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Rotating propellers

 
All my models of propeller-driven aircraft are designed to feature rotating propellers. If built properly, the propellers will rotate from a slight air movement or when pushed. The technique used for it was invented by my friend Reimar M. Claes about 14 years ago. It originally featured the mould edge of plastic models and a drinking straw. In my new models, all that is required, additional to the printed pages of the model, is a toothpick. The technique is very simple and can be adapted for other papercraft as well. It works as follows:   Rotating Propeller on my Marauder
 
Step 1   A paper roll is made with a slightly wider diameter than a toothpick. This roll is fitted through the front part of the engine. (here the plate depicting the piston engine)
     
Step 2   The propeller is fitted onto the top of the toothpick. The blades of the propeller are bent to 20-40 degrees
     
Step 3  

The engine and cowling are assembled completely.
     
Step 4   After both engine and propeller have dried, the toothpick is pushed through the paper roll, but not glued
     
Step 5  

A shaft hub is glued to the other side of the toothpick to ensure that the propeller will not fall out of the engine. One has to make sure that no glue gets stuck between toothpick/hub and paper roll.
After it's dried, the engine can be glued to the fuselage.

 
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