As any commercial airliner model enthusiast knows, a model airport has to have the right airplanes in place in order to capture an authentic feel. With the growing popularity of retro model airport builds, period-correct aircraft are essential to any collector’s display.
Thankfully, Midwest Model Store offers hundreds of model aircraft, from commercial airliners to vintage military icons to single-engine planes, so you can recreate cohesive and accurate visuals no matter what region or era you want to envision.
Check out these awesome retro edition liveries to round out your collection:
American Airlines 757-200 (757 Jet Flagship, Astrojet Colors)
From 1964 to 1968, American Airlines outfitted its fleet with the stunning “Astrojet” livery. Designed by Doyle Dane Bernbach, this scheme introduced the double-A (“AA”) logo that is still in use.
This is a perfect model to display in any 1960’s display or airport diorama, as these were definitely distinct to the time period.
American Airlines ERJ-170 “Retro Livery”
Sometimes called the “Eagle” livery, this design was the successor to the American Airlines Astrojet and remained as part of the brand’s fleet from 1968 to 2013. This timeless livery is instantly recognizable due to its emphasis on bare aluminum and the stark red, white, and blue stripes that run the entire length of the fuselage. As one of the longest running liveries in US airline history, this model is a must-have for any collection.
Garuda Indonesia A330-300 “Retro Livery”
This simple, yet elegant livery was used on Garuda Indonesia’s fleet of Boeing 747s and Airbus A330-300s from 1969 to 1985. Known as the “Stick Hockey” livery, Garuda Indonesia’s famous white and red airliners each featured the name of a city in Indonesia.
British Airways Boeing 777-236
From 1984 to 1997, British Airways used this high contrast livery for their fleet of Boeings. Designed by Landor Associates and known as the Landor livery, the dark blue of this color scheme is almost black in certain lighting. In homage to the Union Jack, this livery is an important piece of any European collection.
Get started on your airport build today. If you need inspiration from a community of like minded enthusiasts, check out our forum for the best ideas, history, and collections of airliners and other model aircraft.
- Written by Matt Herr
