South King News

Scale models provide a glimpse into historical, secretive, and futuristic worlds. The Museum of Flight houses over 2,500 models, ranging from scratchbuilt to aerospace manufacturer product models. Only a small percentage is on display at any time, with the rest stored in climate-controlled conditions.

One notable model is the "Otori-Go," created by Taketoshi Nakagawa and donated in 1985. This biplane was part of Japan's first aircraft series to fly between 1911-12. It was designed by Sanji Narahara.

Another significant piece is the control car model of the British non-rigid airship “NS (North Sea) 3” from World War I. Donated by Capt. J.S. Wheelwright, who contributed to its design, it remains too fragile for exhibition.

Frederick E. Pierce recreated the Bellanca J-300 "Miss Veedol" in scale. This aircraft completed the first non-stop Pacific flight in 1931, piloted by Hugh Herndon and Clyde Pangborn.

The "Orbiting Astronomical Observatory (OAO)" model represents early space-based astronomy efforts before the Hubble Space Telescope era. Its origins are unknown, and the museum seeks information about it.

Twenty years ago, NorthWest Scale Modelers were tasked with creating 1/48 scale replicas of aircraft for potential acquisition of the Doug Champlin Collection. While World War II models remain stored, World War I models are displayed in the J. Elroy Personal Courage Wing.

The oldest model in storage is a Curtiss R-6 from 1919. The collection also includes various Boeing models for research purposes by appointment only.

The rotating displays by NorthWest Scale Modelers near Wings Café are not part of the museum's collection but presented in cooperation with staff. Interested individuals can join NWSM at nwsm.club.

For more information on accessing these collections or exploring related content, visit museumofflight.org/Collections or listen to The Flight Deck podcast episode featuring NorthWest Scale Modelers.