Bra.Z. Models 1/144 Boeing 727-100 Conversion
Overview
While the 727 is all but gone from passenger service these days, it
can still be found plying the skies as a cargo aircraft, which is not
to shabby for a plane that first flew over 40 years ago. A stretch 727,
the 727-200, soon followed the original short body 727-100, and 1831 727s
were produced when the production line shut down in 1984. Had the 727
met Stage III noise requirements, it is very likely we would still see
it flying passengers on regular routes, as it was very popular with both
the pilots and the passengers.
The Conversion
 Bra.Z.
Models has moved away from their traditional resin roots with this conversion,
producing it as an injection-molded kit. This is truly a remarkable leap
for them, as it will greatly improve the number of conversions built,
I believe. This conversion is quite simple, and I really cannot call it
a conversion, as it is a straight parts replacement set. Designed for
the Minicraft 727-200, this set comes with two new fuselage halves and
a new center intake insert that correctly captures that oval look. The
rest of your 727-100 will come from the Minicraft kit.
The detailing throughout this kit is very fine, matching the detail
found on the Minicraft 727 kit. One area that has kept me from doing this
conversion myself is the wing root fairing, which is quite different between
the -100 and -200. This fuselage accurately captures that shape, making
this a very simple conversion to do. There is one small discrepancy, though.
Although the instructions tell you to paint the cockpit black, and show
the fuselage without a windscreen, the actual fuselage is solid and incorporates
the windscreen. So for those who like clear cockpit windows, no luck here
unless you are up for some minor cutting.
Overall, this is a great conversion that will make building the short
727-100 quite easy. I can’t wait to see what Bra.Z. will attempt
next with their injection molding technology, but I am sure it will not
be long before we start seeing complete kits from them. If you want suggestions,
I’d be keen on a nice injection molded 1/144 Fokker 28. My thanks
to Bra.Z. Models for the review
sample. |
|
