The reason I wasn't going to get it is I already had the Aurora version from years ago which actually uses the same mould as the new Aeroclassics version. An order mixup however has given me the chance to be able to compare the two releases which depict the same colour scheme on different frames.
Back in November 2013 I'd done a thread on United's 727 liveries and what we've been missing (http://www.diecastaircraftforum.com/...64-80-mia.html) so its nice to see AC wandering into the backlog - though actually none of the 3 new 727-200s sport versions of the 7 727 colours that haven't been done before (most of the not done versions could only be made on a series 100).
Anyway here are the two versions together. The Aurora version uses a much darker blue than the Aeroclassics version. In addition other differences are:
- Different sizes of the 727 Friend ship text
- Larger spacing on the registration of the AC version
- Emergency cut here areas on the cabin of the Aurora (see above the U)
- Higher finishing red tail stripe on the Aurora
- Smaller No2 exhaust on the Aeroclassics
- The Aeroclassics is a lot lower at the rear I think because of the new rolling gears for the main undercarriage
United took delivery of 28 stretch 727s from May 1968 through till June 1969. It was to be an 8 year wait until they took delivery of further -200s in the form of over 60 Advanced models, which became the mainstay of their medium haul fleet in the 1980s.
N7638U served with UA until the end of 1993 when she was stored until being sold onto Emery Worldwide who converted her to a freighter in early 1995. They operated her until 2005 when she was bought and then sold quickly onto the Mexican airline Planet Airways as XA-SRC in June 2007. By 2008 she was in the hands of PanAm AirCargo as XA-UIJ however she never entered service and was stored minus engines as of February 2010.
N7632U was a standard 727 delivered in November 1968. She remained with United her whole career until being stored in May 1994. Sold to Aero Controls Inc she was subsequently broken up.
I love your posts like this. Please keep 'em coming!
Thanks Todd. I intend too. I have future threads all lined up and ready to go about British and Russian types as well as airlines from the Warsaw Pact, Middle-East and Asia. Plus I'm sure there'll be more 727 threads and some other random topics too.
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Richard
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I too own the Aurora. Aeroclassics has the blue correct. Unfortunately, with the amounts I've spent on recent purchases, I'll have to hold off on spending over $40 with shipping to replace a 727 that is otherwise reasonably close. I own the Aeroclassics UA stretch DC-8 in blue-star colors, so I have one with the correct colors. I also have the Dragon blue-star DC-10-10 whose blue is too light; I'll eventually replace it as well.
But please keep the threads coming. I enjoy the history, and your big, bright pictures help for comparisons.
Nice comparison and history Richard - your photos are great - I'm always disappointed when I go to my shelves and my collection isn't as bright and clear and detailed as the models appear in your photos.
Nice comparison and history Richard - your photos are great - I'm always disappointed when I go to my shelves and my collection isn't as bright and clear and detailed as the models appear in your photos.
I had the same issue but then I discovered these cheap fluorescent strip lights which can be attached to shelves or ceilings by screws and can connect to each other end to end also. They have transformed the dark room I have downstairs and without me having to do any proper wiring at all.
These are the ones I used: Energy Saving - Fluro Linear - Lighting Direct I assume there must be something similar in the US. All of mine operate from one plug socket and are linked by short cables end to end. They come in multiple lengths which is really handy.
I also use flash to take all my photos though as well and the white and light blue backgrounds definitely help.
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Richard
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You talk about my polyester pants from the '70s - 'stars and bars' is worse - makes me wretch. Everything looked good in the previous Mainliner livery, but seems to me it's been downhill since - until the most recent adaption of the Continental scheme - I kinda like that. Later, Doug
You talk about my polyester pants from the '70s - 'stars and bars' is worse - makes me wretch. Everything looked good in the previous Mainliner livery, but seems to me it's been downhill since - until the most recent adaption of the Continental scheme - I kinda like that. Later, Doug
I didn't say I didn't like your pants! I liked the original United DC-8 Mainliner the best I think with the Shield and United titling on the wings. I can live with Stars and Bars though. Personally I think the Battleship grey was the worst but it wasn't too offensive. Unicon does nothing for me.
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Richard
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You talk about my polyester pants from the '70s - 'stars and bars' is worse - makes me wretch. Everything looked good in the previous Mainliner livery, but seems to me it's been downhill since - until the most recent adaption of the Continental scheme - I kinda like that. Later, Doug
The original mainliner livery was designed for, and was attractive on the Convair 340, DC-6B, DC-7, and B377. Then came the jets, with a new mainliner scheme, including the red/blue diagonal stripe on the sweptback tail - pretty sharp. The retrofit of the newer scheme to the propliners seemed clumsy and comical - there are none in my collection. Responses and rebuttals welcome, Doug
Last edited by doug seeley; 10-18-2014 at 07:39 AM.
Thing is the Aurora released this scheme as a 727 pair consisting of both 100 and 200.
If you replace the 200 with new AC model, you are left with the lonely dark blue striped 100 model.
It makes sense to buy AC model, but I am not sure which of the two to keep on the shelf. Leave the Aurora pair intact, or break it up.
Stars & Bars Trijets: Friendship 727-200s Compared
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