1/??? Boeing 767

by Gonzalo D. Mendoza

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What can I say about this model?  This model was one of the most difficult models I have ever put together.  There were fit issues, scale issues, instruction issues, and finally detail issues.  To start things off the boxing had absolutely no artwork on it, no pictures to reference what so ever.  The manufacturers name wasn't even on the box nor was the scale!  However, after reading a lot of articles about difficult builds on this web site I had the confidence to tackle this model and finish it.  I did not want to relegate it to the stash and have it eat away at me to build it.  If I wanted this model finished I knew I had to jump in with both feet and knock it out. 

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There are many parts in the box.  Oddly the instructions do not number them. I had a very difficult time trying to figure out what went were.  Luckily I drew on my vast and extensive knowledge of aviation, I fly on 767 for a living, and after searching countless reference photos I think I was able to build a reasonable representation of a B-767. This model lacks a lot of detail but I know I could get it done.

Construction started on the wings. I was able to determine which wing went on what side by using many reference photos. Thank goodness for ARC. I determined after looking at countless models of aircraft that there definitely is a right wing and a left. However the X-29 through me for a loop. I had a little doubt that I had actually picked the correct wing for the correct side it turned out I was correct. I then turned my attention to the rudder. The fit here was atrocious! I had to add and remove the rudder several times before I was happy with the fit. I tell you a little super glue goes a long way. I then turned my attention to the other wing. The fit of the right wing was much better. There are still gaps but I think I can live with it. I thought about rescribing the model but then I realized that there was nothing to rescribe. There was no raised detail or engraved detail for that matter. I labored on determined to finish! When final assembly was completed to my horror, I noticed that the gears are way off scale!! I had no idea what to do so I left them on! Maybe someone will make a resin set to replace them. Next came the painting. One good thing about this model is it comes pre-painted. However, after studying many ANA photos I think that the light blue is to dark and the dark blue is to light, the white is to off and the grey is not quite right either. So naturally I stripped the paint and decals off and started over from scratch. I was able to obtain paint chips from ANA and match the colors perfectly to a real airplane. I had decals especially made for this model since no one carries any decals in this scale ( Two Bobs maybe in the future?). Once I received the decals I applied them and everything was great. I sprayed Future on the kit and BINGO I was done. I did not weather the airplane as I wanted to show a Showroom fresh aircraft for delivery. So after all is said and done I am really happy about the finished product! I am so happy I was able to tackle such a difficult build and struggle through to the end! I think for a break from such a hard kit I will downgrade to some limited run resin kit somewhere that will not require such manual labor. I need a break after this one!

Believe it or not I got these two wonderful little airplanes on a flight from Osaka Japan to Tokyo Japan. I was delighted when I saw an ANA flight attendant give a little child one of these little gems. The little boy inside of me came out and of course I had to have one. She was nice enough to give this big baby one and I was ever so grateful! On the return flight I unashamedly asked for another one, that is how I got two. It reminded me of when I was a little boy flying around and the airlines would give you little plastic wings and  an airplane and at the time it was the coolest thing ever. Of course airlines now do not do that anymore, you are hard pressed to get a full can of soda! Anyway, it really took me back to my childhood and for a short time I was a little kid flying his airplane to the ends of the world! I hope you enjoyed my article, making fun at us all, including me, at how sometimes we tend to grow up and look for perfection in all our projects and when something simple comes along how much fun it can be to just keep it simple.

Gonzalo

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Photos and text © by Gonzalo D. Mendoza