ITEM DESCRIPTION

LOCKHEED L-1049G SUPER CONSTELLATION, CF-TGC, TRANS-CANADA AIR LINES, BASED MONTREAL, QUEBEC, CANADA 1959

Trans-Canada Airlines (TCA) was the forerunner of today’s Air Canada to which it changed its name in 1964. It was created as a subsidiary of Canadian National Railway (CNR) on April 10, 1937, starting operations with a Lockheed 10A on September 1, 1937 carrying two passengers and mail from Vancouver to Seattle. In April 1939 TCA inaugurated transcontinental service between Montreal and Vancouver, then grew rapidly during World War II. TCA continued to grow after the war, and by 1951 overseas traffic exceeded all expectations and new aircraft had to be acquired. The Lockheed 1049 Super Constellation, (Connie), was the best airliner available until the arrival of the DC-8. TCA's first L-1049C was delivered in February 1954.Trans Atlantic service began in May with 5 aircraft, replacing the Canadair North Stars. 14 Super Connies of various marques flew with TCA until retirement in 1963. The ‘Super G’ had tip tanks that added 600 U.S. gallons each which extended its range for longer non-stop trips.

Scale: 1:144