The decision to purchase the Constellation in 1953 was exhaustively researched, with the competing Douglas DC6 also making a strong case. Ultimately the DC6 was preferred for domestic routes and the 1049G for the Asian network. Six airframes were ordered, but by the time they were delivered in 1955, the order had been pared to just four. The type would serve only through 1958, replaced by the more-capable DC7-C. For more detail on NWA’s Connie acquisition, read our cover story about President Harris in the March 2014 REFLECTIONS.
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N5172V, first in the Connie fleet, on the Lockheed line at Burbank, California in November 1954, getting ready for flight testing and photography. Lockheed image via the James Borden Photography Collection.N5172V lifting off from Burbank for a pre-delivery flight, November 1954. Lockheed image via the James Borden Photography Collection.N5172V in a pre-delivery flight over California, November 1954. Lockheed image via the James Borden Photography Collection.N5172V in a pre-delivery flight over California, November 1954. Lockheed image via the James Borden Photography Collection.N5172V in a pre-delivery flight over California, November 1954. Lockheed image via the James Borden Photography Collection.N5172V in a pre-delivery flight over the Los Angeles metro area, November 1954. Lockheed image via the James Borden Photography Collection.N5172V in a pre-delivery flight over the Los Angeles metro area, November 1954. Lockheed image via the James Borden Photography Collection.N5172V in a pre-delivery flight over the Los Angeles metro area, November 1954. Lockheed image via the James Borden Photography Collection.Magazine illustration for NWA advertising.N5172V at Minneapolis. Photo by Logan Coombs, via the James Borden Photography Collection.N5174V at Seattle-Tacoma, March 4, 1955, from a NWA publicity shot series, via the James Borden Photography Collection. Note the classic Pan Am loading stairs in the right foreground!Closer ramp shot of N5174V at Seattle-Tacoma, March 4, 1955, from a NWA publicity shot series, via the James Borden Photography Collection.N5174V at Seattle-Tacoma, March 4, 1955, from a NWA publicity shot series, via the James Borden Photography Collection.N5174V at Seattle-Tacoma, March 4, 1955, from a NWA publicity shot series, via the James Borden Photography Collection.N5175V at the St. Paul maintenance base, Oct. 3, 1955. This was the first Connie to come through for overhaul. From the James Borden Photography Collection.
