Pan American World Airways B377 Stratocruiser (1:200)

The Boeing 377 Stratocruiser was the commercial version of the C-97 Stratofreighter. The two-level 377 was pressurized and could accommodate 50 to 100 passengers. On long flights the aircraft could accommodate 28 upper and lower bunk units. This led to the aircraft being referred to as the 'Flying Hotel'. The 377 was larger and could fly further than the Constellation or the DC-6 but the engines and complexity of the aircraft proved to be too costly to operate bringing production to an end in 1950.

The prototype for the Boeing 377 Stratocruiser was NX90700 c/n15922 and first flew on July 8, 1947. This same aircraft was then delivered to Pan American World Airways as N1022V on October 24, 1950 and named 'Nightingale'. Pan Am purchased 21 of the 56 Boeing 377s that were manufactured. They were registered N1022V to N1042V. Pan Am removed this aircraft from service in 1960. In 1961 it was purchased by RANSA who converted it to a freighter and operated the aircraft until 1969. It eventually ended up being scrapped.

Specifications for the Boeing 377 Stratocruiser

First flight ' July 8, 1947

Number produced ' 56

Production ended - 1950

Accommodations
Main deck - Up to 100 passengers
Lower deck lounge ' 14 passengers
Typical seating ' 63 ' 84 passengers
Converted to berths for long distance ' 28 + five seated

Performance
Engines ' (4) Pratt and Whitney R-4360-B6 Wasp Major 28-cylinder radial engines
producing 3,500 hp each and powering four-bladed propellers
Maximum speed ' 375 mph (603 km/h)
Normal cruise speed ' 301 mph (483 km/h)
Maximum cruise ' 340 mph (547 km/h)
Range ' 4,200 miles (6,760 km) (3,650 nmi)
Service ceiling ' 32,000 ft (9,800 m)

Weight
Empty ' 83,500 lb (67,133 kg)
Gross ' 145,000 lb (65,770 kg)

Dimensions
Length ' 110 ft 4 in (33.63 m)
Wingspan ' 141 ft 3 in (43.05 m)
Height ' 38 ft 3 in (11.66 m)