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| Lockheed L-1049 Super
Constellation |
Many
believe that the Lockheed L-1049 Super Constellation is the most
beautiful airliner ever built. It had a sensuously curved fuselage
and looked fast, exciting and beautiful. It was designed for
Transcontinental and Western Airlines in 1939 as the Model 49
"Excalibur A" It was first flown in 1943 and almost
immediately commandeered by the US Army Air Force. Designated the
C-69, the huge Connie was faster than the Japanese
"Zero" fighter. The army bought all Lockheed could
produce. When the war ended, Lockheed bought back as many as it could
and began converted them back to civilian airliners to help meet the
great demands of the airlines for a long-range passenger
plane.
A total of sixteen civilian model designations
were assigned, starting with the original model 49 and progressing in
increments of 100 through model 1649 The 1049 Super Constellation
was the first of the "Stretched Connies". It was 18’ 4"
(5.6 m) longer than previous basic models. The final Model 1649
"Starliner,"was delivered February 12, 1958. The
"Connie" was always described in superlatives such as
"highest", "fastest", "best" and
"most".
General Dwight Eisenhower used a C-121A
military variant as his personal craft, named "Columbine" and
another after he became President, named "Columbine II."
Lockheed built a total of 856 Constellations; 331 of them for the
military. Its fate was sealed by the new jet airliners, especially
the Boeing 707, which could fly further, faster and for less cost per
passenger. The Connie was the last of the great prop
airliners. Many maintain that it was the best. |
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Lockheed L-1049 - TWA
Premier Series. 1/100th scale. 15" wingspan x 14" long.
No. AAL6D-PR. Only $194.95 |
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Lockheed
L-1049 - Eastern
Standard Series. 1/100th scale
15" wingspan x 13.5" long.
No. AAL6D-EA. Only $119.95 |
Lockheed
L-1049 - TWA
Standard Series. 1/100th scale
15" wingspan x 13.5" long.
No. AAL6D-TW. Only $119.95 |
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