Guillow Aircraft Model Kits

Guillow Aircraft Model Kits is a company that has been at the forefront of the aircraft model industry for over 90 years. Founded in 1926 by Paul K. Guillow, the company has a rich history that spans multiple generations and has left a lasting impact on the world of aviation.

The story of Guillow begins with Paul K. Guillow, a young man with a passion for aviation. Growing up in Wakefield, Massachusetts, Guillow was fascinated by the emerging field of aviation and spent much of his time building and flying model airplanes. In 1926, at the age of 20, Guillow turned his hobby into a business and founded the Guillow Model Airplane Company.

During the war, Guillow shifted its focus to producing scale model kits of military aircraft for the US military. These models were used for training purposes and helped to familiarize pilots with the different types of aircraft they would encounter in combat. This partnership with the military not only brought in significant revenue for the company but also solidified Guillow’s reputation as a top-quality model manufacturer.

In the post-war years, Guillow continued to expand its product line, introducing new and innovative designs such as rubber band-powered models and flying gliders. The company also began to produce larger, more detailed scale models of popular commercial and military aircraft, catering to the growing interest in aviation among the general public. Continued below ….

In the 1960s, Guillow underwent a change in leadership as Paul Guillow retired and passed the company down to his son, Paul K. Guillow Jr. Under his leadership, the company continued to thrive and expand, introducing new technologies and materials to improve the quality and realism of their models.

In the 1980s, Guillow made a significant move by acquiring the rights to produce model kits of famous World War II aircraft from the Smithsonian Institution. This partnership allowed the company to produce highly accurate and detailed models of iconic planes such as the P-51 Mustang and the B-17 Flying Fortress.

Today, Guillow remains a family-owned and operated business, with Paul K. Guillow III at the helm. The company has continued to innovate and adapt to changing times, introducing new products such as laser-cut model kits and electric-powered planes. Despite facing competition from other model companies, Guillow’s commitment to quality and attention to detail has kept them at the top of the industry.

In conclusion, the history of Guillow, Inc is one of passion, innovation, and perseverance. From its humble beginnings in a small workshop to becoming a leader in the aircraft model industry, the company’s journey is a testament to the enduring fascination with flight and the enduring legacy of the Guillow family.