I worked the L-1649A when I was at Lockheed Air Service in New York. We handled Lufthansa and later Transatlantic Argentina. Aircraft originally had hollow aluminum prop blades. They were real paddleblade type as engine model were peculiar to the L-1649A aircraft with a greater prop reduction ratio. Made for a slow turning prop. A problem with the prop blades developed.
An Air France L-1649 was parked outside our line maintenance office at Idlewild when we heard a big commotion. Came outside and found that one of the prop blades had split open down its leading edge - stuffing inside prop was hanging out. Shortly thereafter they went to solid dural blades.
Starliner was a complicated beast indeed - some of the hydraulics were from the L-188 Electra - 3000-psi and dual all the way around. Had Ermato "leakproof" hydraulic fittings - hah!
It was an interesting aircraft to taxi with the 150-ft wingspan. Needed lots of room. But the most beautiful of the Connies in the air.