Polished Aluminium Lockheed Constellation Model

A wonderful cast aluminium model of a Lockheed Constellation mounted on original steel stand, all polished to a mirror finish; circa 1945.

In 1939, Trans World Airlines (TWA), at the instigation of major stockholder Howard Hughes, requested a 40-passenger transcontinental airliner with a range of 3,500 miles. TWA's requirements led Lockheed to the design of the L-049 Constellation. However, with the onset of World War II, the TWA aircraft entering production were converted to an order for military transport aircraft for the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF), the C-69 Constellation. The US military mostly used the C-69 as a high-speed, long-distance troop transport during the war. After World War II, the Constellation came into its own as a fast civilian airliner, with TWA finally receiving it's first aircraft on 1 October 1945. TWA's transatlantic service started on February 6, 1946 with a New York-Paris flight. With its distinctive triple tail and curved rear fuselage, this four-engine aircraft made a real impression on its arrival at Orly airport in 1946.
The "Connie", as it became known, was instrumental in the development of post-war intercontinental and transatlantic air transport and in Europe played a key role in the waves of emigration to Australia, Canada and New Zealand between 1946 and 1962.

Dimensions: Wingspan is 52.75 cm/20¾ inches x Length 49 cm/19¼ inches x Maximum Height 21.5 cm/8½ inches.