The Bary Poletto Collection of Commercial Model Aircraft is an open to the public collection presented by the family of Bary Poletto and the Great Falls International Airport. It is the largest commercial model aircraft collection in the world.
The Bary Poletto Collection of Commercial Model Aircraft is an open to the public collection presented by the family of Bary Poletto and the Great Falls International Airport. It is the largest and most complete commercial model aircraft collection in existence.
The entire collection consists of 782 models, representing 491 airlines of 128 nations, with 114 varieties and versions and 47 manufacturers. Due to space constraints, only two-thirds of the collection is currently on display. Many of the airlines you see here no longer exist, making the Poletto Collection a historical artifact as well.
Work began on the collection in 1977 and was completed in 2003. The detailing, decaling and painting on the majority of these models was done by hand and typifies Mr. Poletto’s artistry. Mr. Poletto passed away in January 2013, and his family carries on his legacy.
The detailed and intricate models in this display have been loaned to the Great Falls International Airport for the enjoyment and entertainment of all who use this facility. The Great Falls International Airport Authority and the Poletto family hope that all who see this collection will find their time well spent in inspecting this collection. It is presented in an effort to benefit aviation at all levels.
Thank you for your interest in the collection.
