I want to build a custom model for my train layout, I would really like to make one of the Boeing 737 that BNSF ships( http://imgur.com/49UI556 if you never seen it) the problem is the layout is 1/87 and 737 models in that scale are almost nonexistent or very expensive. I thought I could try to custom build the fuselage but I'm having trouble on how I would do that. I was thinking maybe bending brass into a cylinder then just dealing with the cockpit and tail with something else. I also thought about kit bashing a model in 1/72 but thought it'd be way too big as the 737 is a pretty small commerical jet. You guys have any suggestions?
What about a 707 or a 727 in 1/72 scale. Since they are smaller aircraft... they might look correct next to 1/87 scale RR equipment. Might have to change a couple details... but, might be a good place to start. Also, don't let them fall into the river! LOL! JMS Add on- you also might want to get one of these. I know it is paper... but, could also be a good place to start! JMS http://www.bestpapermodels.com/en/paper-model-1-87-h0-boeing-737-500-smart-wings.html
Do a Google search and you'll find examples of people using a 1/144 or 1/200 model of a 767 as a stand-in for a 1/87th scale model of a 737. The real 767 is considerably larger than the 737, so even though it's a smaller scale than HO, it's roughly the right size for an HO 737. Steve S
On the RGW we use the Doyusha 1/100 737. While it is 13% smaller than HO, we combine it with a 75 ft flat, not an 89 ft flat like the prototype, so it looks right. Here is a shot of that: The selective compression fools your eye into thinking it's the correct size. Please go to: http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/showthread.php?t=86070 The plane project starts at post 400. It also continues at post 444. Hope this helps. Michael
Thx Eagle2. We also used shapeways to custom print the supports and icebreaker, as what we found on the market was too large.
That looks good, Mike. The windows will be a lot closer to proper scale than the 1/144 767 model I mentioned above. Steve S
That paper model might work as a starting point, maybe with a plastic/cardboard tube as a structural support for the fuselage?
Might also consider a block of balsawood to make your basic shape. I used to do that alot when I was a kid.
So i think what we're gunna do is 3d print the plane. I can use my college's printer and in a couple of session( about 6 3 hour sessions) I can print the model for free. The printer's resolution is a fraction of a millimeter so I'm not too concerned about the printer edges on curves, and I have made the the model about 1% bigger than the scaled version so I can sand down the surface if necessary. The solidworks model is here if anyone wants it. https://grabcad.com/library/boeing-737-ho-scale-1/files/Boeing_737_800.SLDPRT
I'm sorry, but 727s and above all 707s are NOT smaller airplanes. That's even the opposite. If the 727 has the same fuselage section than the 737, the 707 has a taller fuselage section. Same width, but taller / higher. There's no real "on the shelf" solution for this question. Looks like when starting to produce models, airplane kit manufacturers and modeltrain manufacturers unfortunately ignored each other... BTW other scale modelrailroaders, with the exception of O-scalers, suffer of the same issue... 1:144 and 1:160 for N-scalers, 1:200 and 1:220 for Z-scalers, etc... However there could be a solution: using a Mc Donnell Douglas DC9/MD80 fuselage: indeed these aircraft have a smaller fuselage section than their Boeing counterparts (5 seats abreast instead of 6 and smaller belly holds). One just has to swap the Douglas 3-window sections of the windshield with the Boeing 2-window sections. Maybe some work with heavy file and caulk work, but for modelrailroaders who are not too much airplane fanatics that could work... Dom
