Aviation Center Australia

Reccommended for only Gemini Jets 1:200 scale models only.

Back-Order = Available to order through Gemini Jets/Phoenix/Hobby Master, normally takes between 3-6 weeks to arrive in stock [we added this category recently because many customers were asking how to order some of these models. Please Note: Some Back-Order models may not be available if the manufacturer has sold out]

Back-Order = Available to order through Gemini Jets/Phoenix/Hobby Master, normally takes between 3-6 weeks to arrive in stock [we added this category recently because many customers were asking how to order some of these models. Please Note: Some Back-Order models may not be available if the manufacturer has sold out]

Back-Order = Available to order through Gemini Jets/Phoenix/Hobby Master, normally takes between 3-6 weeks to arrive in stock [we added this category recently because many customers were asking how to order some of these models. Please Note: Some Back-Order models may not be available if the manufacturer has sold out]

Barely any other aircraft has been on duty for such a long period, and probably no other aircraft still has that much life ahead of it. Since 1955, the "Stratofortress", mostly nicknamed BUFF – Big Ugly Fat Fellow - by its crews, has seen continued service. Following current plans, the type will remain the backbone of the strategic bomber fleet through to 2040, due to its high rate of operation readiness. 60-0059 is the aircraft of the commanding officer of the 96th Bomb Squadron, the "Red Devils", based in the state of Louisiana.

Back-Order = Available to order through Gemini Jets/Phoenix/Hobby Master, normally takes between 3-6 weeks to arrive in stock [we added this category recently because many customers were asking how to order some of these models. Please Note: Some Back-Order models may not be available if the manufacturer has sold out]

Back-Order = Available to order through Gemini Jets/Phoenix/Hobby Master, normally takes between 3-6 weeks to arrive in stock [we added this category recently because many customers were asking how to order some of these models. Please Note: Some Back-Order models may not be available if the manufacturer has sold out]

Back-Order = Available to order through Gemini Jets/Phoenix/Hobby Master, normally takes between 3-6 weeks to arrive in stock [we added this category recently because many customers were asking how to order some of these models. Please Note: Some Back-Order models may not be available if the manufacturer has sold out]

Back-Order = Available to order through Gemini Jets/Phoenix/Hobby Master, normally takes between 3-6 weeks to arrive in stock [we added this category recently because many customers were asking how to order some of these models. Please Note: Some Back-Order models may not be available if the manufacturer has sold out]

Back-Order = Available to order through Gemini Jets/Phoenix/Hobby Master, normally takes between 3-6 weeks to arrive in stock [we added this category recently because many customers were asking how to order some of these models. Please Note: Some Back-Order models may not be available if the manufacturer has sold out]

Back-Order = Available to order through Gemini Jets/Phoenix/Hobby Master, normally takes between 3-6 weeks to arrive in stock [we added this category recently because many customers were asking how to order some of these models. Please Note: Some Back-Order models may not be available if the manufacturer has sold out]

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.


In October 1958 Trans Australia Airlines (TAA) ordered 2 Lockheed L-188 Electras. One of these aircraft was VH-TLA c/n 1061 named “John Eyre”. VH-TLA first flew on May 19, 1959 and was delivered to the airline at Melbourne on June 24, 1959. On July 8, 1959 the aircraft performed its inaugural commercial flight between Melbourne and Sydney. VH-TLA made its final commercial flight with TAA from Canberra to Sydney on April 30, 1971. Later that day the aircraft was ferried to Brisbane and put in storage. The L-188 was sold to Concare Aircraft Leasing on March 12, 1972 and registered as N188LA. The Electra changed hands a few more times before being scrapped in late 1975 early 1976.