Douglas DC-7 DC-7B Eastern Airlines

General Product Description

Our PlaneArts Douglas DC-7 DC-7B Eastern 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 Douglas DC-7 DC-7B Eastern 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 Douglas DC-7 DC-7B Eastern 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.

The Douglas DC-7B: A Pinnacle of Propeller-Driven Aviation with Eastern Airlines

The Douglas DC-7 series represents a significant chapter in the history of commercial aviation, marking the culmination of propeller-driven aircraft before the jet age fully took over. Among its variants, the DC-7B was particularly notable, embodying the zenith of performance and luxury in the late 1950s. Operated by several airlines around the globe, the DC-7B found a special place in the fleet of Eastern Airlines, one of the major American carriers of the time. This article delves into the critical features and technical specifications that made the DC-7B an icon of its era.

Key Features of the Douglas DC-7B:

The DC-7B was introduced as an improved version of its predecessors, the DC-7 and DC-7A, with several enhancements that boosted its performance, range, and passenger comfort. Eastern Airlines, known for its extensive network along the East Coast, Central, and South America, leveraged the DC-7B’s capabilities to offer faster and more luxurious services.

• Long-Range Performance:

One of the DC-7B’s standout features was its impressive range. Equipped with more powerful engines and additional fuel capacity, the aircraft could fly non-stop over longer distances, reducing travel time for passengers and connecting more distant cities directly.

• Improved Engines:

The DC-7B was powered by four Wright R-3350 Turbo-Compound engines, each producing up to 3,400 horsepower. These engines were notable for their turbo-compound system, which reused exhaust gases to increase power output without additional fuel consumption, enhancing efficiency and performance.

• Enhanced Comfort and Speed:

With a cruising speed of around 355 miles per hour, the DC-7B was among the fastest propeller-driven airliners of its time. It also featured pressurized cabins and improved climate control systems, ensuring passenger comfort at high altitudes. The aircraft’s interior was luxuriously appointed, reflecting the era’s glamour of air travel, with spacious seating, fine dining, and attentive service.

Technical Specifications of the Douglas DC-7B:

• Wingspan: 127 feet 6 inches
• Length: 112 feet 3 inches
• Height: 31 feet 10 inches
• Maximum Takeoff Weight: 143,000 pounds
• Engines: Four Wright R-3350-18EA Turbo-Compound radial engines
• Maximum Speed: 406 miles per hour (at 20,000 feet)
• Cruise Speed: 355 miles per hour
• Range: 4,605 miles
• Service Ceiling: 25,000 feet
• Seating Capacity: Up to 99 passengers, depending on configuration
• Crew: 3-4 (pilots and flight engineer), plus cabin crew

Legacy of the DC-7B with Eastern Airlines:

The Douglas DC-7B’s introduction into Eastern Airlines’ fleet marked a pinnacle of propeller-driven commercial aviation. It allowed the airline to offer unprecedented levels of speed, comfort, and efficiency, connecting cities and continents like never before. However, the advent of jet aircraft in the late 1950s and early 1960s, such as the Boeing 707 and Douglas DC-8, quickly overshadowed propeller airliners. Despite this, the DC-7B remains a symbol of a bygone era of luxury and technological achievement in aviation, remembered fondly by aviation enthusiasts and historians alike.

The DC-7B’s legacy is not just about its technological achievements but also the experience it offered passengers and the role it played in making the world a smaller, more connected place. Eastern Airlines, through its operation of the DC-7B, significantly contributed to this era of transformation in air travel, leaving an indelible mark on aviation history.