Yoshida Model Airplane Kits

Rubber band-powered model plane kits steeped in history, modern in design.

While these two push propeller model airplane kits are decidedly modern in design, surprisingly they date from the early years of aviation history in Japan. The Crow design was the first rubber band-powered model plane to ever be built and flown in Japan. Designed and built in 1889, when its inventor was inspired while observing a crow’s wings in flight. The Hishou is an A-shaped plane with two reverse propellers. The design dates from 1911 when three A-shaped models successfully crossed over the Sumida River in a flight contest. Both kits use balsa wood, ultralight Styrofoam, rubber bands and 5” reverse-pitch propellers. Each plane has a wingspan of 16” and overall length of 18”. Complete illustrated instructions are included. The kits are packed in boxes with appealing graphics in Japanese and English.