Start Your Collection Now with the Beech 17
Model Airplane
Our Beech 17 model airplane exhibits
unmatched, unequaled quality and intricate design to achieve
exactness and accuracy of the actual model. It also comes with a
sturdy, durable base stand which comes in different colors of your
choice and a polished chrome steel support mounting rod or avail our
variable pitch wall mount accessory.
Our Beech 17 model airplane is made of the finest grade materials
which underwent stages of meticulous and careful sanding, carving
and modeling to its original form. Our craftsmen and artisans ensure
finely handcrafted model airplanes with precise blueprint details of
the original aircraft. The Beech 17 model airplane's paint scheme,
markings and parts are extremely complete, reflecting the original
Beechcraft airplanes. This top-quality Beech Model 17
model plane will surely be appreciated by anyone who receives
this elegant desktop display as a gift. This Beech Model 17 model
plane is definitely the ideal gift to every aviation enthusiast and
avid airplane collector, reviving the good, old flight memories for
it displays perfect resemblance to the actual Beechcraft airplanes.
Beech Model 17 History:
The Beechcraft Model 17 was the first aircraft produced by Beech
Aircraft. A biplane with an atypical backward stagger (the upper
wing inversely staggered behind the lower), it was a gamble for the
company. Produced during the Great Depression, the expensive
aircraft was designed as a high speed, comfortable business plane.
The aircraft is more popularly known as the Staggerwing and first
flew on November 4, 1932. During its time, it was considered to be
the premier executive aircraft, setting the standard for private
passenger airplanes for many years to come.
The Staggerwing's unusual wing configuration and unique shape
resulted in a design that maximized the pilot's visibility while
minimizing the aircraft's tendency to stall. Its retractable
conventional landing gear, which was uncommon at that time, coupled
with streamlining, light weight and radial engines helped it perform
significantly better than other biplane designs. The luxurious cabin
could hold up to five passengers. Sales started slowly at first, and
the Staggerwing's high price tag warded off any potential buyers.
Only 18 aircraft were sold during the first year of production.
However, the handbuilt Staggerwing gradually captured a substantial
share of the passenger aircraft market. By the start of World War
II, more than 424 planes had been sold.
The Staggerwing's speed made it a favorite of air racers during
the 1930s. An early version of the Model 17 won the 1933 Texaco
Trophy Race. In 1935, Captain H. L. Farquhar, a British diplomat,
successfully flew around the world in a Model B17R. Aviator Jackie
Cochran set a women's speed record of 203.9 mph and an altitude
record of 30,000 feet while flying a Staggerwing. The aircraft also
performed well in the Bendix race between 1936 and 1938.
As World War II approached, a number of Staggerwings saw service
in various countries. The Second Spanish Republic used the aircraft
as bombers during the Spanish Civil War. China used it as ambulance
planes in the fight against Imperial Japan. On October 2, 1941,
Beech delivered a special camouflaged plane to Prince Bernhard of
Lippe-Biesterfeld who used it for refugee work while he was in exile
in London.
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