ACAM Model Expo 2019 Challenge Build Official Thread.

[TheChronicOne]

That's look really good!!! Even the primer has a sheen to it... . . .

I can't wait to see some paint on 'er!

[hrtpaul]

The primer is the paint mate. After another coat or 2 I'll lightly sand it with 4-6000 grit micromesh. You can get it pretty shiny if you want but really just have to sand the roughness out then clear coat it.

[tor lives]

The "other" 737, (aka KEC-737), project.
Here is a sneak-peak at my other Airfix 737-200 currently under construction for the Challenge Build. It is a WIF based on a mid-80s Boeing promotional pamphlet. This concept was apparently proposed to the RAAF based around 2nd-hand Ansett 737-200s being bought by the ADF, and having them converted to "KEC-737" standard. The idea did actually have some merit for it's time, in that it would have provided the RAAF with an economical "theatre" Tanker capability combined with an effective tactical electronic warfare platform. I was going to keep this one as a surprise but what the hell. I am enjoying it so much I thought I would share with everyone.








I think Ray.S will like this one
TOR

[hrtpaul]

Nice. I like that a lot though I thought you were going to do an Indonesian one with that.

[tor lives]

Nice. I like that a lot though I thought you were going to do an Indonesian one with that.

Initially the TNI jet was the plan, but I find the RAAF KEC-737 proposal concept absolutely intriguing. And I am assuming that, because it was such a fleeting and little-known proposal, it's not something that many would even be aware of, much less seen.
TOR

[hrtpaul]

Yeah good choice I reckon. It looks remarkably good in RAAF colours

[RayS]

Yes and Yes!

I also thought you were going TNI with this build. It will be nice to see it in RAAF markings.

They look like the Hose/Drogue units the Canucks used on their 707s

[tor lives]

They look like the Hose/Drogue units the Canucks used on their 707s

Yep...the BOEING brochure does indeed show the 737 carrying the BEECH 1080 refueling pod. As you have indicated Ray, this is the pod that the Canadian 707 Tanker fleet carried, (along with the Iranian, Moroccan, and Saudi 707 Tankers). They were arguably the best pod available for 707-type Tankers in particular, as the they incorporated an extendable "arm" that swung the hose and basket down below the "dirty air" cascading off the trailing edge of the 707 wing.....thereby giving the receiver a much smoother (and safer) ride. This is in fact the pod that should have been fitted to the RAAF 707 fleet. Instead the RAAF elected for the cheaper FRL Mk 32B pod which, all though good and certainly fit-for-task, was challenging for any receiver, (especially new F-18 bogeys ), as they chased an oscillating basket on a short hose around the sky.
TOR

[tor lives]

So, a bit of work done tonight on the KEC-737.
The refuelling pods had to be scratch-built, but that's OK cause I have a bit of experience scratch-building different types of refuelling pods for different Tanker types.
For example below are some BEECH 1080 pods I scratch-built for an Iranian Air Force 707 a few years ago. These were scratch-built from a set of 1:144 F-14 Tomcat drop tanks.





I haven't decided yet weather to position the KEC-737 sitting on the ground, or inflight so that I can display the refuelling hose/baskets fully deployed (like the 707).
I love my big jet tankers!!!
TOR

[BradG]

Woooo my decals arrived.