1/144 Lockheed L-2010 "Constitution"

[Brian da Basher]

After hearing about Boeing's "Dreamliner" concept in 2005, Lockheed decided to return to civil aviation with its own cutting edge passenger jetliner. The top-secret project was called the "Daydreamer" initially, but as working out the design problems became more difficult, it was known in house simply as the "Headache".

Overcome by a wave of patriotism after the U.S. won a spot in the World Cup, Lockheed called its new L-2010 jetliner the Constitution. Early models had very sluggish climbing characteristics which led pilots to call the new plane the Constipation.

Eventually, all the bugs were worked out and the Lockheed Constitution went on not only to compete with the Boeing Dreamliner but also with Airbus. In fact, Airbus would be devastated by the one-two punch of the Constitution and the Dreamliner and forced into the niche market for its large, long-range aircraft such as the A380 and the oversized A389 "Bubba".

The Constitution shown here was the first of the initial order for United Airlines and was delivered in retro 1970's livery.

Brian da Basher

[Brian da Basher]

This project is the unholy union of a Minicracft Lockheed C-121 (military Constellation):



and a Revell Airbus A319:



I know, I should be ashamed of myself for putting such nice kits through this kind of thing, but I can't help myself.

I kept the Contellation fuselage but swapped out the wings and tail with those from the A319. The Airbus parts fit almost perfectly. The wings looked a little thin on the longer Constellation fuselage, so I added new ailerons cut from sheet plastic. I was also able to cover the old wing root with a fairing made from more sheet stock. Almost looks like it belongs there, doesn't it?

Brian da Basher

[Ed S]

Excellent.  Another brilliant bash.  The Connie always looked faster than it flew, so maybe the jets will help.

Ed

[Brian da Basher]

The entire model was brush-painted by hand with acrylics, semi-gloss primer gray and white mostly, with a little steel and gunmetal used on the engines. The decals are from a DC-8 and I like the colorful stripes.

I hope you liked the L-2010 Constitution which took me about two weeks to build and is my first completed project for 2010.

Brian da Basher

[frank2056]

I don't know how you do it, but that looks fantastic1 I think it's a believable and different design from the common tube-with-jets-dangling-from-the-wings airliners.

[Maverick]

Definitely looks the part Brian,

Regards,

Mav

[Stargazer]

This is FABULOUS!  And the year has just started!!! 

[anthonyp]

Wonderful build as always, Brian, but I think the name would be "Constitution II" considering Lockheed built this beast back in the 40's.

Yeah, I can be a "wannabe rivet counter" when I want to 

[John Howling Mouse]

WOW!!!   That looks so, well, natural.
Incredible workmanship.  What a brilliant, believable idea.  You really can bash plastic, Brian da Basher.      

[NARSES2]

Another goodie Brian 

[Martin H]

looks good to me. So when do we see the prop driven A319?

[The Rat]

Hoo boy, somebody has been sniffing the toxic air down in Clairton again, but if that's the result, breathe deep! Another beauty Brian! 

looks good to me. So when do we see the prop driven A319?

And Martin gets right to the point! 

[Stargazer]

the prop driven A319?

Heaven help us!!!

[Jschmus]

All that, and he does jets, too.

[ysi_maniac]

So when do we see the prop driven A319?

With spats!
BTW. Love your Constitution!