At 88” span this plan can be built into an impressive scale model using four electric motors for power. Retractable undercarriage can be incorporated too. Designed by Phil Noel
If you're looking for a really big project for your next RC model aircraft, this nine-sheet plan for an impressive 88 inch (2.235m) wingspan Lockheed L-1049 Super Constellation could be for you. Designed by Phil Noel, the model is powered by four geared electric motors and the plan includes details of installing retractable undercarriage. The model is built in sections for easier transport.
The Lockheed L-1049 Super Constellation was a long range airliner developed from the L-049 Constellation military transport used during WWII. It was used by famous airlines such as TWA, Pan Am, Qantas and KLM on their prestige routes. The flight from New York to London in a Super Constellation was around 16 hours, with refuelling stops in Labrador or Shannon - sometimes both. When new jet airliners like the de Havilland Comet, Douglas DC-8 and Boeing 707 slashed it to six or seven hours non-stop, the Connie's glory days were over and it rapidly disappeared from service with the major airlines. But military versions of the aircraft were to remain in service with the US Air Force and US Navy for many more years as a the C-121 transport, EC-121 Warning Star airborne early warning (AEW), VC-121E 'Columbine III', personal aircraft of President Dwight D Eisenhower, and in many other specialist roles. There was even the NC-121J, a version that transmitted television to US troops serving in Vietnam. So there is no shortage of interesting colour schemes for your Connie, from the gorgeous post-war civilian airline liveries to the many military schemes it wore during its long service. The large radar housings seen on the EC-121 AEW versions can be made by carving the shapes from block balsa and using them to mould the parts from plastic or fibreglass.
The model is of conventional all-wood construction, but a set of moulded engine cowlings are available. A laser-cut wood-pack is available that contains most of the shaped wood parts needed such as fuselage formers and wing ribs. This saves a great deal of time in the build and ensures accuracy, but you will need to buy additional sheet and strip wood to complete the model, as well as all the hardware needed.
