B38M Project (144)

1
September 20, 2022
220105: Initial preps - filling the cabin windows.
2
September 20, 2022
220105: Initial preps - Access hole for ballast, resin installation.
3
September 20, 2022
220105: Initial preps - Access hole for ballast, resin installation.
4
September 20, 2022
220106: Cabin windows filled (two-part clear resin, high-temp electrical tape).
5
September 20, 2022
220106: Clear resin is self-levelling and cures in ~24 hours.
6
September 20, 2022
220106: Clear resin is self-levelling and cures in ~24 hours.
7
September 20, 2022
220106: Result is perfectly smooth and clear cabin windows (but note stray bubbles on windows R6 and R8).
8
September 20, 2022
220106: Result is perfectly smooth and clear cabin windows.
9
September 20, 2022
220304: Installing the Rudder. It was a tricky thing to get it looking right.
10
September 20, 2022
220304: Installing the tailpiece.
11
September 20, 2022
220314: Engine compressor fans are beautifully molded in two interlocking pieces. Paint is Tamiya Nato Black, with aluminium leading edges.
12
September 20, 2022
220331: Engine components ready for assembly.
13
September 20, 2022
220331: Note intake interior details (masked and airbrushed).
14
September 20, 2022
220419: Masking will be tricky. Here cutting template using decal sheet
15
September 20, 2022
220419: Masking will be tricky. Here applying template to fuselage.
16
September 20, 2022
220419: Tamiya flex masking tape to denote white cheat line.
17
September 20, 2022
220419: Black electrical tape to mask above the blue.
18
September 20, 2022
220419: Applying Tamiya X3 Royal Blue.
19
September 20, 2022
220419: Unmasking.
20
September 20, 2022
220419: Mishap #2: Beware of using a heat gun to dry your paint. The heat also caused the masking tape's glue to interact with the white paint.
21
September 20, 2022
220420: Fortunately, Zvezda includes two clear cockpit domes, one with eyebrows for older 737s (or for dummies like me armed with heat guns).
22
September 20, 2022
220420: Damage was mostly to the clear part, although the fuselage also deformed slightly. Here it is shimmed with plasticard and filled with Tamiya putty.
23
September 20, 2022
220420: Replacement windshield was welded in place with solvent glue followed by CA to fill gaps. Putty is Tamiya white.
24
September 20, 2022
220420: Re-painting the white uppers. Small defect at the lower left corner will have to remain.
25
September 20, 2022
220420: Back on track, mostly.
26
September 20, 2022
220424: Had to re-do the grey wave, too.
27
October 30, 2022
220430: Decal application is taking a while.
28
October 30, 2022
220430: Decal application is taking a while.
29
October 30, 2022
220513: Some progress. Note the various elements that must be applied in layers.
30
October 30, 2022
220513: Disappointed in the hit-and-miss quality of the after-market decals. Compare the "737" (Zvezda) and the "MAX" (PAS Decal) lettering.
31
October 30, 2022
220513: Tail decal looks ok once applied and fully set.
32
October 30, 2022
220513: Windshield looks ok too. Good response to decal setting solution.
33
October 30, 2022
220513: Turns out you can buy a 737 directly from Boeing and have it shipped directly from Everett, WA in just a few days. At left is a Boeing company model in 1/200 scale.
34
October 30, 2022
220513: Boeing company model in 1/200 scale.
35
October 30, 2022
220513: Boeing company model in 1/200 scale.
36
October 30, 2022
220522: Mostly complete.
37
October 30, 2022
220523: Rollout!
38
October 30, 2022
220523: Rollout!
39
October 30, 2022
220523: Rollout!
40
October 30, 2022
220523: Rollout!
41
October 30, 2022
220523: Rollout!
42
October 30, 2022
220523: Rollout! Note home-made stand.
43
October 30, 2022
220525: First flight!
44
October 30, 2022
220525: First flight!
45
October 30, 2022
220525: First flight!
46
October 30, 2022
220525: First flight!
47
April 17, 2023
220525: First flight!
48
October 30, 2022
220525: First flight!
49
October 30, 2022
220525: First flight!
50
October 30, 2022
220525: First flight!
51
October 30, 2022
52
April 17, 2023
220525: First flight!
53
October 30, 2022
220525: First flight!
54
April 17, 2023
220525: First revenue flight.
55
October 30, 2022
56
April 17, 2023
220525: First flight!
57
April 17, 2023
220525: First flight!
58
April 17, 2023

Comments

14 20 September 2022, 04:10

Neuling
Beautiful build in cool presentation!

30 October 2022, 07:58

Spanjaard
great job

30 October 2022, 09:39

Michael Kohl
Beautifully done, despite the mishaps. I am looking forward to my first try to fill the windows with ckear epoxy.

30 October 2022, 21:50

Andrew P
Thanks, guys!
A note on the acrylic - be sure to test it first by pouring a small batch into a disposable cup and letting it sit for the prescribed 24 hours. My first batch failed somehow, but all subsequent ones worked perfectly as advertised (probably user error).
Also, isopropyl alcohol works a treat for cleaning up the mess from uncured acrylic off your fingers, model, etc.

31 October 2022, 02:31

Michael Kohl
Thanx Andrew for the hints, much appreciated.

31 October 2022, 07:49

Sérgio Luiz
Nice build!
Why did you give up on the clear windows?

8 August 2023, 15:08

Benoit
Nice subject, very nice painting. I love the way you display the model with a home made stand.

8 August 2023, 15:48

Andrew P
Sérgio: I figures it isn't worth the effort in 1/144 scale, especially without a set of pre-cut masks.
Benoit: Thank you! I mount the post and socket at a 3 degree angle, so that I can display the airplane in level flight or, by turning the stand around, at 6 degrees nose-up.

11 August 2023, 17:38

Project info

Boeing 737-8 Max Prototype

58 images

1:144

Completed

1:144 Boeing 737-800 MAX (Pas Decals 737800-11)

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