Piper PA-24 Comanche N685IP Model

General Product Description

Our ReplicaHangar Piper PA-24 Comanche N685IP Model exhibits unique, unrivaled quality and detailed design to come as close as possible to the accuracy of the actual plane. It comes as standard with a robust, durable base or stand which is available in a variety of different finishes designed to match your own personal requirements including solid wood, wood with polished metal supports or adjustable wood wall mount and will be ready within about 9-10 weeks from placement of order.

The Piper PA-24 Comanche N685IP Model is made of the finest kiln dried renewable mahogany wood (commonly known as Lauan or Meranti) which has undergone many stages of carving and meticulous and careful sanding giving the beautiful finished museum quality masterpiece. Many collectors and model connoisseurs demonstrate their preference for genuine handmade and hand painted mahogany wood models rather than plastic or die cast (diecast) alternatives due to the overall look and totally different feel of the item - we trust you will find the same. We can, however, if required produce the same model in Solid Cast Resin so just click and contact us us for further information. Our craftsmen and gifted artisans ensure that our finely handcrafted model airplanes match the precise blueprint details of the original aircraft. The paint scheme, markings and parts are closely matched, reflecting the original aircraft. This stylish top-quality desktop replica model will surely enthrall anyone who receives this as a gift and for sure one of the most appropriate and desirably collectable gifts for any aviation enthusiast and avid aircraft collector whilst also displaying a perfect resemblance to the actual aircraft.

If you require we can also make the Piper PA-24 Comanche N685IP Model in any other airline, private livery or colour scheme you require and if necessary in a different size or scale. Just click here to contact us with a description or photographs of what you require, and we will let you have a quotation for the necessary customization by return email. We can also make bespoke scale replicas of any other private / civil commercial airliner or airliners, helicopter, glider, gliders with engines, military jet, warplane jets, propeller warplanes, biplane, triplane, tail fin, spacecraft, rocket or NASA model you require in any airline, military or civilian livery or colors. We also produce model airships, blimp, dirigible, blimps, boat and ship collectibles. Wall plaque or seal for military, government or private customers. Again, by clicking here to contact us just let us know exactly what you need.

The Comanche above is also available from ModelBuffs in any color scheme at no extra cost. Just specify in the Remarks/Suggestions box when ordering the Standard Model which airline colors you require. If you require a fully customized model including the base please select the Customized option upon checkout and give full details on the accompanying form. Delivery for standard and customizable models 2-3 weeks.
The Piper PA-24 Comanche is a four-seat light utility aircraft first launched in 1957. It is a low-wing, all-metal aircraft with retractable landing gear. Together with the twin-engine version of the same airframe, the Twin Comanche, it made up the core of the Piper aircraft line-up until 1972 when the production lines for both aircraft were wiped out in a flood. At that time Piper had already begun to concentrate on its successful 140/180 and Cherokee line, which were in fact originally conceived as cheaper alternatives to the increasingly expensive Comanche. The original version of the Comanche featured a 180 hp (134 kW) Lycoming 0-360 engine, swept tail, laminar flow wing, and stabilator. Reportedly designed by Howard Pug Piper himself, the Comanche was intended to compete in the market with the successful Beechcraft Bonanza.
The following year Piper released a 250 hp (186 kW) version using a Lycoming 0-540 engine, giving the Comanche a cruise speed of 185 mph (298 km/h). Later versions of the Comanche were the 260 hp (194 kW) Lycoming IO-540 version and the Comanche 400, which featured the very powerful 8-cylinder Lycoming IO-720 engine under the cowl, developed specifically for the Comanche. High insurance premiums and engine cooling problems (as the rear two cylinders received poor airflow) resulted in a limited production run for this somewhat rare aircraft.
Piper PA-24-250 with optional wingtip tanks. A 1959 model Piper PA-24 ComancheIt is reported that Pug Piper made many of his design choices based on existing aircraft. The laminar flow wing was a feature found on the P-51 Mustang fighter. The swept tail was evocative of the current fighter aircraft, and the stabilator (flying tail) was a prominent feature of the Bell X-1, the first aircraft to break the sound barrier. The Comanche was a popular model and is still appreciated for its attractive lines.
Factory-installed auxiliary fuel tanks in the wings gave the Comanche a fuel capacity of 90 US gallons (341 litres) and a respectable range of nearly 1,125 miles (1,800 km) for some models. Later, the Brittain industries Company produced a wingtip fuel tank modification that gave the Comanche an extra 30 US gallons (113 litres) of fuel. Brittain Industries was bought out by the J.L. Osborne Company which still produces these tip tanks. Some Comanche aircraft have all six tanks installed giving a fuel load of 120 gallons. The addition of the wingtip tanks had the added advantage of increasing the useful load to 3000 pounds. With the 250 and 260 models burning roughly 15 US gallons (57 litres) per hour at sea level, the mid-model Comanches have an impressive range.
Stable flight characteristics made the Comanche a popular airplane for IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) flying. Dual Nav/Com radios and an optional auto-pilot made long-distance flying comfortable.
Perhaps the most impressive display of the Comanches performance and economy was the record breaking long distance flight of Max Conrad in a Comanche 250 in June 1959. Having removed the interior seats and replaced them with fuel tanks, Conrad flew non-stop from Casablanca, Morocco to Los Angeles, a distance of 7,668 statute miles (12,340 km). When the aircraft took off from Casablanca, it was loaded 2,000 pounds (910 kg) over its production gross weight limit, demonstrating the ruggedness of the Piper design.
Production of the Comanche ended in 1972 after a flood in the manufacturing plant destroyed the tooling necessary for production. Rather than re-build the tooling, Piper chose to move on with newer designs such as the Saratoga.
Today, however, the Comanche remains popular in the used aircraft market. The 250 and 260 models especially are respected as economical machines which perform well, though parts are increasingly difficult to find. Comanche owners remain loyal fans, and the aircrafts aircraft type club The International Comanche Society, hosts fly-ins, prints a monthly magazine, and offers training specific to the model.
In 1967 a single Comanche was modified by Swearingen to pressurize the cabin. Designated the PA-33, it was decided not to put this aircraft into production.
Country music singer Patsy Cline was aboard a Comanche when it crashed in 1963, killing all passengers.