Building A Model Airport: A Step-By-Step Guide

Building a model airport is a fun and challenging project for modellers. It requires careful planning and attention to detail, but the final result can be very rewarding. The process typically involves deciding on a basic structure, such as the type of airport and scale, and then adding various elements such as runways, terminals, and other features. Modellers can seek inspiration from real-world airports or visit model airports at transportation museums. The construction process includes building the terminal buildings, hangars, and parking garages, as well as creating taxiways, aprons, and runways. The addition of details like signs, foliage, and figurines brings the model airport to life.

Planning: sketch a design, decide on a scale, and choose materials

Planning is a crucial step in building a model airport, and it involves several key steps: sketching a design, deciding on a scale, and choosing materials.

To begin, you should sketch a basic design for your airport, considering the placement of various elements such as an air traffic control tower, terminal buildings, planes, shuttle buses, parking lots, aprons, taxiways, and runways. You may also want to include additional features like an airplane fueling facility and hangars for airplane service and maintenance. This initial sketch will help you visualise your airport and ensure you have a clear plan before you start building.

The next step is to decide on a scale for your model airport. Common scales used by model airplane hobbyists include 1/48 (1¾” or 31.8 mm) and 1/72 (1” or 25mm). Choosing a scale that fits the space you have available is important, so be sure to measure the area where you plan to keep your finished model. You can find more information on modelling scales by consulting hobbyist websites and resources for model railroad enthusiasts.

When it comes to materials, cardboard, wood, or plastic are all suitable options for the base of your model airport. Select a material that best suits your needs and cut it to size according to your chosen scale and design. It's important to ensure that your base is large enough to accommodate all the structures, runways, parking areas, walkways, and taxiways that you've included in your design. Before finalising your base, lightly pencil your design onto it and double-check that everything fits to scale with the help of a ruler. If necessary, you can make adjustments by eliminating certain elements or cutting a larger base.

With these planning steps in mind, you'll be well on your way to building an impressive model airport.

Base: select cardboard, wood, or plastic for the foundation

The base of your model airport is a crucial component, providing the foundation upon which the entire airport will be constructed. When selecting your base material, cardboard, wood, or plastic are common options to consider. Each material has its advantages and is suitable for different scenarios, depending on your specific needs and preferences.

Cardboard, for instance, is lightweight and easily accessible. It can be an excellent choice if you want a simple and cost-effective option. Cardboard is easy to cut and shape, making it perfect for beginners or those who want to involve children in the building process. However, it is essential to note that cardboard may not be as durable or long-lasting as other materials, especially if exposed to moisture or heavy weights.

Wood, on the other hand, offers a more robust and sturdy option for your base. It provides a solid foundation and is suitable if you plan to build a detailed and heavy model airport. Wood can also add a natural aesthetic touch to your model, giving it a unique and elegant appearance. Keep in mind that working with wood may require more specialized tools and skills for cutting and shaping.

Plastic is another viable option for the base of your model airport. It is known for its durability and moisture resistance, making it an excellent choice if you anticipate spills or want to display your model in a humid environment. Plastic is also lightweight, easy to work with, and can be found in various colours and thicknesses to suit your specific needs. However, it may not offer the same level of aesthetic appeal as wood or the same ease of customization as cardboard.

When selecting the material for your base, consider the overall size and complexity of your model airport, as well as the level of detail you plan to incorporate. Each material has its advantages, and your decision should be based on factors such as ease of use, durability, and visual appeal. Remember to measure and cut your chosen material accurately to ensure it aligns with the scale and design of your airport.

Terminals: build or buy premade terminals and ATC towers

Terminals are an essential component of a model airport, providing the necessary infrastructure for passengers and aircraft. When it comes to terminals, you have two main options: build them from scratch or purchase premade terminals. Here are some considerations to help you decide:

Building Terminals:

Building your own terminals can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to customise and personalise your model airport. This option provides greater flexibility in terms of design, size, and materials used. You can choose to use stiff cardboard or balsa wood to construct the terminal buildings.

