1:144 Lockheed L-188 A Electra II

Lockheed L-188 Electra II (1:144, X-Scale)

This is an injection-molded plastic kit of the American Lockheed L-188 Electra II turboprop airliner in 1:144 scale from a newer mold by X-Scale. The model captures the slender fuselage, the bulky nacelles of the four turboprop engines and the low-set wing of an airliner from the turn of the 1950s and 1960s. The package holds clear parts for the flight deck glazing and the rows of windows, so the model can be finished as a display piece of airline history. Check the exact decal content and the number of parts against the actual package.

The real subject

The Lockheed L-188 Electra was the first large American airliner with turboprop power. It was driven by four Allison 501 engines and combined the economy of propellers with a higher speed than piston machines. It entered service in 1959 with American airlines; despite early troubles it served for many years, and its airframe became the basis of the P-3 Orion maritime patrol aircraft.

Building and painting tips

Sand the fuselage joints and the wing leading edges carefully: on the smooth surfaces of airliners every irregularity shows. Use thin cement for plastic applied right into the closed joint. Mask the cockpit glazing and fit it only after the surfaces have been sprayed. Lay the gloss and white areas down with an airbrush in thin coats over primer; settle the decals on gloss varnish and cover them with matte or semi-gloss varnish according to the scheme.

Who the model is for

• For collectors of civil airliner models in 1:144 scale.
• For modelers interested in the era of the first turboprop airliners.
• For builders with basic experience of thin joints and gloss finishes.
• As a display model of aviation history.

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