On this day in Yorkshire 1941: Students make model '˜planes

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Three junior students of the Leeds College of Art are putting their spare time and money to good use by making scale models of British and enemy aircraft from odd scraps of material.

Gladiators. Heinkel 113s. Wellingtons. Junkers. Tiger Moths, are almost as familiar to these three — Josef Storey, of Harehills: Denis Parkin, of Cross Gates; and Paul Clark — as to the actual designers.

Their models, which are carefully and accurately coloured, are made from waste pieces of wood and cardboard, and take the boys as little as two spare evenings to make.

An odd postcard, a length of wire, and a little metal for the propeller is the only equipment needed.

Balsa wood, which is especially suitable for this type of work, is difficult to obtain, and construction kits are purchased for some of the larger models. The ‘planes are made both of wood and cardboard, and in the latter case, their cost runs only to coppers.

Whenever plans of the latest fighters and bombers cannot be found, details are taken from magazines and identification books. Correct camouflaging is no easy task, but they do this too.

No Extra Cigarettes for Christmas

Mr. A. H. Maxwel, the Tobacco Controller, asks people, in the national interest, not to give cigarettes and tobacco as Christmas gifts this year.

“No extra supplies will be available, and those who make such gifts will merely be depriving other smokers of their supplies.”

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