Discover Guillow’s Legacy in Balsa Wood Model Airplanes & Aviation Toys
Founded in 1926, Guillow’s has been a leader in crafting quality balsa wood model airplanes for nearly a century. Our mission is to inspire generations of aviators, hobbyists, and families through hands-on model kits that celebrate the magic of flight. From our early days making simple gliders to our innovative model kits, Guillow’s continues to honor its legacy in the aviation toy industry.
A Century of Crafting High-Quality Balsa Wood Model Airplanes
Guillow’s has proudly created timeless model airplanes using sustainably sourced balsa wood for over 100 years. Our dedication to quality craftsmanship is evident in every product, from our durable balsa wood gliders to our complex, rubber-band-powered model airplanes. Each kit is designed to provide an authentic and enjoyable building experience for aviation enthusiasts of all ages.
Our Commitment to STEM Education & Aviation-Inspired Learning
Our model kits go beyond playtime—they are educational tools that encourage STEM learning. Building a Guillow’s model helps children develop skills in engineering, spatial awareness, and the science of flight. As an advocate for hands-on learning, Guillow’s designs its toys to captivate young minds and inspire future innovators.
Quality Craftsmanship and Innovation: The Guillow’s Standard
At Guillow’s, our commitment to quality is unwavering. Using only the finest balsa wood, we meticulously design each model to ensure ease of assembly and optimal flight performance. Our innovations, from rubber-band-powered planes to laser-cut parts, keep our models at the forefront of the industry, honoring a tradition of excellence that dates back nearly a century.
The Origins of Guillow’s: From 1926 to Today
1926
Paul K. Guillow, a World War I Navy aviator, establishes the company as Nu Craft Toys in Wakefield, Massachusetts, initially producing airplane-themed card games and balsa wood flying toy airplanes and gliders.
1927 – 1928
Among the company’s earliest products was a card game called The New Lindy Flying Game, released in 1927, and a board game called Crash: The New Airplane Game, which was introduced in 1928.
1930s
Product line expands to include more complex balsa wood model kits along with its flying toys and gliders.
1933
With business rapidly expanding, the company moved to its present day location at 40 New Salem St., Wakefield, MA. Nu Craft Toys begins operating as Paul K. Guillow, Inc.
1940s
Paul Guillow authors books, including Tom’s Book of Flying Models and Flying Models and How to Build Them.
1941-1945
WWII
Guillow’s pivots to producing military glider models for training purposes.
1944
Models exhibited at the New York Toy Show – “100 Years of Flight, 1804-1903”
Paul Guillow corresponds with Orville Wright about photographs of his models being used in an article about the Wright brothers.
1946
With new plastic models causing a decline in the “stick and tissue” business, Guillow’s concentrated on hand-launched and rubber-band propelled gliders.
1951
Paul Guillow honored by the Academy of Political Science at Columbia University.
Paul K. Guillow passes away. His widow Gertrude H. Guillow incorporated the company and becomes both President and Treasurer with the help of Paul’s brother Roscoe and Earl Smith as officers of the company.
1953
Introduces the market-changing Jetfire glider, the first to be packaged on a high-speed packaging machine. The high-speed packaging machine became the “heartbeat of the company” as it was always running.
1958
Expands to detailed scale model kits of famous aircraft, including WWII fighters.
200 Series Launched:
• 201 | Thomas Morse S4C Scout
• 202 | British SE5-A
• 203 | Nieuport II
• 204 | Fokker DR-1 Triplane
1960s
Guillow’s retail presence expands, making their models available in more stores nationwide.
1961
400 Series Launched:
• 401 LC | Messerschmitt BF-109
• 402 LC | P-51 Mustang
• 403 LC | Supermarine Spitfire
• 404 LC | Zero
1962
Establishes the Guillow’s Hobby Club to engage young hobbyists.
1966 – 1967
Additional 400 Series:
• 405 LC | P-40 Warhawk
• 406 LC | Focke-Wulf 190
600 Series:
• 601 | Cessna 180
• 602 | Piper Super Cub 95
• 603 | Javelin
• 604 | Lancer
700 Series:
• 701 LC | Fairchild 24
• 702 LC | Arrow
700 Series:
• 901 | T-28 Trojan
• 902 | Cessna Bird Dog
• 903 | DHC-1 Chipmunk
• 904 | A-1H Skyraider
• 905 | P-51D Mustang
• 906 | Typhoon
1969
Introduces the 1000 Series:
• 1001 | P-47D Thunderbolt
• 1002 | JU-87B Stuka
• 1003 | Douglas SBD-3 Dauntless
• 1004 | Vought F4U-4 Corsair
1970s
Modernizes production facilities to increase efficiency.
1970
Expands the 300 Series:
• 305 LC | DHC-2 Beaver
• 307 LC | Piper Cherokee
• 308 LC | Beechcraft Musketeer
• 309 LC | Cessna 150
1972
Introduces the 2000 Series:
• 2001 | P-38 Lightning
1973
Launches the 800 Series:
• 801 | Sopwith Camel
• 802 | Cessna Skyhawk
• 803 | Stearman PT-17
1976
Expands the 500 Series:
• 506 | Hawker Hurricane
• 507 | A6M2-N Rufe
• 508 | JU-87B Stuka
• 509 | TBF Avenger
1980
Expands 1000 Series:
• F6F-3 Hellcat
1987
New 800 Series:
• 807 | Spirit of St. Louis model.
1989
Launches the 1400 Series:
• 1401 | F-15 Eagle
• 1402 | F-14 Tomcat
• 1403 | F-16 Fighting Falcon
1992
Photo by Chris Rose
Begins exporting models internationally, establishing a global presence.
1993
Launches the 4000 Series
1995
Launches the company’s first website, offering online sales.
1997
Expands the 800 Series:
• 804 | Douglas DC-3
2001
Celebrates its 75th Anniversary with special products.
2003
Photo by Chris Rose
Introduces laser-cutting technology in model kits.
Introduces the Wright Flyer:
• 1202 | 1903 Wright Flyer.
2012
Implements eco-friendly manufacturing practices.
Expands the 700 Series:
• 703 LC | Edge 540
Introduces the 4500 Series:
• 4501 | German Fighter
• 4502 | U.S. Warhawk
• 4503 | U.S. Hellcat
• 4504 | Rockstar Jet
• 4505 | Stunt Flyer
• 4506 | V-Tail
2025 – 2026
100th Anniversary
Today, approaching it’s 100th Anniversary, Guillow’s has gone from “one mans dream” to a leader in the toy industry! We would like to thank you for your past support and hope to continue our relationship for many years in the future.