1:200 Hobby Master Lockheed L-188 Electra

Features Include:

• 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 1954 American Air Lines was in the market for a 75 to 100 passenger aircraft for its 188 Electra powered by four sleek turboprops instead of the usual large radial engines or jet more reliable and fuel efficient aircraft that could travel at 375 mph for 2000 miles at an altitude of 20,000 – 25,000 feet. When production ended in 1961 there had been 170 Electras completed.

In October 1958 Trans Australia Airlines (TAA) ordered 2 Lockheed L-188 Electras. One of these aircraft was VH-TLA c/n 1061 named “John Eyre”. VH-TLA first flew on May 19, 1959 and was delivered to the airline at Melbourne on June 24, 1959. On July 8, 1959 the aircraft performed its inaugural commercial flight between Melbourne and Sydney. VH-TLA made its final commercial flight with TAA from Canberra to Sydney on April 30, 1971. Later that day the aircraft was ferried to Brisbane and put in storage. The L-188 was sold to Concare Aircraft Leasing on March 12, 1972 and registered as N188LA. The Electra changed hands a few more times before being scrapped in late 1975 early 1976.