I have known John Vojtech since the 1990s when he was building models with incredible detail and was starting to sell his razor saws. While I still use my original saw frequently, he has in the decades since branched out to provide a myriad of tools for the modeler as well as some model kits under the UMM-USA name (also known as Unique Master Models). One of the items he provided at the recent IPMS-USA Nationals was this stand created for 1/32 to 1/24 scale aircraft. Modelers who build on larger scales should find multiple uses for this stand.

This stand is produced by JH Models and sold through UMM-USA here in the states. A large (14-1/4 by 23-5/8 inches), thin cardboard box contains a plastic bag that holds three sheets of 1/8 inch plywood, an instruction sheet, and a small bag holding the miscellaneous hardware. The parts are die cut on the plywood sheets, with several of the smaller parts being numbered. The instructions are a single sheet of paper with the construction steps being printed on both sides. In all there are 78 wood parts, 42 metal parts, three felt pads, three “rubber O-rings” (rubber bands), and a single “rubber belt” (large rubber band that is cut).

Construction consists of sub-assemblies for the supports which trap nuts and bolts between the layers of wooden parts. While the instructions suggest using a white glue for the wood parts and a CA glue for the metal parts, I opted for using a woodworking glue (Titebond II Premium Wood Glue) throughout the assembly. On some parts the nuts and bolts were so snug that I used a vice to press-fit them into place. As these were sandwiched, I used a little glue around the edge of the nuts and heads of the bolts to further ensure everything was secure. I then used my woodworking clamps to hold each sub-assembly while the glue dried. Each sub-assembly consisted of at least two parts, and the base required me to use all 20 of my clamps while it set up. The kit provides a “rubber belt” (large rubber band that is cut) for you to cut to appropriate lengths to cover the areas that will come into contact with your model, but I elected to use self-adhesive felt (Do it brand Heavy Duty Felt Strip ½ inch by 58 inches) from my local hardware store.

I do have some construction tips for those who purchase this item based on my experience. Steps 7 and 8 call for numbers that did not exist on my plywood sheets, but after completing step 2, it was easy enough to figure out which parts were needed. Pay attention to the directions (I know this challenges some modelers) to keep the parts for the supports straight, and you will be just fine. I found it helpful to use a knife to cut into part supports on the smaller items to aid in removing them from the sheets without damaging them. In step 9 I found that I was out of M4 x 25 mm bolts, so I used the remaining M4 x 20 mm bolt, which matched the bolts used on the bases of the two wing supports, and this was not an issue in the final assembly. It was recommended by John that I sand the edges after construction and apply tongue oil or similar product to seal the wood. I did the sanding as necessary, but I have not applied a sealer at the time of this review while I decide which product I will use.

The finished stand is quite large with a base measuring 22-3/8 inches wide (56.8 cm) and 13 inches long (33 cm). The two wing supports can be adjusted in height and angle as well as along slots to best align these supports with your aircraft. The fuselage support can be adjusted closer or further away from the wing supports and for height. The stand is intended to aid in building, painting, and transportation of your larger aircraft models, as the item name implies. I personally plan to use mine as I attempt to properly align the upper wing on my Wingnut Wings Sopwith 2F.1 Ships Camel, which has eluded me for too long. The kit provides one angled and two flat supports for the aircraft fuselage, which is useful for the different shapes one may encounter.

My hits for this item are the possibilities to aid in everything from construction to painting to transport as you see fit. The parts are die-cut, which makes removal of them easy from the plywood sheets. There are metric markings for all the sliding assemblies and height adjustments as well as degree markings for the wing supports (at the base of the supports as well as for each individual wing). I had no misses for this stand. My use of self-adhesive felt is a personal preference, but it could be a challenge if I used the stand for painting.

I highly recommend this stand to modelers who work with larger scale aircraft. This stand will support biplanes as well as monoplanes and can help with setting proper angles when applicable. As mentioned, the stand could also be useful to support your model while painting or holding your model when you travel to your next show! I give my sincere appreciation to UMM-USA for providing this stand to the IPMS/USA Review Corps at the 2026 Nationals!