quanng
Well-known member
BACKGROUND: In 2016, one of Qantas -438 powered by RR engines was grounded in Jo’burg due to an engine failure, in which a timely replacement was crucial not to disrupting the airline operation by rescheduling. Despite the rare occurrence of the event, this situation was well planned and timely executed. Instead of having to ship the replacement engine on the belly / main deck of a cargo/passenger aircraft, the engine was “shipped” hanging under the port wing of a commercial 747 doing regular passenger flight between SYD and JNB on January 6th 2016 but with an extra fuel stop at PER operated by this specific airframe VH-OJS to accommodate the increased fuel burn of the extra 7.6 ton engine mount and slower cruise speed. This has been the latest time when a powerplant was transported in this way. Also, it is worth noting that QF’s fleet of -438/ER with GE engines are not certified to carry an extra eng like what is here.
THE MODEL: In early 2025, MyHobbyHouse, a Malaysian store, announced the model under the store’s brand MachBirdz (this is to my understanding and please correct me if i am wrong) using the HX/YY 747 mould. The model arrived at the store in late September and was delivered to me later than i had wished and i was only able to review it now. VH-OJS came in two wing configuration: either standard on ground or with flaps deployed - both of which comes with the 5th pod. When the sample images was posted, it was observed that the FD oddly had a better improved nose profile than the standard version, which brought up quite a discussion as far as I could remember. My tendency is not having double-special model (in this case a fifth pod and FD at the same time) but owing to the nose shape I decided to get the FD. In the end, from what I have heard, both versions got the improved nose. Nonetheless I am still happy with my choice as this is my first 744 with FD (I already have the 741s and 743 with FD). Without any longer writing, here are the photos of the model well-lit under the rising sun and December blue skies.
Starting with a front view from the port side.
Side view on the left. The antennas are imo well-placed, well detailed.
Turning to the back of the starboard side.
A somewhat side view but a bit from the front.
The front view on the starboard side.
Bird-eye view.
Close-up at the front with the 5th pod.
And finally a closer look at the 5th pod with the model on the stand.
Stay tuned for more photos in the next post.
THE MODEL: In early 2025, MyHobbyHouse, a Malaysian store, announced the model under the store’s brand MachBirdz (this is to my understanding and please correct me if i am wrong) using the HX/YY 747 mould. The model arrived at the store in late September and was delivered to me later than i had wished and i was only able to review it now. VH-OJS came in two wing configuration: either standard on ground or with flaps deployed - both of which comes with the 5th pod. When the sample images was posted, it was observed that the FD oddly had a better improved nose profile than the standard version, which brought up quite a discussion as far as I could remember. My tendency is not having double-special model (in this case a fifth pod and FD at the same time) but owing to the nose shape I decided to get the FD. In the end, from what I have heard, both versions got the improved nose. Nonetheless I am still happy with my choice as this is my first 744 with FD (I already have the 741s and 743 with FD). Without any longer writing, here are the photos of the model well-lit under the rising sun and December blue skies.
Starting with a front view from the port side.
Side view on the left. The antennas are imo well-placed, well detailed.
Turning to the back of the starboard side.
A somewhat side view but a bit from the front.
The front view on the starboard side.
Bird-eye view.
Close-up at the front with the 5th pod.
And finally a closer look at the 5th pod with the model on the stand.
Stay tuned for more photos in the next post.
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