Rarely photographed L749A Constellation N1206 (c/n 2613) still survives at the Salina Municipal Airport (SLN) in Kansas, where it has been parked since 1967. This aircraft was one of two WV-1’s delivered to the Navy in 1949 and was essentially the prototype of the many Super Constellation WV-2 and EC-121’s that followed. It is a L749 model Constellation with the outer vertical fins of a Super Constellation. During its service with the US Navy, it was fitted with radar radomes necessitating the large fins. Retired by the Navy in 1957, the radomes were removed and it served with the FAA from 1958 to 1966. It was flown to Salina in February 1967 and, with the exception of a short flight in 1992, it has remained grounded ever since. In November 1992 owner Gordon Cole attempted a flight to Addison, Texas with a flightcrew from the Save-A-Connie (now Airline History Museum) organization. Almost immediately after takeoff the aircraft began experiencing engine problems necessitating a return to Salina with one engine feathered. It has remained there ever since and is in reasonable condition. Students from an aviation school located on the airport apparently look after the aircraft and have polished it on more than one occasion. Hopefully this rare airplane can find its way into a museum.
Ralph M. Pettersen
July 2003
Photo Credits: Ron Mak, Ralph M. Pettersen
