From its inception in the 1880s the Powerhouse Museum has collected ship, mechanical, medical and railway models. After the invention of aeroplanes, aircraft models were added to this list.

Aircraft recognition models were used to identify planes from a distance. This was especially important for military forces that needed to distinguish between friendly and enemy planes. However visual information was often not enough and the location of a target in space also required a keen sense of hearing. Printed silhouettes were often published to show side and front views but models enabled people to view the plane from a variety of different angles for identification.

Private airline companies used models of their aircraft for public relations exercises and photographs were often included in their publicity literature. Another use was to dress the model in a prospective customer's livery and then use it as a promotional gift.

Geoff Barker, Assistant Curator, April 2008

References
Perowne, Major, L., 'Spotting by Night', in Smith, G., (editor), Flight and the Aircraft Engineer, London, Vol. XXXIX, January 1941- Vol. XL, July 31, 1941
Smith, G., (editor), Flight and the Aircraft Engineer, London, Vol. XXXIX, January 1941- Vol. XL, December 1941
http://www.aviation-history.com/garber/vg-bldg/saab_J29-1_f.html

+ Flight technology
+ Model making
+ Air transport

Images on this site are reproduced for the purposes of research and study only. Whilst every effort has been made to trace the Copyright holders, we would be grateful for any information concerning Copyright of the images and we will withdraw them immediately on Copyright holder's request.