1:72 Super Constellation TWA

1:72 Super Constellation TWA from Heller

A large plastic kit of the four-engine Lockheed L-1049 Super Constellation airliner in 1:72 scale, released by the French brand Heller in the civil colors of the American carrier TWA. In this scale it is a big model with a long spindle-shaped fuselage and the characteristic triple vertical tail.

The real subject

The Super Constellation is the stretched and more powerful variant of the famous Lockheed Constellation. It is powered by four supercharged Wright R-3350 radial engines driving propellers, the fuselage is pressurized and carries the typical curved spine that gave the aircraft its unmistakable silhouette. In the 1950s this type was at the peak of piston airliner technology and flew long-haul and transatlantic routes before the jet generation pushed it aside. TWA stood at the birth of the whole Constellation family and put the Super Constellation into service as one of its main operators, so its colors are among the best known schemes of the type.

Building and painting tips

Glue the long fuselage together section by section and secure the joints while the cement sets, otherwise the whole thing will twist on you. The polished metal surface of airliners is reproduced with metallic shades, which will mercilessly show up every irregularity, so sanding and filling the seams is the key on this model. Lay the extensive decals onto gloss varnish with a softener so that they settle on the rounded fuselage without folds.

Who the model is for

• Collectors of civil airliners
• Modelers who want a large and impressive model for a display case
• Anyone interested in the golden era of long-haul piston airliners
• More advanced builders with experience of metallic shades

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.