Lockheed Super Constellation (88″)

Designed by Phil Noel, the model is powered by four geared electric motors and the plan includes details of installing a retractable undercarriage. The model is built in sections for easier transport.

The large radar housings seen on the EC-121 AEW versions can be made by carving the shapes from block balsa and using them to mould the parts from plastic or fibreglass. The model is of conventional all-wood construction, but a set of moulded engine cowlings are available. A laser-cut wood pack is available that contains most of the shaped wood parts needed such as fuselage formers and wing ribs. This saves a great deal of time in the build and ensures accuracy, but you will need to buy additional sheets and strip wood or the available Additional Wood Pack (both Laser Cut and Additional Wood packs and parts are all included in the Short Kit (Set)) to complete the model, as well as all the hardware needed.

The full size: The Super Constellation was one of the classic 1950’s airliners, affectionately known as the ‘Connie’, and served with many airlines and even the military. It was a long-range airliner developed from the L-049 Constellation military transport used during WWII. It was used by famous airlines such as TWA, Pan Am, Qantas, and KLM on their prestigious routes. The flight from New York to London in a Super Constellation was around 16 hours, with refueling stops in Labrador or Shannon – sometimes both. When new jet airliners like the de Havilland Comet, Douglas DC-8, and Boeing 707 slashed it to six or seven hours non-stop, Connie’s glory days were over and it rapidly disappeared from service with the major airlines. But military versions of the aircraft were to remain in service with the US Air Force and US Navy for many more years as a C-121 transport, EC-121 Warning Star airborne early warning (AEW), VC-121E ‘Columbine III’, personal aircraft of President Dwight D Eisenhower, and in many other specialist roles. There was even the NC-121J, a version that transmitted television to US troops serving in Vietnam. So there is no shortage of interesting colour schemes for your Connie, from the gorgeous post-war civilian airline liveries to the many military schemes it wore during its long service.

TWA graphics can be purchased from www.callie-graphics.com

Thank you to Richard McFarland for the additional photos.

Plan MW3663 Laser Cut Wood Pack WP3663 ABS Cowl Set CA3663CL Additional Wood Pack AWP3663 Short Kit SET3663