HL4002 1/200 Boeing 377 "Stratocruiser" BOAC, G-AKGH "Caledonia", 1950s
1/200 Hobby Master Airliner Series
Features:
*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.
History:
The Boeing 377 Stratocruiser was the commercial version of the C-97 Stratofreighter.
The two-level 377 was pressurized and could accommodate 50 to 100 passengers.
On long flights the aircraft could accommodate 28 upper and lower bunk units.
This led to the aircraft being referred to as the Flying Hotel.
The 377 was larger and could fly further than the Constellation or the DC-6 but the engines and complexity of the aircraft proved to be too costly to operate bringing production to an end in 1950.
A Boeing 377-10-32 with a c/n 15974 made its first flight September 1, 1949.
The aircraft was delivered to BOAC on November 15, 1949 as G-AKGH and named RMA Caledonia.
In June 1950 this aircraft flew the heaviest load to ever cross the Atlantic up to that time.
The aircraft sold to Transocean Airlines, then American Overseas Airlines who became part of Pan Am.
In 1963 the Aero Spacelines purchased the aircraft and in August 1967 it was destroyed in a ground collision with another Aero Spaclines 377.
Specifications:
First flight July 8, 1947
Number produced 56
Production ended - 1950
Accommodation
Main deck - Up to 100 passengers
Lower deck lounge 14 passengers
Typical seating 63 84 passengers
Converted to berths for long distance 28 + five seated
Performance
Engines (4) Pratt and Whitney R-4360-B6 Wasp Major 28-cylinder radial engines producing
3,500 hp each and powering four-bladed propellers
Maximum speed 375 mph (603 km/h)
Normal cruise speed 301 mph (483 km/h)
Maximum cruise 340 mph (547 km/h)
Range 4,200 miles (6,760 km) (3,650 nmi)
Service ceiling 32,000 ft (9,800 m)
Weight
Empty 83,500 lb (67,133 kg)
Gross 145,000 lb (65,770 kg)
Dimensions
Length 110 ft 4 in (33.63 m)
Wingspan 141 ft 3 in (43.05 m)
Height 38 ft 3 in (11.66 m)
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