Anigrand 4017 Douglas C-74 GlobeMaster + F-84B/R-5A/XF5U-1 1:144

Douglas C-74 GlobeMaster Also includes BONUS kits of the Republic F-84B Thunderjet, Sikorsky R-5A, Vought XF5U-1 Flying Pancake. In early 1942, the USAAF realized the need for an aircraft that could support the demands of a global logistics network with larger payload and transoceanic range. The Douglas Co. also saw the need and began development towards an extended version of the DC-4 / C-54. In June 1942, a contract was awarded to Douglas to build this scaled-up DC-4 / C-54 design which given designation C-74 Globemaster Although the design was as straightforward as possible to ensure that the aircraft could be put into production rapidly, USAAF wanted Douglas to give higher priority to the Douglas A-26 Invader. It didn't perform its first flight u ntil December 1945 At the time, it was the biggest land-based transport aircraft in the world. During its short career, the C-74 participated in the Berlin Airlift, and set a record for being the first aircraft to cross the North Atlantic. In 1956, all the C-74s were retired from active duty. The Air Force found the C-74 a very capable and useful aircraft, and began to consider acquiring an improved version. The 5th C-74 was converted to be the prototype for the Douglas C-124 Globemaster II.