[PHOTOSHOOT] 2007 EuroClassics SABENA B747-329(M) OO-SGD

[quanng]

SABENA once served as the flag carrier for Belgium for 68 years, until 2001. During its existence, the airline operated a total of 9 Jumbos, 3 of which were in standard configuration and were leased by the airline for less than a year. The other 6, 4 of which served as the airline’s backbone, featured Side Cargo Doors, which made the operation as a “Mixed” of Passenger and Cargo on the main deck (a.k.a Combi) possible. Interestingly enough, the last of the 2 B743 the airline ordered - MSN24837 registered as OO-SGD was also the last B743 ever produced and was delivered to the airline in 1990 - 1 year after the 1st B744 delivered. As a result, this airframe featured the modern wing-to-body fairing, did not come with HF antennas on wingtips and was powered by 4x GE CF6-50. These features align this frame as a “Modern update” B743 - mentioned in my Air India B743 thread (I cannot add a hyperlink nor bold my writings). After 35 years, this airframe is still in active service with Belarusian cargo carrier Transaviaexport in an uninspiring all-white scheme.

I was having 2 minds when seeing this listing as I wanted to share to my friend. Eventually, it was my purchase. That shop later listed 2 French jumbos by BB400 but I passed as they were more expensive than this beauty, which is a pleased addition to my collection. This is my first Aeroclassics-branded B747 Classic (others are BigBirds) and is marketed under the brand “Euroclassics”. I have had other 743s which have JT9D, RB211 and CF6-80. This model completed my collection for all engine options that available for the type. Let’s have a look at the model itself.

Starting from above from the front.


In a lower angle of the starboard-side


A side-view but a bit rearwards.


A bit from below.


Rear-view at a higher angle.


Rear-view of port side.

Side angle from above.


Moving a bit towards the front.


Much more closer to the Jumbo’s nose.


And finally, a view at the Queen’s nose.


That’s all for the photoshoot. Further discussion follows in the next post.

 

[quanng]

Following the previous photos, there are some comments I have for this model.

First, a starboard side nose close-up shot. Most windows between door 1R and 2R are plugged due to the location of some kind of gallery (?) that I am not really sure. The seam on this Sabena seems to be more obvious than my other BB 747s. On a side node, the gear of this one came directly attached to the model (I don’t know if this was the standard to this model). The wing-to-body joint does not accurately reflect the modern version but leans somewhat towards the classic ones. I am not really happy with the cockpit printing unfortunately.



Interestingly, all B743 released by Aeroclassics and the initial BigBird did not feature HF antennas at all, despite the real machines of these releases did. If I recall correctly, it is said that the wings used on 743 releases are from the 744, which have sanded-down winglets. This 744 cradle should prove the modern WBF on modern-updates 743, but the machine of these BB 743 releases got the classic WBF style. The fuselage of the BB 743 also originates from BB 744 - which is no surprise. The 743 is somewhat a neglected child of BB400s. By the look of the cradle, it. Maybe it is cheaper to make the 744 fuselage + 744 wing cradle than 744 fuselage + 742 wing cradle? Interestingly, when JC released the B743 Mk3 in 2015, they did things right: 744 fuselage + 742 wing cradle for the SQ and CX Lettuce Green release. Then again, when the AI B743 came out in 2022, the good ol’ BB method appears again when the 744 wing cradle was used. In order to prove the sanded-744 wing used, here is a snapshot comparing SABENA B743 (left) and Kalitta B742 (Apollo using BB mould) on the right. It is worth mentioning that a sanded-down B744 wing would be a tad longer than the original 747 classic, thus increasing the wingspan.


To sum up for this post, I would like to share a telephoto-style shot with the skyline far away. It’s tricky for my phone to take this shot: using the telephoto lens and focuses well on the model. Otherwise it would do a cropped-in from main sensor, the image quality of which is questioning.


