a plan for the aircraft, and note some of its unique features. For example, I looked into the retractable landing gear on the CL-215 and made the retractable wheels before anything else. I made the blades for the S-64 first, then started on the actual model.

After you get a starting point, simply continue on with your model. Add features and decorations, get clever, and see if you can add something that really stands out. There's really no end to the possibilities you have when it comes to making your own design.

Chances are, you aren't gonna get it right the first time. Or the second. Or maybe even the third. Failure isn't not being able to get something right the first time, it's not trying again until you do. I've had to make huge adjustments to some of my models after realizing the wings were too short from leading to trailing edge, or the model was too long, or that there was some issue.

Other issues might just require troubleshooting. Maybe there's something the plane needs but you don't know how to add it? Don't underestimate what random ideas could do for you. I remember the horizontal stabilizer on the C-130 was difficult to come up with, and I was clueless on what to do. I decided to try the method with the orange connectors, thinking it wouldn't work. And that ended up being what I went with, since it was lightweight, sturdy, and scale.

Another thing to consider is patience. Always be patient, and remember that there will be issues you need to take some time to deal with. The Gee Bee took a while because I made the fuselage too long, and ended up taking an extra half an hour trying to figure out how to shrink it down. I made a lot of the aircraft bodies too long to begin with.

Once you finish your model, look it over and see what can be improved upon. Make some last-minute adjustments, see if everything works well, or see how you can make it better. You should continue until you're 100% satisfied with the model.

If you really love your model, share it with others and let them know how to build it. Show it off, be proud, let the world know what you made. When I was younger, I loved planes, but there were only so many models available online. There are probably more people like that now, who want to see what you can do.

Here are a few models I never shared. They were more just little extras I threw together to test out ideas. You can see the full models in the introduction.

A few hints to think about while building are to never give up. I know it sounds cliche, but you can make it so much further if you just persevere with your model, give it a chance, and keep at it. But don't trouble yourself over it. Building is supposed to be fun, enjoyable, and relaxing; not a burden or an obligation. Don't feel like you have to get the model done, you should look forward to it.

No amount of work is going to make your model perfect. If you feel that it's acceptable, then it's acceptable. There's going to be issues you might want to fix, but sometimes they're beyond our capability. And that's okay. If you tried and gave it your best, that's all you can ask for.

Don't start off big. You notice how my first models were smaller? Don't try building anything huge right away. Test yourself, see what you can do to begin with. And if you still struggle with smaller models, try looking up others and modifying them. It's ultimately up to you, however, when it comes to deciding what to do and how to do it.

This is a personal preference, but build the wings last. I always built my models starting with the fuselage, tail, then wings. You can do whichever way you want, but I guess it would be most beneficial to build the easier parts last.

Finally, above you'll find a couple ideas I had but never got around to using. Please, if you wish to use them, use them.

I really enjoyed building and sharing with you all, and I hope you enjoyed what I made. Maybe, hopefully, I'll be back some time in the future.