Pan Am Models
I have a large collection of model aircraft. They vary in size from several inches to several feet. Though the larger models are majestic in the last few years manufacturers Gemini Jets, Dragon Wings and Aero Classics have produced high quality miniature models. Most of the current miniature models are of the 1/400 or 1/500 scale. Beautiful as these miniature models are none of them were produced during the Pan Am era. Below are a few samples from my collection.
The scale model below shows a Boeing 314 (NC 18605 Dixie Clipper). The fuselage measures 18 inches with a wingspan of 25 inches. This aircraft was in service with Pan Am from 1939 to 1946.
The scale model below features the Boeing 377 "Stratocruiser," (N1040V Clipper Invincible). The Stratocruiser was queen of the Pan Am fleet from 1949 until the introduction of the Boeing 707 jet in 1958. The Stratocruiser was mostly configured for all first class service and seated approximately 60 passengers. This model is 18 1/2 inches long with a wingspan of 23 1/2 inches.
Below is a scale model of a Lockheed L1011-100 aircraft. Pan Am never flew this type. Most likely this model was created by Lockheed in the late 1960s when they were trying to convince Pan Am to buy the aircraft. The model measures 21 inches with a wingspan of 19 inches. In the late 1970s Pan Am would place an order for 12 of the smaller long range Lockheed L1011-500. This version of the aircraft would fly with Pan Am from 1980 to 1986 with different livery markings on the fuselage..
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The Virtual Pan Am Museum
To the right are images of varous Pan Am models.
You may click on any individual image to enlarge it or you may view the images as a slide show.
To begin the slide show click on any image.
You must advance the images yourself.
To move the slide show forward press the "N" key (for next) or mouse over the upper right portion of the image and click on the "next" pop up tab.
To move backward press the "P" key (for previous) or mouse over the upper left portion of the image and click on the "prev" pop up.
Close the slide show from any image by moving the mouse to the lower right portion of the image and selecting close.
Enlarged images are of different sizes and in some instances you may need to scroll to see all of the image.
In the last ten years small high quality models have become very popular for collectors. These model are a combination of metal & plastic. Most of these models are 1/400 or 1/500 scale. There are three principle manufacturers Gemini Jets, Dragon Wings and Herpa. The below models (not on stands) are examples of these high quality "mini" models. There are additional examples of this type of model further down the page in the thumbnail / slide show area.
Fantasy Planes
Through the years some model producers have produced planes that either never flew for Pan Am or never flew in a particular livery. Below are several sets of examples.
On the left is the Boeing 707 that left the Pan Am fleet in 1980. The "Billboard" livery didn't appear until 1984 and was never used on the 707 fleet. On the right is a Boeing B-52 bomber. Pan Am never had any bombers in the fleet!
Slide Show
Below are 3 examples of 747 liveries that were never flown by Pan Am. These designs were simply created by the model manufacturers. In addition the 747 in the upper right and bottom left are 747-400s a version of the 747 never flown by Pan Am.
Of the 4 aircraft below only the Lockheed L1011-500 (upper left) was flown by Pan Am. However, it was leaving the fleet when the "Billboard" livery was adopted and none were ever repainted in this style. The Boeing 777 (upper right) made its first commercial flight 5 years after Pan Am shut down. The Airbus A380 (lower left) came into being many years after the demise of Pan Am. The Concorde (lower right) was initially ordered by Pan Am in the late 1960s. However, the order was canceled prior to any aircraft being delivered to the company.
Finally, a clay model of a Pan Am Airbus A310 created by Pan Am fan James Page in his high school art class.
In the 1970s a Japanese company produced a Pan Am 747 model that came with miniature ground equipment. The ground equipment includes a fuel truck, luggage conveyer belt, cargo tug & cart, an aircraft tug and a passenger bus all pictured to the right.
In the 1960s Pan Am offered helicopter service from the roof of the Pan Am Building in Manhattan to JFK airport. The battery operated toy helicopter below is a representation of the Boeing helicopter that operated the service for Pan Am.