Evening Star by Mike Machat

The absolute zenith of the piston era, Lockheed's Model 1049G Constellation epitomized elegant air travel during the mid-1950s. Inbound from Europe, Trans World Airlines Ambassador Flight 863 originating in Frankfurt, Germany operated as "through service" and became Flight 269 to Los Angeles. Enjoying a magnificent view of the San Bernardino Mountains at dusk, the "Star of Windsor" enters Los Angeles airspace. As the last glow of daylight fades from the eastern sky, a lone star appears visible above the horizon. Whether it is this elegant airliner's namesake, or the lone celestial body, on this Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24, 1955, it is indeed a very special "Evening Star".