Dragon Models Dragon Wings 55778
Lockheed L-049 Constellation Diecast Model
Trans World Airlines, N90831 Star of Switzerland, w/Ground Equipment

1:400 Scale		Length		Width
Lockheed L-049 Constellation		2.75"		3.75"

Trans World Airlines, commonly known as TWA, was founded 13 July 1925 as Western Air Express. In 1930 it merged with Transcontinental Air Transport to become Transcontinental and Western Air (T&WA). Howard Hughes purchased T&WA in 1939. The airline expanded dramatically under the leadership of Hughes and CEO Jack Frye, beginning transatlantic service in 1946 using new Lockheed Constellation aircraft. From the mid-1940s to the early 1970s, TWA was one of only two U.S. airlines that flew to Europe (the other was Pan American World Airways). It established routes from Europe to Asia during the 1950s and 1960s, flying its aircraft as far east as Hong Kong. In the Transpacific Route Case of 1969, TWA was given authority to extend its route network across the Pacific Ocean as well. Hughes" growing eccentricities caused TWA to sue for his removal as chairman in 1961. Under new corporate management, the TWA Corporation expanded to purchase the overseas operations of Hilton Hotels. By 1969, TWA's transatlantic operation was larger than Pan Am's. However, airline deregulation hit TWA hard. The holding company, Trans World Corporation, spun off the airline. The airline briefly considered selling itself to corporate raider Frank Lorenzo in the 1980s, but ended up selling to Carl Icahn in 1985. Later, in 1992, the airline filed for bankruptcy. After reorganizing as a primarily domestic carrier, with routes centered around hubs at St. Louis and New York, TWA announced a major fleet renewal in 1998, ordering 125 aircraft. However, financial problems began to resurface shortly afterward, and the company merged with American Airlines in April of 2001. Trans World Airlines flew its last flight on December 1, 2001.

Lockheed L-049 Constellation

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Dragon Models Dragon Wings

The Dragon Models "Dragon Wings" range presents detailed, ready-made diecast models of civilian aircraft.

Dragon Models "Dragon Wings" diecast airplanes feature:

• Diecast metal and plastic construction.
• Fuselage, wings and landing gear proportionally accurate compared to real airliners.
• Main wings to scale with authentic and detailed panel lines engraved.
• Engines based on airline specifications and accurate for each model.
• Authentic markings based on information supplied by each airline.
• Accurately reproduced livery, including registration number, cargo bay panels and other details.
• Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear.
• Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".