If you’ve been a reader of Avgeekery for a little while, you’ll know that we have a soft spot for amazing remote controlled aircraft. We first highlighted the giant Virgin 747 model. Then we also did a story about a pretty fantastic A-10 Warthog model that shot real Nerf darts at ground targets. When we found this L-1011 model on YouTube we had to share it with our fans.
This giant Eastern Airlines L-1011 TriStar is absolutely spectacular. It features an actual turbojet engine combined with working flaps, gear, strobe lights, and even an accompanying remote control tug. The jet itself is huge and it used the full RC runway on takeoff plus some from its home base in Switzerland.
The Lockheed L-1011 itself holds a special place in many avgeeks hearts. It was designed at about the same time as the DC-10. The real jet featured advanced avionics and amenities ahead of its time but teething problems with its engines and tough economic times led to less than 300 jets total being sold. It also led to Lockheed exiting the passenger jet market in favor of the more lucrative and steady defense industry.
Still, we salute Dominik for his faithful giant RC model creation and we thank RCHeliJet for sharing another fantastic video.