C18S American passenger aircraft 1:48 ICM 48185

Plastic model airplane for assembly: C18S American passenger plane 1:48 ICM 48185

The plastic model for assembly: C18S American passenger plane in 1:48 scale from ICM (catalog number 48185) is an excellent proposal for aviation and modeling enthusiasts. This kit allows you to build a replica of one of the most famous and versatile aircraft in aviation history - the Beechcraft Model 18, also known as the "Twin Beech".

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:48
• Manufacturer: ICM
• Catalog number: 48185

Markings:

• C18S, Falcon Airways, Biggin Hill, 1959
• C18S, United States Forest Service, Oakland, 1954

History and significance of the Beechcraft Model 18:

The Beechcraft Model 18, produced by Beech Aircraft Corporation in Wichita, Kansas, is a twin-engine, low-wing aircraft with a tailwheel design that could accommodate 6 to 11 passengers. Its first flight took place in January 1937, and production continued uninterrupted for over 32 years, until November 1969. During this time, more than 9,000 units were produced, making it one of the most widely used light aircraft in the world.

During World War II, the Beech 18 was widely used by the armed forces, including the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) and the United States Navy (USN). It served as a light transport, light bomber (for China), training aircraft for aircrews (in bombing, navigation, and gunnery), photo reconnaissance aircraft, and as a "mother ship" for target drones. Over 90% of USAAF bombardiers and navigators were trained on these aircraft.

After the war, the Beech 18 became a leading "business aircraft" and "airliner." Its civilian applications included aerial spraying, releasing sterile insects, fish stocking, cloud seeding with dry ice, aerial firefighting, air mail delivery, ambulance services, film production, skydiving, cargo transport, smuggling weapons and drugs, engine testing, skywriting, banner towing, and aerobatics. Many of these aircraft are still in use, and as of August 2017, 240 of them were registered with the FAA in the United States.

Assembly and painting kit. Does not include paints or glue. For assembly, separately sold modeling tools are needed (including cutters, files, tweezers), paints, brushes, and plastic model glue (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement). The photo shows a professionally assembled and painted model.