2008 AV400 Swissair Boeing 747-357(M) HB-IGD "Basel". The ultimate B747 standard length mould till today?

[quanng]

The Lunar New Year is coming in a week and I was just released from university after having completed the exam for the last subject before holiday. Today, I would like to share with you the last aircraft, also the missing piece of my Boeing 747-300 collection - Swissair 1980 livery a.k.a "Chocolate Bar" scheme. I have previously shared my Cathay Pacific's iconic Lettuce Sandwich powered by RB211-524C4 and the masterpiece Air India classic livery powered by GE CF6-80C2B1. By then I have yet to have any B743 powered by Pratt Whitney - the manufacturer that provides the most engine for this type. Looking at all models made in 1:400 scale having the PW, only the Swissair "Chocobar" stands out and the quest was on. I knew that this would not come out very cheap and I was not wrong. However I found that I am still lucky to have scored this one, though it is being the priciest model that I have in my collection - crossing the 3 digits mark (the model alone only stands at 2 digits but shipping price was not kind). First would be the picture of the 3 743s I have in my collection, the SR stands furthest.

The previous flag carrier of Switzerland - Swissair (SR/SWR) (not to be confused with the current Swiss) has a long and rich history. The airline entered jet-age with the Caravelles. The growing capacity demanded a larger jet and 2 B742 came into the fleet. In 1983, the airline started to receive the B743. Initially 4 were inducted to the fleet (a Combi pair with Swiss registration and a standard pair with US regos, later changed to Swiss reg) and 1987 another 743 - a Combi joined the fleet. HB-IGD (MSN 22705, LN 576) was delivered to Swissair on March 5th, 1983 - the first 743 that came to the airline and bore the name Basel. Here are the real photos of this machine, credits to their respective owners. Please notice the engine sizes relative to the fuselage. The port side with SCD (Side-Cargo-Door) taken at GVA.

The starboard side taken at the famous Kai Tak.

Now, let's head to the model itself. I think you might have seen these on my Instagram but IG only allowed 10 photos per post (here also) and I don't like double post on IG. Therefore you can see full 16 photos in this thread (divided into 2 separate posts). Port side



Starboard side

 

[quanng]

The continuation.
Nose shots! Starboards

Port side nose.

Tail logo and registration.

Underside shot.

Closer look at the intake.

PW JT9D-7RG2 no.1 and no.2 engines. IMO they look a bit smaller than they should. I wish @ngmodels @ngmodelsglobal when releasing the standard length B747s please have a look at the JT9D engines - there are many versions with different sizes!

HF antennas are well proportioned.

A view from the back.

Starboard side from above. Backlit shots do not always turn out bad.

And finally, a silhouette photo with the morning sun.

That's all for today's thread. Which photos are your favorite? I hope I can share the CX B744 Lettuce before the New Year. Wishing you all a nice weekend!

 

[LeoMuse747]

A very beautiful model in a great mould! But I agree about the engines, they look too small indeed.

 

[OscarBravo992]

A stunning model indeed, and well worth the cost. The fate of this mould is a crying shame, and in its absence, the best-looking 747 variant is left without a decent representation. Hopefully, a manufacturer picks up on this and does the -300 justice.

 

[pons399]

That looks fantastic, especially with the slot-in wings. AV400 would be printing money if they made a -400 mould, since there's no confirmation of NG working on one.

 

[quanng]

A very beautiful model in a great mould! But I agree about the engines, they look too small indeed.

Thank you so much Leo! I think this must be the most iconic livery that AV400 made using the stunning tooling!

 

[quanng]

A stunning model indeed, and well worth the cost. The fate of this mould is a crying shame, and in its absence, the best-looking 747 variant is left without a decent representation. Hopefully, a manufacturer picks up on this and does the -300 justice.

I agree! I have been spending top dollars lately but it worths every penny! I wish this tooling would be revived with updated aerials and so on and models made using this castings would sell out within a heart beat! It is kinda sad that the majority of AV400 747s are not prominent carriers.

 

[quanng]

That looks fantastic, especially with the slot-in wings. AV400 would be printing money if they made a -400 mould, since there's no confirmation of NG working on one.

I think the slot-in wing feature was by then - 2008 - a feature of the future since nearly all others still used cradle moulds. They did all variants of standard-length 747s (741, 742, 743, 744 pax/BCF and 744F). NG has made the SP, and the upcoming 748 according to their teaser so I think the other 747s would follow.

 

[pons399]

I think the slot-in wing feature was by then - 2008 - a feature of the future since nearly all others still used cradle moulds. They did all variants of standard-length 747s (741, 742, 743, 744 pax/BCF and 744F). NG has made the SP, and the upcoming 748 according to their teaser so I think the other 747s would follow.

I guess that shows how forward-thinking AV400 always was; nevermind that it was under different management back then . It's great to see innovation like beacon lights and removable gear in 1:400, especially since those features don't come at the cost of accuracy.

Regarding NG's 747s, I'm pretty sure NG's trying to get them absolutely right, hence the delays. With delays come higher expectations, so hopefully advancements made since the SP (ex. moulded-in belly intakes) are incorporated. I wouldn't be surprised if NG started including beacon lights with the 747s as well.

 

[quanng]

I guess that shows how forward-thinking AV400 always was; nevermind that it was under different management back then . It's great to see innovation like beacon lights and removable gear in 1:400, especially since those features don't come at the cost of accuracy.

Regarding NG's 747s, I'm pretty sure NG's trying to get them absolutely right, hence the delays. With delays come higher expectations, so hopefully advancements made since the SP (ex. moulded-in belly intakes) are incorporated. I wouldn't be surprised if NG started including beacon lights with the 747s as well.

I would agree on your statement as NG did not want to rush to the market since their products are regarded by collectors as top-notch and the manufacturer did not want to disappoint. From my view I would be surprised if NG includes the beacon light jewels for 747s as they have yet to replicate it on other models. Oh well, time will tell!

 

[Phantom]

It's great to see innovation like beacon lights ... in 1:400, especially since those features don't come at the cost of accuracy.

Can't really agree here.
Neither the real 787 nor A350 have such red beacon lights. They have red light emitting LEDs housed in clear/"white" covers. They are only red when the LEDs are on.
I see no point in having those "jevel" pieces on those models - at least not in red.

 

[1/400collector]

I think that we all of a bit to nuch of high expectations from NG 747 it can be as horrible as the phoenix one

 

[Alzyerpal]

I think the level of expectation placed upon NG by the collectorate is that any 747 tooling must be better than a real 747 !

 

[quanng]

I think that we all of a bit to nuch of high expectations from NG 747 it can be as horrible as the phoenix one

That can be the case but we all hope for the best.

I think the level of expectation placed upon NG by the collectorate is that any 747 tooling must be better than a real 747 !

Maybe that's the idea of others...but not mine.

 

[OscarBravo992]

I think the level of expectation placed upon NG by the collectorate is that any 747 tooling must be better than a real 747 !

To be honest, I am starting to agree with you. As long as NG’s 747 is better than Phoenix’s offering, I will be happy. All I want is for NG to make a proper set of 747s that get good use and look good on a shelf.

 

[pons399]

I think the level of expectation placed upon NG by the collectorate is that any 747 tooling must be better than a real 747 !

Jokes aside, I think everyone just wants it to be up to NG's usual standards. Which happen to be very high. Not like anyone's expecting a company with Phoenix's track record to start pumping out NG/AV400-quality moulds .