Largest collection of handmade aeroplanes-world record set by John Kalusa

 PRESCOTT, AZ, USA -- The collection of 5,829 miniature flying machines, each painstakingly carved over a half-century by John Kalusa sets the world record for the Largest collection of handmade aeroplanes .

Photo: Using only balsa wood and a razor blade, John Kalusa crafted every model to an exact scale of 1/18th inch to 1 foot. The consistent use of the scale gives every model an accurate size relationship with all the others. ( enlarge photo ) 

  After Kalusa's death in 2003, his family donated the John W. Kalusa Miniature Aircraft Collection to the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University . It is on display on the first and second floors of the school's new, $2 million library.

   Each model is painted with the detailed markings characteristic of the real aircraft. This required a steady hand because many of the planes have wingspans of less than 2 inches.

  John Kalussa's hobby began in 1936 when, at age 14, he started making World War I models for a battle game. He put his skills on hold during World War II, when he entered the service as an aerial photographer and mechanic.

   After Kalusa retired from his job as a purchasing agent with Rocketdyne, he carved and painted an average of two models a week and continued carving until his death.

  Most of his creations are airplanes, ranging from biplanes to bombers to delta-winged jets. But there also are hot-air balloons, rockets, experimental flying devices and helicopters.

  Kalusa also drew detailed specification sheets for each model, giving the full-size dimensions of each aircraft. All 5,829 records are contained in the library and may be viewed upon request.

Sunday, October 12, 2008

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