This is a 1:200 scale die-cast model airplane from Hobby Master of the L-188 Electra in the American Airlines colors. In 1954 American Air Lines was in the market for a 75 to 100 passenger aircraft for its short to medium range domestic routes. In response Lockheed developed the low wing L-188 Electra powered by four sleek turboprops instead of the usual large radial engines or jet turbines. The combination of engine and the Hamilton Standard propeller offered a much more reliable and fuel efficient aircraft that could travel at 375 mph for 2000 miles at an altitude of 20,000 25,000 feet. When production ended in 1961 there had been 170 Electras completed. American Airlines specified the requirements for the new aircraft they wanted the manufacturers to build. They want a domestic aircraft of short to medium range that could accommodate 75 to 100 passengers. Four companies submitted their designs with Lockheed winning the contract. American placed an order for 35 L-188s as well as Eastern Airlines order for 40. Due to a pilot strike at American the first aircraft were delivered to Eastern Airlines. The airline operated the L-188 from 1958 to 1970.
