Singapore Airlines Heritage - Series 1

One of my favorite collection of 5 series, set of 4 aircraft models and I believe all model planes enthusiasts will rejoice with this magnificence creation. The individual aircraft in each series have set milestones in both SIA and aviation history. It is a 'MUST' have for all model planes enthusiasts.

DC-3 - The Early Beginings

In August 1947, the then Malayan Airways has purchased DC-3 aircraft to replaced its fleet of Airspeed Consuls aircraft. The purchase took place after just 3 months after its first operations with only 3 Airspeed Consuls. The twin-engined, modified civilian versions of the famous World War II Dakotas which has served allied forces well as troops and supply carriers. This aircraft carries only 20 passengers.

These aircraft are much faster then the Airspeed Consuls. They brought new level of comfort, with heated cabin and soundproofing as well as greater technology with powered brakes, constant speed propellers and autopilot functions. By 1952, Malayan Airways has a fleet of 11 DC-3s, powered by Pratt and Whitney R-1830-92 piston engines.

B707-300 - The Birth of Legacy

Changes took place to the livery and a new image when the Boeing 707 enter its service with MSA (Malaysia-Singapore Airlines). The familiar colors of yellow, black and white of Malayan Airways were retained but the letters of "MSA" were stretched over the entire vertical tail surface. MSA add 3 brand new B707-300 in its fleet in 1968. That year also witness the birth of 'Singapore Girl' an international symbol for the airline when French couturier Pierre Balmain unveil the elegant sarong kebaya for the flight attendant.

The MSA fleets Boeing 707-300 were powered by 4 Pratt and Whitney JT3D turbo-fan engines with cruising speed of 885km/h. It carries 189 passengers along with 4 cockpit crew and 7 cabin crew.

Concorde - The Colorful Collaboration

Singapore Airlines operated the supersonic Concorde in collaboration with British Airways in December 1977. Passengers enjoy the record flight time of 8hours and 40minutes between Singapore and London.

The aircraft carries the SIA's livery on one side with BA's on the other. Singapore Airlines became the first airline in Asia and third in the world to operate the supersonic jet. The Concorde airliner were powered by four Olympus 593 turbojet engines and carried 100 passengers with 3 cockpit crew.

B777-200 - The Reason for Jubilation

Singapore Airlines unveiled the Jubilee 777 when the airline celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 1997. Registered as 9V-SQA and painted with a commemorative livery. This was one of the 77 B777 aircraft ordered by Singapore Airlines for short to medium range routes. SIA is also the world's largest operator of the B777 aircraft.

These aircraft have a maximum seating capacity for 288 passengers and can fly up to 8hours non-stop thanks to its 2 powerful Rolls Royce Trent 892 engines.

Note:

• SIA Heritage Series 1 has been sold out, there are 4 more Limited Edition series: SIA Heritage Series 2, 3, 4 and 5 still available on mail order or can be purchased through its website at http://www.krisshop.com. Each sets priced at SGD129.00 excluding delivery charges.