When construction began at Boeing’s Seattle plant, components of the plane were built separately and assembled outdoors on a ramp. Barely 4 months later, after reviewing of blueprints and much negotiation, the principals signed a contract for six of what were called the Model 314, for half a million dollars apiece. The Boeing 314 originated from a Februletter from Pan American Airways to Boeing Aircraft company, asking them to design “a long-range four-engine marine aircraft” capable of outperforming Pan Am’s premiere seaplane at the time, the Sikorsky S-42. The Boeing Clipper’s heyday was brief, ending prematurely with the coming of hostilities and the resulting technological advances that left large seaplanes obsolete, languishing after the war in the world’s harbors and ports until fate or the elements overtook them. Its passenger deck had five sections and boasted 36 sleeping berths. The Boeing 314 carried 11 crew and 74 passengers, and had a range of 3,685 miles. Upper class passengers paid either $375 one-way or $675 round trip ($4500 or $7000 today, adjusted for inflation) for the trans-Atlantic crossing. The first regular passenger service followed on June 28, 1939.
Pan Am began transatlantic mail service when the Yankee Clipper made its first crossing from Port Washington, New York to Lisbon, Portugal on in 26 hours, 54 minutes. Appearing in the Spring of 1939, the 314 brought the luxury and performance of the passenger-carrying seaplane to its zenith on the eve of world war. The Boeing 314 took its maiden flight on June 7, 1938, and was perhaps the most famous of Pan American Airways’ long-range clippers. Comments: Re-issue of Airfix kit, decals do not include U.S.
0 kommentar(er)
