Douglas DC-4 Air France F-BHEH (1:200)

Douglas DC-4 Air France F-BHEH (1:200)

This Herpa 571104-001 DC-4 model is a precision 1:200 scale die-cast replica, representing aircraft F-BHEH in the classic Air France 1950s-era livery featuring the white upper fuselage and natural metal lower finish.

The model accurately captures the Douglas DC-4 four-engine piston airliner, including its straight-wing configuration, classic radial engines, and traditional tail design. This aircraft reflects the early era of long-haul commercial aviation before the introduction of turboprops and jets.

It includes fine details such as landing gear, antennae, and a display stand, making it suitable for both collectors and historical aviation displays.

Unlike modern jet airliners, this release captures the piston-engine era of international travel, making it a historically significant piece for any aviation collection.

Features

• Aircraft Type: Douglas DC-4
• Operator: Air France
• Registration: F-BHEH
• Material: Die-cast metal
• Scale: 1:200
• Configuration: Post-war Air France livery (white upper fuselage scheme)
• Role: Long-haul passenger transport
• Includes: Display stand and landing gear configuration

Historical Background

The Douglas DC-4 was a landmark aircraft in the development of international commercial aviation. Introduced in the mid-1940s, it played a major role in rebuilding global air travel after World War II.

Air France began operating the DC-4 in 1946, using it to launch long-distance routes such as Paris to New York, which required multiple refuelling stops in Shannon and Gander and took under 20 hours to complete.

The updated Air France livery featured on this aircraft introduced a white upper fuselage, improving visibility of branding and reflecting evolving airline identity standards in the early jet age period.

The DC-4 helped establish Air France as a major international carrier during the formative years of modern aviation, bridging the gap between wartime transport aircraft and the jet-powered era that followed.