Dave Weed

Recently recovered from storage, an antique SE-5 biplane model. Tissue on balsa, ~16" wing span. Some 'artistic license' taken in a few details, but recognizable as an SE-5 representation. Built by my father prior to February 4,1933 (interesting story about that, but it appears I cannot yet post photos here). He would have been nine or ten years old. In rough condition, but considering it is at least 87 years old and still recognizable, not too bad. No printing on any balsa or paper parts, and cannot tell if balsa was die-cut.

Question: Would anyone out there know if this would have been built from a kit?
Regards, Weed

FlyerInOKC

My Feedback: (6)

Weed, back then if it had been a kit more than likely the outline would have been printed on the wood and your father would have cut them out with a razor blade. Die cutting wasn't around back then. The first balsa kit came out about 1929 before that model planes were built from pine, basswood, and bamboo assembled with small brads and thread wrapped joints.

Dave Weed

Thank you Flyer,
I will take a closer look for paint on the balsa. The little thing does have a few tiny brads, and at least one joint that is wrapped in glue-soaked thread. And there are a couple pieces of very small round stock that could be bamboo. Wish my Dad was still around to look it over again. Regards, Weed