Beechcraft Model 18 Model Airplane

 

Home > CUSTOM MADE MODELS > Custom Model Gallery > Beechcraft Model 18 Model Airplane

 
Beechcraft Model 18 Model Airplane

Item#: FD9-1145

Click Here To Order Your Custom Aviation Model

Wing Span: 18"
Length: 12.59"

Manufacturer: Beechcraft

 

Additional Images: Click for larger view

   
   

Beechcraft Model 18 Model Airplane

Factory Direct Models, the world leading manufacturer of Model Aircraft, brings to you this Beechcraft Model 18 Airplane. This Beechcraft Model 18 Model Airplane was hand crafted using the finest Philippine Mahogany and sealed to last for generations. Working with our blueprints and library of reference material as well as the Customer's photographs, Factory Direct Models master artisans created this famous airplane into an amazing one of a kind detailed display model.

This Beechcraft Model 18 Airplane Model comes with a detachable stand a personalized inscription plaque and a laminated Beechcraft Logo that adds beauty to this collectible masterpiece.

Beechcraft Model 18 History :

The Beechcraft Model 18 made its first demonstration flight on 15th January 1937 from the Beechcraft, Wichita, Kansas facility. It remained in production for more than 32 years. Originally designed to carry six to eight passengers in an executive configure or to be used as a feeder for the airlines. All in all some thirty-two versions of this aircraft were produced.

When production began on the Model 18 there was really no market for it as most of the airlines were using a trunk line routing system rather that a feeder routing system. The aircraft gained it’s first notoriety in Europe and Canada. The Model 18 was able to fly with skis, floats or it’s tri-gear tail wheel configuration. With the capability to utilize skies and floats the aircraft was idea for the terrain and climate in Canada.

In 1939 Beech began talks with the U.S. Military for an aircraft capable of photo reconnaissance. Fourteen aircraft were delivered designated the Type F-2. The Chinese Government saw the aircraft potential for use as a bomber trainer. The aircraft was equipped with a gun turret on the upper fuselage and a machine gun at the rear of the aircraft in the tunnel in the floor. It was capable of lifting twenty 25-pound bombs. As WW II started Beech made several versions of the Model 18 for the U.S. Government. They were used for just about every type of training the Government had.

Not only was the aircraft capable of servicing the US Military during the war it went on to set several flight speed records. Walter Beech actually entered one of his D18S aircraft in the 1940 Macfadden Race. The race flew from St. Louis to Miami. Ding Rankin was the pilot and crossed the finish line in 4 hours, 37 minutes winning first place with an average speed of 234 MPH.