Pioneer 2 Beech AT-11 1/72

The Beechcraft Model 18 design was begun in 1935, when Walter Beech determined to build a low-wing monoplane to compete with the biplanes, like the Curtis Condor, which were still common to commercial aviation.

After an unspectacular introduction in 1937, the design was steadily improved, particularly with respect to engine power and economy of operation until 1939 when, with the introduction of 330-hp Jacobs L-6 engines, the plane became an attractive package. 30 were sold in 1940, at which point the war interrupted its civilian life while giving a terrific boost to Beech's future. The first of an eventual run of more than 4000 D-18s were then contracted by the government.

Plastic Model Review:
http://hsfeatures.com/beechmodel18fr_1.htm

Other AT-11 Information:
http://www.warbirdalley.com/at11.htm
http://www.centennialofflight.gov/essay/GENERAL_AVIATION/beech/GA9.htm
http://www.twinbeech.com/at-11page1.htm

Minicraft DC-6 Independence 1/144 Scale

The Douglas DC-6 was one of the first airplanes to fly a regularly scheduled around-the-world route. With its higher performance, increased accommodation, greater payload and pressurized cabin, it was a natural evolution of the DC-4.

Although the DC-6 had the same wingspan as the DC-4, its engines helped it fly 90 mph faster than the DC-4, carry 3,000 pounds more payload and fly 850 miles farther. The DC-6 could maintain the cabin pressure of 5,000 feet while flying at 20,000 feet.

American Airlines and United Airlines ordered the commercial DC-6 in 1946, and Pan American Airways used the DC-6 to start tourist-class service across the North Atlantic. The 29th DC-6 was ordered by the Air Force, adapted as the presidential aircraft and designated the VC-118. It was delivered on July 1, 1947, and called The Independence after President Harry Truman's hometown, Independence, Mo.

More DC-6 Information:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Douglas_DC-6
http://www.ruudleeuw.com/dc6_tec.htm

Airfix Boeing 727 1/144 Scale

The versatility and reliability of the Boeing 727 -- first trijet introduced into commercial service -- made it the best-selling airliner in the world during the first 30 years of jet transport service. The jet age essentially began in 1952 with the introduction of the British-designed de Havilland Comet. Several jetliners, including the Boeing 707, were developed before the 727, but none came close to its sales record.

Production of the 727 extended from the early 1960s to August 1984 -- a remarkable length of time, considering the original market forecast was for 250 airplanes. As it turned out, 1,831 were delivered. Twenty years later, when the last 727 was delivered, this versatile fleet was carrying 13 million passengers each month. As of January 2001, nearly 1,300 of the reliable aircraft were still in service.

Plastic Model Review:
http://www.airlinercafe.com/page.php?id=143

Other Boeing 727 Information:
http://www.boeing.com/commercial/727family/index.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_727
http://www.airliners.net/info/stats.main?id=90

Minicraft Transocean Boeing 377 Stratocruiser 1/144 Scale

After World War II was over, Boeing re-entered the commercial market with a new long-range airliner, the Stratocruiser (Model 377). It was the first Boeing commercial transport since the Stratoliner and, like its military counterpart, the C-97, was based on the B-29 bomber. It possessed all the speed and technical improvements available to bombers at the end of the war.

The Stratocruiser set a new standard for luxurious air travel with its tastefully decorated extra-wide passenger cabin and gold-appointed dressing rooms. A circular staircase led to a lower-deck beverage lounge, and flight attendants prepared hot meals for 50 to 100 people in a state-of-the-art galley. As a sleeper, the Stratocruiser was equipped with 28 upper-and-lower bunk units.

Plastic Model Review:
http://modelingmadness.com/scotts/civil/377.htm
http://members.tripod.com/~aravm98/reference/MiniC97rev.htm

Other Boeing 377 Information:
http://www.aviation-history.com/boeing/377.html
http://www.historylink.org/essays/output.cfm?file_id=3563

Revell Dassault Falcon 10

The baby of Dassault's corporate jet lineup, the Falcon 10 and Falcon 100 series (Mystère 10 and Mystère 100 in France) sold in good numbers during a production run that lasted almost two decades.

In concept a scaled down Falcon/Mystère 20, the Falcon 10/100 was an all new design except for similar wing high lift devices. Conceived in the late 1960s, the Falcon 10 was the second member of the Dassault Falcon family to be developed. Dassault originally intended the Falcon 10 be powered by two General Electric CJ610 turbojets, and a CJ610 powered prototype first flew on December 1 1970.

Flight testing was delayed until May 1971 while changes were made to the wing design, including increasing the wing sweepback angle. The second prototype was the first to be powered by Garrett TFE731 turbofans, and it completed its first flight on October 15 1971. Flight testing was completed with the aid of a third prototype, and French and US certification was awarded in September 1973. Deliveries of production aircraft began that November.

While almost all Falcon 10 production was for civil customers, the French navy ordered seven, designated the Mystère 10 MER, as multi purpose pilot trainers. Missions include simulation of targets for Super Etendard pilots and instrument training.

More Falcon 10 Information:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dassault_Falcon_10
http://www.airliners.net/info/stats.main?id=172
http://frenchnavy.free.fr/aircraft/falcon-10/falcon-10.htm

Minicraft PSA Lockheed L-188 Super Electra

The Lockheed L-188 Electra was developed to meet a 1954 American Airlines requirement for a domestic short to medium range 75 to 100 seat airliner. In June 1955 American awarded Lockheed an order for 35 such aircraft. Lockheed's design, the L-188, was a low wing, four turboprop powered aircraft.

Many other airlines shared American's interest in the L-188, and by the time the first prototype flew on December 6 1957, the order book stood at 144. Service entry was with Eastern Airlines (due to a pilot's strike at American) on January 12 1959.

However, any optimism Lockheed felt about a strong sales future would have been short lived, as a number of crashes in 1959 and 1960 (two of which where the aircraft broke up in flight) contributed to a number of order cancellations.

Additional L-188 Information:
http://www.answers.com/topic/lockheed-l-188-electra
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lockheed_L-188_Electra
http://www.psa-history.org/hangar/l188.php

Revell Airbus A321 1/144 Scale

This is a lengthened, minimum change version of the A320. The wing area is slightly enlarged and the undercarriage is strengthened, with higher thrust variants of both CFM56 and V2500 engines. Some carriers have bought the A321 over the Boeing 757 as it shares type commonality with the A318, A319, and A320. Type certification was awarded in December, 1993, by the JAA.

Typical range with 186 passengers for the A321-100 is about 2,300 nautical miles (4,300 km). It is powered by two CFM56-5 or IAE V2500 engines with a thrust rating of 31,000 pounds force (138 kN). The A321-200 has extra fuel capacity bringing the range with 186 passengers up to about 3,000 nautical miles (5,500 km). The A321-200 is powered by two CFM56-5 or IAE V2500 engines with a thrust rating of about 33,000 pounds force (147 kN).

Plastic Model Review:
http://modelingmadness.com/reviews/civil/mansa320.htm

More A321 Information:
http://www.airliners.net/info/stats.main?id=24
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airbus_A320
http://www.flightlevel350.com/Airbus-A320_aircraft_facts.html