The Museum of Flight in Seattle, Washington, is the largest independent, non-profit air and space museum in the world. Like most airplane museums, the Museum of Flight includes displays of model airplanes to illustrate the history of flight. World War I—“The Great War”—established airplanes as an important part of modern warfare. For the first time in history, combatants took to the skies over the battlefield and their presence changed military strategy forever.
According to the display:
“Aviation technology underwent a period of explosive growth during World War I. As the countries began to recognize the usefulness of aircraft over the battlefield, they started investing heavily in the development of new and better machines. Development during the War was rapid and chaotic. Sometimes new aircraft did not progress beyond the original prototype while others were produced in the thousands, and revisions were often ordered even after the planes reached the Front. To keep up with demand, most designs were licensed out to multiple companies for manufacture. Aircraft designation systems developed alongside new machines, often struggling to keep pace. As a result, the lines between aircraft types were often unclear and untangling the details of World War I aviation presents a tremendous challenge for researchers.”
The collection of World War I airplane models, meticulously made to a 1/48 scale by Dr. H. Logan Holtgrewe over a period of four and a half years, includes 153 airplanes. Dr. H. Logan Holtgrewe used many sources to ensure that the models of World War I aircraft are presented with the greatest possible accuracy.
From 1914-1918, airplanes evolved from frail wood and fabric machines to more advanced, all-metal, aerodynamically efficient fighters, bombers and reconnaissance aircraft.
Shown below are some of the German airplane models.
Shown above is a Gotha LE 3. This aircraft was first flown in 1916 and a total of 25 were built. It carried a crew of 3 and had a top speed of 87 mph.
Shown above is a Harlan Taube. This aircraft was first flown in 1910. It had a top speed of 62 mph and a range of 87 miles.
Shown above is a Harlan Pfeiltaube
Shown above is a LFG Roland Pfeil (Arrow) Biplane. First flown in 1914, this airplane had a top speed of 62 mph and a range of 310 miles.
Shown above is an Otto C.1. Designed by Gustav Otto and first flown in 1915, a total of 25 of these airplanes were built. It has a top speed of 81 mph.
Shown above is an Otto B
Shown above is an Ago C.II. First flown in 1915, a total of 15 of these airplanes were built. It has a top speed of 85 mph, a range of 360 miles, and a service ceiling of 14,800 feet.
Shown above is a Rumpler C.X (TYP 8C14). First flown in 1918, very few of these aircraft were built. It had a 121 mph and a service ceiling of 25,600 feet.
Shown above is a Rumpler C.I (TYP 5A2)
Shown above is a Rumpler Taube (Dove)
More airplane photo tours
Museum of Flight: World War I seaplane models (photo diary)
Museum of Flight: World War I German airplanes (photo diary)
Museum of Flight: World War II Japanese seaplane models (photo diary)
Planes of Fame: Model Airplanes (Photo Diary)
Stonehenge Air Museum: Model Airplanes (Photo Diary)
Historic Flight: Model airplanes (photo diary)
Evergreen Aviation: Biplanes (photo diary)
Museum of Flight: The First Fighter Plane (photo diary)