When building your own terminals, consider the following:

• Scale and Size: Ensure that your terminals are built to the appropriate scale to match the other components of your airport, such as runways and aircraft. Measure and plan carefully to ensure they fit within your available space.
• Design: Terminals can be designed as simple, long structures with jetways facing the runways. Include multiple levels on the side facing the parking lot, with doors for passenger entry and exit.
• Time and Skill: Building your own terminals may require more time and skill, especially if you want to include intricate details.

Buying Premade Terminals:

Purchasing premade terminals offers convenience and can save you time and effort. Premade terminals are available in various scales and designs, allowing you to find options that fit your airport's theme and size requirements.

• Scale and Compatibility: Ensure that the premade terminals are in the same scale as the rest of your airport setup. Check the product specifications to confirm the scale and size before purchasing.
• Details and Customisation: Premade terminals often come with detailed features, such as jetways, windows, and doors. However, customisation options may be limited compared to building your own.
• Cost: Buying premade terminals can be more expensive, especially if you require multiple terminals or larger sizes.

Additionally, you can also purchase premade air traffic control (ATC) towers to enhance your model airport. These towers are essential for managing aircraft traffic and adding realism to your creation. Premade ATC towers are available in various designs and scales, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your airport.

Whether you decide to build or buy, always refer to your design plan and chosen scale to ensure that your terminals and ATC towers align with the overall vision for your model airport.

Details: add taxiways, runways, and other features like signs and figurines

Once you have your base, terminal buildings, and hangars, it's time to add the details that will bring your model airport to life.

Taxiways and Runways

Paint on taxiways leading from the aprons to the runways. Use black paint for the basic taxiways and add a solid yellow centre line. Paint yellow arrows or chevrons pointing towards the runways.

For the runways, use black paint and add a solid white line down the middle. Mark the landing areas with eight white bars and add white chevrons to indicate the direction of the runways. Number the runways using a block, geometric font.

Signs

Make signs with toothpicks and paper. Cut out small pieces of white paper in the desired shape and colour them with markers, coloured pencils, or paint. Write the text using a permanent marker. Glue the paper to the toothpicks and then glue the bottom of the toothpicks to the base where you want the signs. You can make stop signs, parking signs, and signs indicating the location of aprons and jetways.

Figurines

Buy figurines from craft stores, model stores, or shops that sell miniatures. Look for figurines dressed as pilots, flight attendants, people in coveralls, and families or passengers. Glue them around the airport in appropriate places.

You can also add miniature cars, tankers, fire engines, shuttle buses, and other vehicles that you would typically find at an airport.

Finishing touches: include cars, trees, and people to bring the model to life

Now for the fun part: the finishing touches! These final details will bring your model airport to life, making it look like a bustling hub of activity. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Cars, Trucks, and Buses

Add miniature cars, trucks, and buses to your model airport to create a sense of movement and activity. You can find these vehicles at craft stores, model shops, or online retailers that sell miniatures. Try to match the scale of the vehicles to the scale of your airport for a more realistic look. Don't forget to include "service equipment" like baggage carts, portable stairways, and fuel tankers. If you're feeling creative, you can even make your own vehicles out of cardstock paper, an X-acto knife, tweezers, and super glue.

Trees and Greenery

Adding trees and greenery will bring a touch of nature to your airport. You can use ground foam to create grass by painting it green, letting it dry, and then gluing it to your base. For bushes, lichen is a great option—attach some to toothpicks or small twigs and place them around your grassy areas. You can also find pre-made trees and bushes at hobby stores.

People

Figurines of people will make your airport look lively and dynamic. Look for figurines in a variety of roles, such as pilots, flight attendants, ground crew, and passengers. Again, try to match the scale of the figurines to your airport. Place them in appropriate locations, such as near the terminals, boarding planes, or driving cars.

Signs and Decals

Adding signs and decals will give your airport a sense of realism and attention to detail. You can make your own signs by cutting out small pieces of paper, colouring them, and gluing them to toothpicks. Place them throughout your airport to indicate parking areas, jetways, and other important locations. Decals can also be added to your model planes to give them a more authentic look.

Frequently asked questions