Color Scheme: Second Colors

Registration: N800TC

Composition: An Original Douglas Factory Polished Aluminum Model

Dimensions: Length: 35.5" (91cm), Wingspan 34" (86cm)

Condition: Near Mint

Model History: Produced in the late 1950s by the Douglas Aircraft Model Shop. Acquired on December 14, 1973 from a private collector.

Trans Caribbean's DC-8 History: Trans Caribbean Airways was an Original Factory Delivery Customer of the DC-8. During the 1960s Trans Caribbean flew a number of routes to the Caribbean from the USA. Based in New York, their "bread and butter" routes were Idlewild (now JFK) - San Juan and Newark - San Juan. Other Caribbean destinations included the U.S. Virgin Islands, Haiti, Curacao & Aruba. TCA also flew out of Washington - Dulles and Philadelphia to San Juan but the Philadelphia service was discontinued due to economic conditions. All of these routes were serviced primarily by the Douglas DC-8 and to a lessor extent the Boeing 727 - both types of aircraft in Convertible Freighter versions to accommodate a large demand for air freight as well as passengers. Unfortunately, due to continued financial difficulties, Trans Caribbean was merged into American Airlines in May 1971. After the merger, TCA's DC-8 fleet was quickly phased out (not being in common with American's fleet) and replaced by American's Boeing 707, 727 & 747 aircraft. Trans Caribbean was a "colorful" airline from our past and their final "Palm Tree" paint scheme (Click Here to See a Trans Caribbean DC-8-61CF Model) was one of the most beautiful schemes I have ever seen on the DC-8. Click Here to See Trans Caribbean's DC-8 Fleet Information.

Click Here to View a Photo of a Similar Trans Caribbean Aircraft*
* I have not been able to find a suitable Trans Caribbean DC-8-51 Photo in this Second Paint Scheme. However, the Aircraft Pictured is a Trans Caribbean DC-8F-55 which is very similar to their DC-8-51 except there is no forward cargo door.