That’s all for today’s post. I hope you enjoyed it and see you in my next photoshoot posts.

 

[LeoMuse747]

Wonderful model, despite the flaws of the old BB mould! A truly beautiful Jumbo. Quite interesting how Sabena opted for the GE CF6-50 engines instead of the more modern CF6-80.

 

[airbeluga]

Thank you for your in-depth analysis. It's very interesting to see the differences in the various fuselage/wing configurations for the BB 743 models.

Still a very beautiful model that you have.

 

[Barison82]

Highly informative post, thanks for your efforts in sharing Nice model there, I have the B.742 version which carries the reg. for a B.743! Another classic mistake in 1:400.

 

[Phantom]

In order to prove the sanded-744 wing used, here is a snapshot comparing SABENA B743 (left) and Kalitta B742 (Apollo using BB mould) on the right. It is worth mentioning that a sanded-down B744 wing would be a tad longer than the original 747 classic, thus increasing the wingspan.

Something doesn't add up here. Both wings show identical aileron positions (distance aileron to wingtip) which shouldn't be the case if you just sand off the 400's winglets. If you'd sand off the wing extensions too, you would cut right through the 6th slat segment and erase what looks like engraved position lights here.
I don't have any BB400 743/744 to look at. Could you snap a pic of the wing undersides please? If this really was a sanded 744 wing, we should see 5 plus a cut in half slat segement. If there are 5 slat segements than we're looking at a different (747Classic) mould.

Can't say I like this mould (I so absolutely don't) but I once again love the light in thos pics.

 

[quanng]

Wonderful model, despite the flaws of the old BB mould! A truly beautiful Jumbo. Quite interesting how Sabena opted for the GE CF6-50 engines instead of the more modern CF6-80.

Thank you Leo! It has some shortcomings but nonetheless still a nice model. The 743 sure has some interesting combos, for instance Thai opted for the CF6-80 to align with their upcoming 744 fleet but remained with the old WBF.

 

[quanng]

Thank you for your in-depth analysis. It's very interesting to see the differences in the various fuselage/wing configurations for the BB 743 models.

Still a very beautiful model that you have.

Your welcome! I find the 743 to be the most interesting variant of the Queen as it offers a blend between the classic wing with HF and a modern lengthened upper deck. I still have to learn a lot though.

 

[quanng]

Something doesn't add up here. Both wings show identical aileron positions (distance aileron to wingtip) which shouldn't be the case if you just sand off the 400's winglets. If you'd sand off the wing extensions too, you would cut right through the 6th slat segment and erase what looks like engraved position lights here.
I don't have any BB400 743/744 to look at. Could you snap a pic of the wing undersides please? If this really was a sanded 744 wing, we should see 5 plus a cut in half slat segement. If there are 5 slat segements than we're looking at a different (747Classic) mould.

Can't say I like this mould (I so absolutely don't) but I once again love the light in thos pics.

Thank you very much Phantom for your clarification. Through your detailed analysis, I can confirm this is just another BB400 wing, which has an engraved position lights. I haven’t got a chance to see this engraved position light before, maybe @YesterAirlines would have some more info.


Left: Sabena B743 AC vs Right: Asiana B744 by WittyWings (mould originated from BB). The clear difference in wingspan between a classic 747 to the 744 is visible here. 5 slat segment for the B743, 6 for the B744.


Left: Orient Thai B742 AV400 (originated from BB) and Sabena on the right. Both have 5 slats. It is an interesting note that the CX B742 I got had a very faint slat markings, which is difficult to observe and nearly impossible to photograph. I would like to confirm my “fainted slat marking” theory when others B742 arrive.

 

[YYZ727]

What a beauty. Sabena's 80's livery was a classic, simple yet stylish.

 

[quanng]

What a beauty. Sabena's 80's livery was a classic, simple yet stylish.

I couldn't agree more! At first I didn't find the livery to be eye-catching but it starts to grow in me.