Topping Models
Topping Models
Topping Models, Inc. was a pioneering manufacturer of high-quality aircraft display models from the mid-20th century.
Known for their durable plastic construction and close collaboration with aircraft manufacturers,
Topping Models played a critical role in the promotion and marketing of aviation during the golden age of aerospace innovation.
Founded in the late 1940s, Topping Models quickly gained prominence by producing detailed scale models for industry giants
like North American Aviation, Convair, Grumman, and Lockheed. Their models were
commonly used by sales teams, airlines, and even military contractors to visualize aircraft designs for clients, executives, and military brass.
Background
Topping Models emerged during a time when the aviation industry was booming with technological advances and military contracts.
Based in Akron, Ohio, the company used injection-molded plastic and metal rod mounting systems,
offering durable and accurate representations of aircraft for use in showrooms and presentations.
Features and Design
Topping models were known for:
- Durable polystyrene construction
- Precise detailing, including manufacturer logos and livery
- Unique mounting bases, often customized per client
- Scale models, typically in 1:100 or 1:72
Decline and Legacy
As manufacturing shifted overseas and the need for physical sales models declined, Topping Models ceased operations in the early 1970s. However, their legacy lives on in:
- Private collections
- Aviation museums
- Vintage sales and auctions
External Links
Notes
Topping Models’ unique relationship with major aircraft manufacturers allowed them access to confidential design details, making their models among the most accurate and detailed of the period.
