bootneck Posted August 12, 2015 Share Posted August 12, 2015 Boeing 720 - United Roden 1:144 The Boeing 720 was a follow-on design of the highly successful Boeing 707 but primarily for short and medium-haul services within the continental USA. The Boeing 720 differed very little visually from its predecessor and only a careful examination could tell the difference between these aircraft. The main differences being that the fuselage of the Boeing 720 was 2.45m shorter and the wing had a slightly bigger sweep; most other changes were mechanical. The first production Boeing 720 was delivered to United Airlines and was allocated serial number N7201U. This aircraft was later purchased by private owners and refurbished as a VIP transport. The most famous occupants of N7201U were the rock groups Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple; plus pop stars such as Elton John and Sonny & Cher. The Boeing 720 did not fare as well commercially as the Boeing 707 though and they were often sold on by their original owning airlines; mainly to other countries who operated these until as late as the 1990's. The Kit The box art shows a fine view of Boeing 720, serial N7205U of United Airlines which is the subject model of this kit. The box itself is of very sturdy top and bottom style card packaging. There are six main sprues that contain the parts for the aircraft and these are produced in a light grey plastic. A seventh sprue is of clear plastic and holds the cockpit glazing and windows for the fuselage. A single sheet of decals is provided, for a Boeing 720 of United Airlines with the serial N7205U. The remaning items in the box are a four page booklet of instruction plus a single sheet containing full colour detail and decal marking positions. The first sprue holds the two fuselage halves and there are small amounts of ejector-pin residue at various points which will need cleaning off. The fuselage has window openings to take the clear windows; however, what seems to be a standard with Roden kits, there is no interior details in the cockpit. This means that one either paints that area a dark colour and then fits the canopy; or detail needs to be added by scratchbuilding seats etc. The windows are so small that there would be very little to see inside so it probably will not be of concern to most. Panel lines are nicely recessed and clearly defined. Locating pins for correct alignment are included on the insides of the parts but care needs to be taken as they are so small they may miss the location. Two identical sprues contain the engine mountings and a mainwheel assembly. Inside the cowling of each engine mount is a nicely detailed fanblade assembly; however, being an integral part will mean that extra care will be needed when painting for the demarcations between blades and cowling. The tailplane sections, wheel bay flaps and the nosewheel oleo are on the remaining sprue. The ailerons are integral to the wings and tailplanes so an in-line setting is only possible; unless these ailerons are cut away and re-attached at angles. The clear sprue holds the cockpit glazing section and strips for the fuselage windows. Four windows for the doors are also provided as separate items from the main window strips. INSTRUCTIONS AND COLOUR DETAILS A four page A5 sized paper booklet of is supplied and this contains an illustrated parts breakdown plus assembly instructions which are also in the internationally recognised illustrative method. The is following by illustrated exploded views of each area of assembly, with part number identified matching placements on the sprues There is also a single sheet of colour details for the United livery plus an aid for decal placements. The colour matching paint numbers, quoted on the page, are for Vallejo acrylic paints. DECALS A set of decals is provided for N7205U of United Airlines. The lettering and livery appear to be sharp and in good register and colours look to be correct for a 1950's era United Airways livery. CONCLUSION This is a nice little kit of a Boeing 720 and should look good in any display or placed in an airport diorama setting. Recommended. Review sample courtesy ofUK Distributors for 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
busnproplinerfan Posted January 7, 2017 Share Posted January 7, 2017 I saw a reissue today in Pan Am markings for sale at my hobby shop for $45 Cdn, that reasonable? I was able to look into the box and it looked quite nice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
busnproplinerfan Posted January 8, 2017 Share Posted January 8, 2017 (edited) I saw a reissue today in Pan Am markings for sale at my hobby shop for $45 Cdn, that reasonable? I was able to look into the box and it looked quite nice. I love your message signature to. Edited January 8, 2017 by Julien pls stop quoting the whole topic in reply Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jessica Posted January 30, 2017 Share Posted January 30, 2017 It's reasonable if you think it's reasonable. One thing to watch for with this kit is the engines. As moulded they're about 25% too large. Welsh Models offers resin replacements which are in proper proportion. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
halcyonjet Posted January 31, 2017 Share Posted January 31, 2017 The kit with the Pan Am decals is of the 720B, the engines of which are fine! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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