L-1011 Tristar / Eastern Airlines (Silver)
Item Number: 0007Eastern Airlines L-1011 Lockheed airplane model. Work on the L-1011 prototype began early in 1969, resulting in a November 16, 1970, first flight. The engine choice of Rolls-Royce's advanced three shaft design RB211 however dogged the TriStar's early career. Rolls-Royce went bankrupt in February 1970 largely due to higher than estimated RB211 development costs, severely harming both Lockheed and the TriStar sales program. The problems were able to be resolved after the British government nationalized Rolls-Royce, guaranteeing the supply of production engines. Despite the initial problems the RB211 proved to be extremely reliable and efficient in service and grew into a family of variants. Production ceased in 1983, when 250 had been built. The prototype was sold to be broken up for spares in 1986.
Mahogany Wood. Scale: 1/100 Wingspan 18 1/2 inches, Length 21 1/2 inches.