Die-Cast Collector

The Boeing 737 is a narrow-body twin-engined workhorse. Starting service in 1967, the 737 became the world's best-selling jetliner. From a single version, it eventually expanded to nine variants. It competes directly with the Airbus A320  family.   The model I got is a -700 variant of Aloha Airlines, which was based in Hawaii. The airline, which started service in 1946, went bankrupt in 2008. The -700 variant is the first of the New Generation series, and it competes with the A319. It can seat up to 146 passengers.  The model was given as a pasalubong from a nephew who flew in from Japan.  Model: Boeing 737-700 Livery: Aloha Airlines Registration: N746AL Manufacturer: Gemini Jets Scale: 1:400 Length: 3.31" Wingspan:  3.38" Provenance: duty-free shop in Sapporo Price: N/A

This Braniff International Airways Boeing 727-200 is the first tri-jet in my collection. The -200 variant is the stretched version of the original. The aircraft, a successor to the 707 jet, has a T-tail configuration. Braniff Airways was established in 1928, but became bankrupt in 1982. It is only American airline to operate the Concorde , thru a lease from British Airways and/or Air France.  The color scheme depicted in this model is known as the "Flying Colors," developed by artist  Alexander Calder  in 1973.  Model: Boeing 727-200 Livery: Braniff International Airways Flying Colors livery Manufacturer:  Dragon Wings Scale: 1:400 Length: 3.96" Wingspan: 3.21"  Provenance: Lil's Hobby Shop Megamall Price: PhP 598

My fascination with old airliners continues with the acquisition of this die-cast model - a Trans World Airline Lockheed L-049 Constellation. The aircraft entered service as  military transport during World War II, and as a civilian airliner after the war. It was developed under the behest of Howard Hughes, who owned TWA.  The aircraft has a distinctive triple-tail design, and one of the first airliners to feature pressurized cabins and electric de-icing technology.  Model: Lockheed L-049 Constellation Livery: Trans World Airline Manufacturer: Dragon Wings Scale: 1:400 Length: 2.75" Wingspan: 3.75"  Provenance: Lil's Futaba Price: PhP 860 Notes: Includes a display box and a scale model ladder