Lockheed VC-121E Super Constellation USAF, Columbine III, 1950s

1/200 scale die-cast metal with minimal use of plastic.
All markings are tampo (pad) applied, no decals to discolor or flake.
Free-spinning propellers.
Rolling wheels.
Landing gear can be removed or added.
Model comes with a display stand.
A brief history of the aircraft type and the airline is supplied with each model.

In response to the Douglas DC-4 Lockheed developed the Constellation. As more powerful
engines were developed the Constellation was stretched 21 feet and improvements made
resulting in the L-1049G Super Constellation. The development of the L-1049G improved range
with the addition of wing-tip tanks. The more powerful engines made it necessary to use large
propellers that required the aircraft to sit quite high off the ground. A triple tail was developed
because the size of a single tail would have been too large to fit in any hangar.

In 1954 at a cost of more than $2.6 million dollars Lockheed VC-121E serial 53-7885 was the one
and only Lockheed VC-121E ever produced. This was the personal aircraft of U.S. President
Dwight D. Eisenhower between 1954 and 1961. During a ceremony held on November 24, 1954
Mrs. Eisenhower christened the aircraft Columbine III in honor of Colorado’s state flower, her
adopted home state. For five years after President Eisenhower left office the aircraft transported
high level personnel before being retired to the National Museum of the United States Air Force in
Dayton, Ohio.


Specifications for the 3 Lockheed L-1049 variants

First Flight – July 14, 1951

Production – 564 for commercial airlines and military

Crew – 4 Cockpit Crew, 4 Flight Attendants

Standard Seating – 95 passengers

Performance
Powerplant – 4 x Wright R-3350-DA3 Turbo Compound 18-cylinder super-charged air-cooled
radial engines producing 3,250 hp (2,424 kW) per engine
Fuel Capacity
L-1049C – 6,550 US gallons
L-1049G & H – 7,750 US gallons w/tip tanks
Fuel Burn
L-1049C w/ maximum fuel load – 4 engines / 432 gph (108 gph /engine)
L-1049G w/ maximum fuel load – 4 engines / 500 gph (125 gph /engine)
L-1049H w/ maximum fuel load – 4 engines / 696 gph (174 gph /engine)


Maximum Cruising Speed
L-1049C - 347 mph (302 kts)
L-1049G & H – 366 mph (318 kts)
Normal Cruising Speed
L-1049C – 314 mph (273 kts)
L-1049G & H – 311 mph (270 kts)

Service Ceiling
L-1049C – 23,200 ft
L-1049G & H – 22,800 ft

Range
L-1049C – 4,760 miles w/maximum fuel
L-1049C – 2,880 miles w/maximum payload
L-1049G – 4,815 miles w/maximum fuel
L-1049G – 4,165 miles w/maximum payload
L-1049H – 3,463 miles w/maximum fuel
L-1049H – 1,890 miles w/maximum payload

Weight
Empty
L-1049C – 70,083 lbs
L-1049G – 73,016 lbs
L-1049H – 69,326 lbs
Maximum Take Off
L-1049C – 133,000 lbs
L-1049G & H – 137,500 lbs

Dimensions
Length
L-1049C – 113 ft 7 in
L-1049G & H – 116 ft 2 in
Wingspan
L-1049C – 123 ft
L-1049G & H – 123 ft 5 in
Height
L-1049C & G & H – 24 ft 9.4 in