{"product_id":"academy-1-144-douglas-c-54-skymaster-12652-wwii-usaaf-military-transport-aircraft-berlin-airlift-four-engine-cargo-plane-plastic-model-kit-nz-stock","title":"Academy 1\/144 Douglas C-54 Skymaster 12652 WWII USAAF Military Transport Aircraft Berlin Airlift Four-Engine Cargo Plane Plastic Model Kit NZ Stock","description":"\u003cp\u003e• 1\/144 scale Douglas C-54 Skymaster plastic model kit by Academy (Kit No. 12652)\u003cbr\u003e• Represents the legendary Douglas C-54 Skymaster, an American four-engine military transport aircraft used extensively during World War II and the early Cold War\u003cbr\u003e• Developed by the Douglas Aircraft Company from the civilian DC-4 airliner design\u003cbr\u003e• One of the most important long-range military transport aircraft operated by the United States during the 1940s and 1950s\u003cbr\u003e• First entered military service in 1942, providing essential long-distance air transport capabilities\u003cbr\u003e• Features the distinctive four-engine configuration, low-mounted wings, rounded fuselage and conventional tail assembly\u003cbr\u003e• Powered by four Pratt \u0026amp; Whitney R-2000 Twin Wasp radial engines, each producing approximately 1,450 horsepower in common configurations\u003cbr\u003e• Designed primarily for long-range troop transport, military cargo delivery, logistical support and medical evacuation\u003cbr\u003e• Capable of transporting personnel, equipment and essential military supplies across considerable distances\u003cbr\u003e• The original C-54 could carry approximately 50 passengers, depending on configuration and mission requirements\u003cbr\u003e• Played a vital role in Allied strategic air transport operations during World War II\u003cbr\u003e• Operated extensively by the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) and subsequently the United States Air Force\u003cbr\u003e• Used for military transport operations across the Atlantic, Pacific and other major wartime air routes\u003cbr\u003e• Helped establish reliable long-distance air supply networks connecting Allied military bases worldwide\u003cbr\u003e• The C-54 was also used for VIP and government transport duties during and after WWII\u003cbr\u003e• A specially configured C-54, known as the Sacred Cow, served as a presidential transport aircraft for Franklin D. Roosevelt\u003cbr\u003e• The Skymaster became particularly famous for its role in the Berlin Airlift of 1948–1949\u003cbr\u003e• During the Berlin Blockade, C-54 aircraft transported enormous quantities of food, coal and essential supplies into West Berlin\u003cbr\u003e• The Berlin Airlift, known as Operation Vittles by the United States, demonstrated the strategic importance of military air transport\u003cbr\u003e• The C-54 became one of the most recognisable aircraft associated with this historic humanitarian and logistical operation\u003cbr\u003e• Its substantial cargo capacity and reliable four-engine design made it particularly valuable for sustained airlift missions\u003cbr\u003e• The C-54 continued serving with the USAF and US Navy during the early Cold War period\u003cbr\u003e• The US Navy operated related versions under the designation R5D Skymaster\u003cbr\u003e• The aircraft also supported military transport operations during the Korean War\u003cbr\u003e• Civilian Douglas DC-4 aircraft and military C-54 variants were operated by numerous airlines and military organisations worldwide\u003cbr\u003e• The original aircraft had a wingspan of approximately 35.8 metres and a fuselage length of approximately 28.6 metres\u003cbr\u003e• At 1\/144 scale, these dimensions translate to an approximate model wingspan of 24.9cm and length of 19.9cm\u003cbr\u003e• The C-54 represents an important chapter in American military aviation, strategic airlift development and post-war humanitarian operations\u003cbr\u003e• 1\/144 scale provides a compact yet impressive display size for this classic four-engine transport aircraft\u003cbr\u003e• Ideal for collectors of WWII American aircraft, Douglas Skymaster variants, military transport planes and Berlin Airlift aviation\u003cbr\u003e• Excellent companion to C-47 Skytrain, C-46 Commando, C-121 Constellation, C-130 Hercules and other military transport aircraft\u003cbr\u003e• Suitable for WWII Allied airfields, Berlin Airlift displays, Cold War military transport collections and historical aviation dioramas\u003cbr\u003e• Offers excellent opportunities for historically inspired USAAF Olive Drab and Neutral Grey finishes, natural metal schemes and post-war USAF markings, depending on the aircraft represented\u003cbr\u003e• Ideal for realistic panel line washes, radial engine exhaust staining, subtle paint fading, oil streaks and operational weathering\u003cbr\u003e• The classic four-engine layout and elegant Douglas transport aircraft silhouette make the C-54 a distinctive display subject\u003cbr\u003e• Particularly appealing to enthusiasts of military logistics, historic transport aircraft and the Berlin Airlift\u003cbr\u003e• A fascinating addition to any collection of World War II aviation, Cold War aircraft and American military transport history\u003cbr\u003e• Kit supplied unpainted and unassembled\u003cbr\u003e• Glue and paint not included\u003cbr\u003e• Recommended for modellers aged 14+\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Academy","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52102457065718,"sku":"12652","price":31.95,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0702\/3227\/7238\/files\/12652.webp?v=1793594219","url":"https:\/\/www.imaginefleet.co.nz\/products\/academy-1-144-douglas-c-54-skymaster-12652-wwii-usaaf-military-transport-aircraft-berlin-airlift-four-engine-cargo-plane-plastic-model-kit-nz-stock","provider":"Imaginefleet Hobby","version":"1.0","type":"link"}