Lockheed L-1049 Super Constellation in 1:400 Scale
Updated: October 2024
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The L-1049 Super Constellation first flew on July 14 1951 and, although basically a stretched L-749, incorporated over 550 improvements. Only 24 of this first version were built (for longstanding Connie operators Eastern and TWA) as it was not really a match for Douglas' superb DC-6B. The L-1049C with new engines and other improvements sold better, with 48 delivered, although the L-1049D freighter only sold 4 units. The next version, the L-1049E, had the payload of the D, but still only sold 28 aircraft.
It was to be the next version, the L-1049G (Super G), which was to finally really test the Douglas stable as with wingtip fuel tanks this type had the range to cross the Atlantic regularly. It also had optional weather radar giving the Connie a beautiful long nose. Radar was fitted to many earlier L-1049s also. The Super G first flew on December 17 1954 and over 100 were sold. The last version of the civilian Super Connie was a combi passenger/freighter variant named the L-1049H which accounted for 53 further sales. The L-1049 would be developed into the unsuccessful L-1649 Starliner and remains one of the most graceful airliners ever built.
The L-1049 In 1:400 Scale
As of October 2024 in 1:400 there have been the following 49 releases:
Both manufacturers have produced various versions of the Super Connie with features such as radar, tip tanks and military additions. |
The L-1049 In Real Life
As stated earlier all of the pre G L-1049s, and some of those as well, came without radar fitted and looked like this with the short nose:
Later G and H variants could optionally have the radar fitted, which improved the type's already great looks. Note also the tip tanks at the wingtips:
Moulds in 1:400 Scale
Aeroclassics Mould 1 (2001)
The very earliest Aeroclassics models were on what are called generation 1 moulds and mainly decaled. A Super Connie was amongst these although only 4 model varieties were made. As with all Gen 1 Aeroclassics they are very rare nowadays. Nonetheless the Super Connie isn't that bad even with a long seam line. For a history of Aeroclassics Generation One see:
Dragon Wings Mould (2003)
Dragon's Super Connie is another decent Dragon effort and you have to give them extra credit as they have produced versions with both radar (long nose) and without (short nose). In fact they are the only ones to have done an early mould representing all the pre-1954 Super G's and a good number of the total production run. You might question therefore, with this niche to themselves, why they only used the short Connie twice! Dragon has also made several military variants including one EC-121 early warning platform with huge radar addition on the fuselage roof.
Issues with the mould include all the same ones as for the short Connie - chunky and simple undercarriage, deeply engraved wing lines, outer tail surfaces with a tendency to leave the stabilisers, and mould instability. Some of the Super Connies in fact come with a little transparent stand to help them sit up whilst others use the little main gear chocks. The other issue the Dragon mould shows is that the nose on the radar equipped versions is a bit chunky and snoopy-ish. Here are examples of both Dragon versions - note the lack of tiptanks in the Flying Tigers mould also:
Issues with the mould include all the same ones as for the short Connie - chunky and simple undercarriage, deeply engraved wing lines, outer tail surfaces with a tendency to leave the stabilisers, and mould instability. Some of the Super Connies in fact come with a little transparent stand to help them sit up whilst others use the little main gear chocks. The other issue the Dragon mould shows is that the nose on the radar equipped versions is a bit chunky and snoopy-ish. Here are examples of both Dragon versions - note the lack of tiptanks in the Flying Tigers mould also:
Aeroclassics Mould 2 (2004)
One year after the Dragon mould Aeroclassics released their version, which shares a lot of features with their short Constellation mould. As with their short Connie the mould captures the shape of the type well and has much superior undercarriage legs to the Dragon. Unfortunately, as with the Short Connie, the mould is spoiled rather by the very obvious seam line.
Note Aeroclassics also have versions of the mould with and without tip-tanks. Sadly they don't have a version without radar (and so with a short nose). This means they are limited to what they can show and have at times resorted to using the long nose mould for aircraft that had short noses (in the below photos the Lufthansa and Northwest are examples of this).
Note Aeroclassics also have versions of the mould with and without tip-tanks. Sadly they don't have a version without radar (and so with a short nose). This means they are limited to what they can show and have at times resorted to using the long nose mould for aircraft that had short noses (in the below photos the Lufthansa and Northwest are examples of this).
Comparison
Here are some shots comparing the Aeroclassics with the Dragon. The Aeroclassics mould is superior by some distance despite the very large and obvious seam. It has a better nose, wing join, engines and undercarriage in my opinion. Note also the difference in size of the tip-tanks between the two moulds. Sadly it seems that production on the Super Connie moulds has ceased as none have been made since 2009. There is a substantial opportunity for a new short nose Super Connie mould.