From WWI to Today: How Aviation History Shaped Guillow’s Kits
For over 100 years, aviation has captured the imagination of adventurers, dreamers, and builders alike. And since 1926, Guillow’s has been at the heart of that story—crafting model airplane kits that not only fly but also pay tribute to the remarkable evolution of real-world aviation.
Paul K. Guillow, the company’s founder, was a WWI Navy pilot who turned his passion for flying into a lifelong mission: to share the thrill of aviation through model building. Many of the earliest kits in Guillow’s collection were inspired by fighter planes from World War I — nimble biplanes like the Sopwith Camel and Fokker Dr.1, famously flown by aces such as the Red Baron.
It All Began with the First World War
These early aircraft weren’t just engineering marvels; they were symbols of daring and innovation. Guillow’s recreations captured their distinctive shapes, wing structures, and details in balsa wood, allowing hobbyists to connect with aviation history through their own hands.
The Golden Age of Flight
As aviation matured between the wars, aircraft design took significant leaps forward. Guillow’s expanded its line to include civilian and experimental aircraft that represented the booming era of barnstormers and record-setters.
Planes like the Spirit of St. Louis, which carried Charles Lindbergh across the Atlantic in 1927, became some of Guillow’s most iconic kits. This model, still available today, remains a tribute to a time when long-distance flight captured the world’s imagination.
World War II and the Rise of the Warbird
No period in aviation history was more influential than World War II, and Guillow’s extensive lineup of WWII warbirds reflects that legacy. The P-51 Mustang, Supermarine Spitfire, Vought F4U Corsair, B-17 Flying Fortress, and Messerschmitt Bf-109 are just a few of the legendary aircraft immortalized in Guillow’s kits.
These models don’t just look impressive; they also help tell the story of the engineers, soldiers, and pilots who pushed aircraft performance to new heights under great pressure. For generations of model builders, creating one of these warbirds is more than a hobby — it’s a tribute.
Modern Flight, Timeless Craftsmanship
Even as modern aviation entered the jet age, Guillow’s remained true to its roots: honoring the aircraft that shaped history while evolving kit design and manufacturing for a new generation.
From private aircraft like the Cessna Skyhawk 172 to the F-15 Eagle jet fighter, the Guillow’s catalog now covers the entire history of flight – from WWI to the Cold War and beyond. Each model is carefully built to inspire curiosity, creativity, and a greater appreciation for the machines that made flight possible.
More Than Models – A Connection to History
What makes Guillow’s kits special isn’t just the craftsmanship – it’s the connection. Each kit allows builders to experience a moment in history. Whether it’s the roar of a Spitfire over the English Channel or the quiet determination of a solo transatlantic crossing, Guillow’s helps keep these stories alive.
As we celebrate our 100th anniversary, we remain dedicated to honoring the legacy of aviation – one model at a time.