quanng
Well-known member
Ever since I started collecting 747 Classics - which marked by the arrival of my Cathay Pacific -300 Lettuce Green, I have always wanted to have the predecessor -200 of the same scheme. It was recognized from the beginning to be not an easy task. The model was popular among classic collectors and hence, due to being produced 20 years ago at a limited number, commands an astonishing price-tag and I didn’t get this model as an average amount I would like to spend either. Needless to say, I am quite pleased to have VR-HKG as it completes my wide-body Lettuce Sandwich fleet, including the L-1011, B742/3/4. Had I won that Waffle auction a year and a half ago, no more BigBird 747s would have been added into my collection. Without further ado, here are the photos.
Front nose view.
Side shot on the starboard side.
Close up to the tail.
From behind.
Direct from the aft.
An aft view of the port side.
A view from above of the port side.
Side view of the port side.
Front view of port side.
And finally, a view with the skyline of Saigon - a bit obstructed.
My comments: From all the photos, it can be seen that the chrome is tarnished, which could explain why I won this model at that price point. Ironically, the BB400 which I paid the least still stood the test of time with the shiny chrome, whereas the model i paid the most got some paint tarnish. Like the zinc-rot B744, it seems that the “Cathay Pacific” title of this model seems to be a bit high and not squished like of the real machine. The HF still holds strong after 20 years, which weren’t intact on many other models.
My question: it seems that there are two versions of BigBird VR-HKG: one with the blue-box sleeve and green box like mine. Are there any differences between these 2 versions?
My verdict: Despite some minor imperfection, it is still a staple classic for me. Probably in the near future, NG or HX/YY would ultimately produce this classic, I would also glad to add them to my collection in different reg - and I’d prefer the Flaps Down version more. NG or HX/YY would introduce modern and realistic characteristics to the model but this BigBird still holds its charm. As of current, there isn’t any “faultless” B747 for the 1:400 world as each and every mould has their own errors.
Finally, this would be my final photoshoot for a while. But this year has been the year of original BigBird 747 for me as there are other 2 on approach. The chrome finish is also matte and not as shiny like it is but those would also be welcomed additions. That would be all for today’s post, I hope you like the photos.
Front nose view.
Side shot on the starboard side.
Close up to the tail.
From behind.
Direct from the aft.
An aft view of the port side.
A view from above of the port side.
Side view of the port side.
Front view of port side.
And finally, a view with the skyline of Saigon - a bit obstructed.
My comments: From all the photos, it can be seen that the chrome is tarnished, which could explain why I won this model at that price point. Ironically, the BB400 which I paid the least still stood the test of time with the shiny chrome, whereas the model i paid the most got some paint tarnish. Like the zinc-rot B744, it seems that the “Cathay Pacific” title of this model seems to be a bit high and not squished like of the real machine. The HF still holds strong after 20 years, which weren’t intact on many other models.
My question: it seems that there are two versions of BigBird VR-HKG: one with the blue-box sleeve and green box like mine. Are there any differences between these 2 versions?
My verdict: Despite some minor imperfection, it is still a staple classic for me. Probably in the near future, NG or HX/YY would ultimately produce this classic, I would also glad to add them to my collection in different reg - and I’d prefer the Flaps Down version more. NG or HX/YY would introduce modern and realistic characteristics to the model but this BigBird still holds its charm. As of current, there isn’t any “faultless” B747 for the 1:400 world as each and every mould has their own errors.
Finally, this would be my final photoshoot for a while. But this year has been the year of original BigBird 747 for me as there are other 2 on approach. The chrome finish is also matte and not as shiny like it is but those would also be welcomed additions. That would be all for today’s post, I hope you like the photos.
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