Convair 580 North Central Airlines

General Product Description

Our PlaneArts Convair 580 North Central Airlines model exhibits unique, unrivaled quality and detailed design to come as close as possible to the accuracy of the actual plane. It comes as standard with a robust, durable base or stand which is available in a variety of different finishes designed to match your own personal requirements including solid wood, wood with polished metal supports or adjustable wood wall mount and will be ready within about 9-10 weeks from placement of order.

The Convair 580 North Central Airlines model is made of the finest kiln dried renewable mahogany wood (commonly known as Lauan or Meranti) which has undergone many stages of carving and meticulous and careful sanding giving the beautiful finished museum quality masterpiece. Many collectors and model connoisseurs demonstrate their preference for genuine handmade and hand painted mahogany wood models rather than plastic or die cast (diecast) alternatives due to the overall look and totally different feel of the item - we trust you will find the same. We can, however, if required produce the same model in Solid Cast Resin so just click and contact us us for further information. Our craftsmen and gifted artisans ensure that our finely handcrafted model airplanes match the precise blueprint details of the original aircraft. The paint scheme, markings and parts are closely matched, reflecting the original aircraft. This stylish top-quality desktop replica model will surely enthrall anyone who receives this as a gift and for sure one of the most appropriate and desirably collectable gifts for any aviation enthusiast and avid aircraft collector whilst also displaying a perfect resemblance to the actual aircraft.

If you require we can also make the Convair 580 North Central Airlines model in any other airline, private livery or colour scheme you require and if necessary in a different size or scale. Just click here to contact us with a description or photographs of what you require, and we will let you have a quotation for the necessary customization by return email. We can also make bespoke scale replicas of any other private / civil commercial airliner or airliners, helicopter, glider, gliders with engines, military jet, warplane jets, propeller warplanes, biplane, triplane, tail fin, spacecraft, rocket or NASA model you require in any airline, military or civilian livery or colors. We also produce model airships, blimp, dirigible, blimps, boat and ship collectibles. Wall plaque or seal for military, government or private customers. Again, by clicking here to contact us just let us know exactly what you need.

Flying into History: The Convair 580 and Its Era with North Central Airlines

In the pantheon of iconic aircraft, the Convair 580 holds a special place, particularly in its service with North Central Airlines. This aircraft, a testament to engineering innovation and robust design, carved its niche in the aviation industry during the mid-20th century. The Convair 580, an evolution of its predecessors, the Convair 240 and 340, was a turbo-prop airliner that promised and delivered improved performance, reliability, and comfort. Its integration into North Central Airlines’ fleet marked a pivotal moment for the regional carrier, enhancing its operational capabilities and defining its growth trajectory in the competitive skies of the time.

Key Features of the Convair 580:

• Turbo-prop Power: The Convair 580 was powered by two Allison 501 D13D turboprop engines, each delivering 3,750 horsepower. This significant upgrade from the piston engines of its forebears provided the aircraft with a faster cruise speed, higher altitude capability, and shorter takeoff distances, enabling it to operate more efficiently and access a wider range of airports.
• Enhanced Capacity: With modifications from its original design, the Convair 580 could comfortably accommodate up to 50 passengers. This capacity increase was crucial for regional airlines like North Central, allowing them to serve more passengers per flight and improve their competitiveness.
• Improved Range and Performance: The aircraft boasted a range of approximately 1,700 miles with full load, making it ideal for the network of routes operated by North Central Airlines. Its performance was a balance between efficiency and utility, offering the ability to serve both short-haul and medium-haul destinations with ease.
• Durability and Reliability: The Convair 580 was known for its robust construction and reliable performance, traits that were particularly valued by airlines operating in the challenging weather conditions of the Midwest and northern United States. North Central Airlines, with its headquarters in Minnesota, found the 580’s capabilities perfectly aligned with its operational needs.

The Convair 580 in North Central Airlines’ History:

North Central Airlines, founded in 1944, quickly grew from a small, regional operator into a significant player in the American aviation market. The introduction of the Convair 580 in the 1960s played a crucial role in this transformation. This aircraft allowed North Central to expand its route network, increase its flight frequencies, and offer improved comfort and reliability to its passengers. The Convair 580 became a workhorse for North Central, symbolizing the airline’s post-war expansion and modernization efforts.

Legacy and Influence:

The partnership between the Convair 580 and North Central Airlines exemplifies a period of rapid growth and technological advancement in the aviation industry. Despite the eventual merger of North Central with Southern Airways to form Republic Airlines in 1979, and the subsequent absorption into Northwest Airlines (and later Delta Air Lines), the legacy of the Convair 580 continues. It is remembered for its significant contributions to regional air travel, helping to connect smaller communities with major cities across the United States.

Today, the Convair 580 survives in the memories of those who flew it, worked on it, or watched it take off and land at airports across the country. As an important chapter in the history of commercial aviation, the story of the Convair 580 and North Central Airlines remains a testament to the enduring spirit of innovation and progress in the face of changing times.