Continental Airlines MD-81 Die-Cast Model

Received during the merger of Continental and Frontier Airlines.

Delivered in November of 1986, N859HA was acquired from Frontier Airlines as part of a merger with Continental Airlines, financed by the Texas Air Corporation. Built in 1981 as an MD-81 from the original DC-9-81 design, it was fitted with two Pratt & Whitney JT8D engines and carried up to 143 passengers onboard for most flights. Flying for Hawaiian, American International, Frontier, and Continental Airlines during its lifespan, the aircraft was officially removed from service in May of 2000. Damaged beyond repair in an engine run-up incident, it was written off after just 19 years of operation.

Features:

•    Authentic paint scheme, engraved panel lines, printed decals, antennas, and surface details
•    Detailed landing gear
•    Rolling wheels
•    Display stand included
•    Measures 8.75”l with a 6.25” wingspan at 1:200 scale
•    Officially licensed

History and Specifications:

Redesignated MD-81 following the merger of McDonnell Aircraft and the Douglas Aircraft Company into McDonnell Douglas, the Douglas DC-9 was initially made for short to medium range routes. Reaching 580 mph and carrying 143 passengers onboard, it could fly up to 1,800 miles nonstop. Introduced in 1981, hence the MD-81 title, it featured upgraded Pratt & Whitney JT8D-217 engines with 20,000 lbs/thrust each as standard. Rated with a maximum flight level of 370, or 37,000 ft, the aircraft could weigh as much as 140,000 lbs. Retired during the early 21st century in favor of newer, more efficient narrow-body designs, Olympia Aviation was the final North American operator to remove their aircraft from service in 2024.