This
model first started life as a travel agents model way back in the 1960’s.
These were made with vacuum formed high-impact styrene and fibreglass. This
particular model was originally marked in a Qantas scheme, with the registration
and markings claiming it to be a 707-138B, Qantas’ own long range 707
custom-built by Boeing. (It was even shorter than the first 707-100’s). The
wings and tail were correct for the 707-138B, however on inspection, the
fuselage was that of the later stretched 707-338. (In Boeing parlance, the first
digit signifies the model number, and the last two digits represent the
customer: eg a 707-338 is a 300 series, originally ordered by Qantas (Boeing
customer number 38).
This
model came to me by a customer wanting it to be restored to its former
glory. It suffered from damaged and cracked paintwork, extremely heat
damaged wings, and was missing an engine. The opportunity was made to
reduce the fuselage length to replicate a 707-138B fuselage. This is
definitely not a simple cut and shut job, as the fuselage tapers
enormously. Two cuts were made in front of and behind the main wing. |
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Fuselage
break fore and aft of main wing.
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The
model was masked up for the procedure, and then run through my band saw! At this
stage, the engines were also removed from the wing. At first, I had planned on
casting one of the engines to replace the missing engine, however I had an
Airfix 1/72 AWACS E-3D Sentry in my own collection that included the correct
engines for this particular version. (I was going to be using the high by-pass
engines for the AWACS anyway!). The wings were also repaired by cutting slots on
the lower surfaces (At the engine pylon locations) and inserting strip styrene
to straighten out the warpage. These were then filled with auto body filler
(Bog!) and sanded smooth.
I
moved onto the front and rear fuselage sections, removing the appropriate
sections to bring the fuselage back to the correct length. Take special note of
the cut line in the rear fuselage, retaining the wing root fairing aft of the
main wing, even though the principal break line was further forward.
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Front
fuselage section removed |
Rear
fuselage section removed |
I
glued large Evergreen tabs into the open ends of the mid-fuselage prior with
epoxy. Reattaching the front and rear fuselage sections then began, with
additional use of epoxy. Superglue just wasn’t going to cut the mustard on
these joins!
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Closing
the gap! |
An
awkward fit! |
With
the fuselage joined up, the long process of filling and sanding, filling and
sanding began! Particular attention and time went into the aft wing fairing
area, as this required copious amounts of filler to get to the correct fuselage
shape. Between filling, I applied spray putty and a guide coat to the join areas
until I was happy that I had achieved seamless joints. The long probe at the top
of the vertical stabilizer was also missing. This was replaced with a length of
brass rod, glued into place and faired in with auto filler.
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Sanding
back the spray putty. |
Almost
there! |
I
built up the Airfix engines as per the kit instructions, then glued these into
position using epoxy and brass locating rods for additional strength.
Painting
was then carried out, using automotive acrylic lacquer. Finally, the
decals were applied. I had these specially made by Steve Evans of Hawkeye
Decals, and was pleased to see them released as a complete set to the
general public. The decals went on magnificently. Steve has helped on a
number of projects with custom decals, and I have found his second to none
in ease of application and final appearance. |
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A
much nicer engine than the originals!
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The
finished model!
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References:
Stephen
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