Tupolev Tu-104B - Aeroflot [CCCP-42507]

Model: Tupolev Tu-104B

Airline: Aeroflot

Scale: 1/144

Kit: AWM [43104]

Decals: Box Decals

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Background:

The Tupolev Tu-104 (NATO reporting name: Camel) was a twin-engined medium-range narrow-body turbojet-powered Soviet airliner and the world's first successful jet airliner. Although it was the sixth jet airliner to fly, the Tu-104 was the second to enter regular service (with Aeroflot) and the first to provide a sustained and successful service. The Tu-104 was the sole jetliner operating in the world between 1956 and 1958. In civil service, the Tu-104 carried over 90 million passengers with Aeroflot (then the world's largest airline), and a lesser number with ČSA, while it also saw operation with the Soviet Air Force. Its successors included the Tu-124 (one of the first turbofan-powered airliners), the Tu-134 and the Tu-154.

The Tu-104B was the result of further improvements made by stretching the fuselage 1.2 meters and fitting new Mikulin AM-3M-500 turbojets (9,700 kg of thrust each). It was able to accommodate 100 passengers, and took advantage of the newer fuselage from the Tu-110 and the existing wings. It began revenue service with Aeroflot on April 15, 1959 on the Moscow-Saint Petersburg route. A total of 95 airframes were built.

CCCP-42507 was delivered in late December of 1960. It was withdrawn from service in 1979 and stored at Vnukovo Airport (UUWW). In April 2006 it was erected as a Gate Guard and Monument at the entrance to Vnukovo Airport after the former aircraft was broken up in 2004. It currently has the registration “CCCP-L5412” and wears a Vnukovo livery.

Construction: