BOAC Canadair CL-44D4-1 Model

A wonderful and rare painted cut-away model of a Canadair CL-44D4-1 in BOAC livery, mounted on original stand.

Made for BOAC by Mastermodels Ltd of Feltham and presented, in about 1963, to a director of C.Claridge shipping agents who once commissioned the entire aircraft to transport a live whale (in a tank of water) from Miami to Manchester.

The extraordinary aspect of the CL-44D4 was that the entire tail section hinged.

It could be swung open using hydraulic actuators to load large items quickly, an inflatable seal at the hinge-break enabling cabin pressure to be maintained and eight hydraulic-operated locks assuring structural integrity whilst in flight.

The tail could be opened from controls within the tail in 90 seconds and flight controls at the joint were maintained by a system of push pads.

The CL-44D4 was the first large aircraft to be able to "swing" its tail and although innovative, only a small number were ever produced. As well as a live whale, the aircraft was used to transport fifteen Formula 1 cars to the 1963 American and Mexican Grands Prix. These included the winning Lotus 25 Climax, BRM P57s and Cooper T66 Climaxes.

BOAC operated a regular transatlantic cargo service (London-Manchester-New York) from 1963 until 1965. They adapted their passenger advertising slogan to read, "BOAC takes good care of your cargo”.

Dimensions: 53 cm/20¾ inches (length) x 59 cm/23¼ inches (wing span) x 25.5 cm/10 inches (maximum height on stand).