Convair CV-300 CV-240 Lynyrd Skynyrd

General Product Description

Our PlaneArts Convair CV-300 CV-240 Lynyrd Skynyrd 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 8-10 weeks from placement of order.

The Convair CV-300 CV-240 Lynyrd Skynyrd 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 CV-300 CV-240 Lynyrd Skynyrd 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.

The Tragic Tale of the Convair CV-300: Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Ill-Fated Flight

In the annals of rock history, few stories are as poignant and laden with tragedy as that of Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd’s catastrophic plane crash. The incident involved a Convair CV-300, a twin-engine, propeller-driven airliner that was a converted version of the original Convair CV-240. This article delves into the notable features of the Convair CV-300 and recounts the fateful journey that claimed the lives of key band members, altering the course of rock music forever.

Overview of the Convair CV-300

The Convair CV-300 is a direct descendant of the CV-240, an aircraft designed in the late 1940s to replace Douglas DC-3s on short to medium-haul flights. The CV-300 variant was a retrofit of the CV-240, featuring more powerful engines and an increased fuel capacity to extend its range. This model was equipped with two Pratt & Whitney R-2800 engines, known for their reliability and power. The aircraft could accommodate up to 40 passengers in its original configuration, though many were later converted for private use, which reduced seating to cater to luxury preferences.

Key Features:

• Engines: Two Pratt & Whitney R-2800-CA18 radial piston engines, each capable of producing 2,400 horsepower, provided the CV-300 with significant thrust, making it a powerful aircraft for its size.
• Capacity: Initially designed to seat 40 passengers, the CV-300 configurations varied significantly after conversions, with some focusing on luxurious, spacious seating.
• Range: The increased fuel capacity from the original CV-240 design allowed for extended range flights, making the CV-300 suitable for longer domestic routes.
• Durability: The Convair series was known for its rugged build and reliability, traits that made it a popular choice for both commercial and private aviation.

The Lynyrd Skynyrd Crash: A Dark Day in Rock History

On October 20, 1977, a Convair CV-300 chartered by the Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd crashed in a forest near Gillsburg, Mississippi. The band was in transit from Greenville, South Carolina, to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, as part of their tour. The crash resulted from a series of tragic mishaps and misunderstandings, primarily fuel exhaustion— the aircraft ran out of fuel mere minutes from its intended destination.

Among the 26 passengers and crew aboard, the crash claimed the lives of lead vocalist Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines, backing vocalist Cassie Gaines, assistant road manager Dean Kilpatrick, pilot Walter McCreary, and co-pilot William Gray. Other band members and crew suffered severe injuries but survived. This tragic event effectively ended the original incarnation of Lynyrd Skynyrd, marking a somber chapter in rock music history.

The aftermath of the crash saw the band disbanding, only to reunite a decade later with Johnny Van Zant, Ronnie’s brother, as the lead vocalist. The incident remains one of the most heartrending moments in music history, a stark reminder of the fragility of life.

Legacy and Reflection:

The Convair CV-300, while a marvel of its time, is perhaps most infamously remembered for its association with the Lynyrd Skynyrd crash. This tragic event underscores the paramount importance of stringent aviation safety standards and the unforgiving nature of neglect. For fans and music historians alike, the crash is a poignant reminder of the cost of fame and the unpredictable nature of life. Lynyrd Skynyrd’s music, etched into the annals of rock history, continues to resonate with fans old and new, a lasting legacy of a band that faced tragedy with resilience.