It was a very productive day at the LGW fair on 23rd April...This was my first time attending the Gatwick event, we got the free vintage bus ride to the venue, which was very pleasant, getting there at 10 a.m. On entering I was overwhelmed by the large sports hall where the fair was being held and just rows and rows of stalls of aircraft heaven!
I had gone with a specific intention in mind - to try and score any 'impossible' BigBird400 747s...and boy I could not believe my luck. Within 10 mins of being there I checked out a large stall at the start of the third row I think, which had a sea of models on it, mainly 1:400, which was being run by, as I later found out, a collector named Rudy who is quite active on 400SC. A really nice guy and I ended up having a good chat with him later on...anyway, as I came across this stall I was trying very hard to concentrate on what I was looking at, as there was so much stuff on display, and it can all get quite confusing, when suddenly I noticed a familiar style box sitting upright at the very back - with retro 'Cathay Pacific' branding on it. Not believing what I was seeing I picked it up and it was none other than the BigBird/Your Craftsman 747-200 Cathay Pacific VR-HKG! That made my day, still cannot believe I found it, it is one of my top 'Holy Grails'. Not a blemish on it and a more than reasonable price paid for it as well. Here she is in all her glory:
After finding this I was in a bit of a daze so I continued having a look round, picking up some retro Negus BA memorabilia, before coming back to Rudy's stall again, and on this occassion I noticed yet another BigBird - the Saul Bass United 747-100. Problem was I'd run out of cash and they didn't accept card payments, so I asked him to reserve it for me while me and my friend went looking for a cashpoint. Over a mile of walking later (!) we located one in a Shopping Centre in Crawley - then the long walk back to pick this beauty up for £27.50! That's the love of this hobby for you.
BB400 United B747-123, N157UA, 1970s/1980s colours
The last find was yet another BigBird 747, this time one that I already have, but because I'm fleet-building Negus era aircraft for my Heathrow setup, I couldn't ignore it. Again another bargain - despite missing it's original outer box:
BB400 British Airways B747-236, G-BDXC 'City of Manchester', 1970s colours
It was a really awesome day out and I found WAY more than I expected to. Had to stop looking after finding that lot though! Had no money left
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Reading your post makes my day, Andy! You always take such great pictures, too. It's a reminder that patience and effort can yield great models at reasonable cost. I can remember when I got each of the models you bought. I'll have to watch and see if we get any good shows here in DC soon.
Just the fact that I got the BigBird 400 JAL 743 a few weeks ago amortizes any disappointment I've had on other fronts of seeking these models. My greatest remaining grail at this point is the Aeroclassics Northwest Orient 747-100. I've missed it a few times for various reasons. Eventually, I'll get it.
Jim
__________________ The greatest need in 1:400:Reissues of Major Passenger-Carrier 747 Classics: -100/200, -300, and SP, of NG / Aeroclassics / Big Bird Mk. 1 quality. Examples: American; United Blue-Star, Bass; TWA double globe, double stripe; Pan Am delivery; British Airways Negus, Landor; KLM 70's-80's blue top; Air France 70's-80's; Lufthansa 70's-80's; Aer Lingus delivery; Sabena 80's circle-s; Japan Air Lines 70's-80s; All Nippon 70's; and Qantas 70's-80's.
Reading your post makes my day, Andy! You always take such great pictures, too. It's a reminder that patience and effort can yield great models at reasonable cost. I can remember when I got each of the models you bought. I'll have to watch and see if we get any good shows here in DC soon.
Just the fact that I got the BigBird 400 JAL 743 a few weeks ago amortizes any disappointment I've had on other fronts of seeking these models. My greatest remaining grail at this point is the Aeroclassics Northwest Orient 747-100. I've missed it a few times for various reasons. Eventually, I'll get it.
Jim
Thanks so much for those kind words Jim - as you noted in the other thread, it really is about patience in this hobby, and anyway, I like to still have something to find/look forward to! Yes I won't forget the time I found these ones either I hope there is a decent show that you can attend at some date. They are really enjoyable actually.
The JAL was a great score and I can understand what you mean. You will get that NW Orient - but it's the thrill of the chase too, great to still have something on that wishlist I think
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That northwest orient 747-100 is my favorite 747 I own it's a dragon jet x though so I would sure love to find it by Aeroclassics. I have the northwest orient 747-100,200&400 all three are great I just wish dragon had better gear and they would be perfect. Barison82 you and Jim have so many awesome big birds. I hope to get someday. That Saul bass is another favorite for me. So sweet.
Thanks for your appreciation - it has taken many years to find all the models shown here. Glad you enjoy models representing this era of airliners as well
Thank you also for your kind offer of those 747s, but I do not need them I'm afraid!
Best wishes
Alex
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That northwest orient 747-100 is my favorite 747 I own it's a dragon jet x though so I would sure love to find it by Aeroclassics. I have the northwest orient 747-100,200&400 all three are great I just wish dragon had better gear and they would be perfect. Barison82 you and Jim have so many awesome big birds. I hope to get someday. That Saul bass is another favorite for me. So sweet.
Thanks a lot Jake! The Northwest seems quite popular amongst collectors. I'll look out for it at the next model fair
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Andy, here's a Northwest Orient 747 I just got for a reasonable price: the 1980's cargo livery by Big Bird 400. The model gleams! Still looking for the Aeroclassics 747-100 passenger version in Thermometer livery. But this guy is a great addition, too!
Jim
__________________ The greatest need in 1:400:Reissues of Major Passenger-Carrier 747 Classics: -100/200, -300, and SP, of NG / Aeroclassics / Big Bird Mk. 1 quality. Examples: American; United Blue-Star, Bass; TWA double globe, double stripe; Pan Am delivery; British Airways Negus, Landor; KLM 70's-80's blue top; Air France 70's-80's; Lufthansa 70's-80's; Aer Lingus delivery; Sabena 80's circle-s; Japan Air Lines 70's-80s; All Nippon 70's; and Qantas 70's-80's.
Andy, here's a Northwest Orient 747 I just got for a reasonable price: the 1980's cargo livery by Big Bird 400. The model gleams! Still looking for the Aeroclassics 747-100 passenger version in Thermometer livery. But this guy is a great addition, too!
Jim
Very nice model there mate. Saw this one on ebay actually, but I am no longer buying any models (BB/AC 747s at least) from ebay anymore - after the success at the Gatwick Fair, I've decided that that's a much more rewarding way to enjoy the hobby and collect these rare birds. At least I can actually meet other collectors and have a freindly chat along the way as well, which is a bonus. I should have thought of this years ago, it would have saved me a lot! Although I've never exceeded £80 on any BB/AC 747 I own, so I suppose it's not too bad!
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Re: Big Bird/Aeroclassics 747 Collection
I hope there is a decent show that you can attend at some date. They are really enjoyable actually.
Re: Big Bird/Aeroclassics 747 Collection
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