Wanted Varig 737-200

CRJ-Pilot · 09-24-2009, 04:17 PM

Looking for Varig B737-200. Part #SMA030301
Whiling to pay a good price for it !

dylan · 09-24-2009, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CRJ-Pilot

Looking for Varig B737-200. Part #SMA030301
Whiling to pay a good price for it !

No, you dont. This is one of the "zinc rot" victims. If you are lucky enough to find it in good condition, it will only be a matter of time before it disintegrates. Same goes for the AC Varig 707-420 (both PP-VJJ and PP-VJA)

CRJ-Pilot · 09-24-2009, 05:16 PM

Thanks for the reply. so you are saying that SMA models are not well manufectered? bad quality ? I just got two PLUNA 737-200 from SMA and they look allright...

once again thanks for your advice!

dylan · 09-24-2009, 05:25 PM

No, SMA made some of the finest, most sought-after models in the business. The problem stems from a poor batch of metal that went to various manufacturers during 2002/2003. Not EVERY release was effected. Only some, and it was very sporatic.

Here is a list of "confirmed" victims.....and again, some folks hav these models and are still ok....for now:

(source: airlinebuzz.net)

Aeroclassics:

Air Tanzania 737-200
American delivery 707-120 (possible isolated case)
Balkan Bulgarian Tu-154
Braniff 707-227 El Dorado livery
Canadian Pacific/Canadien Pacifique post merger colors 737-200
CPAir 737-200
Eastern Provincial old colors 737-200
Eastern Provincial final colors 737-200
LOT Polish Airlines Tu-154
Northwest delivery colors 720B
Olympic 737-200
Pacific Western delivery colors 737-200
Pacific Western final colors 737-200
Pacific Western/Canadian hybrid colors 737-200
Pakistan International delivery colors 720B
Pan Am "Jet Clipper America" 707
Sabena old colors 707-420 (possible isolated case)
Varig old colors 707-420 (both PP-VJJ and PP-VJA)

Big Bird:

Delta "Power Puff Girls" 737-200

Dragon Wings:

Herpa:

Phoenix:

SMA:

Continental current colors 737-200
KLM 737-200
Piedmont delivery colors 737-200
USAir red/blue colors 737-200
Varig old colors 737-200

gospodin · 09-24-2009, 06:04 PM

I was hoping my Air Tanzania 737 would escape, but nooo. Wings turned into Pringle's chips, so I threw it in the trash. I just got a Balkan Tu-154, looks like same song, second verse...starting to look a little crusty on the wings.

Santos · 09-24-2009, 06:11 PM

A few months ago this model was listed on jetcollector.com . I have this model and it is perfect so far but I am sure it will suffer the same disease my two AC VARIG 707s are suffering.

gospodin · 09-24-2009, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Santos

A few months ago this model was listed on jetcollector.com . I have this model and it is perfect so far but I am sure it will suffer the same disease my two AC VARIG 707s are suffering.

Santos, you might get lucky. Not all of those models had that problem. I have several on the "Zinc Rot" list that haven't shown any signs so far, other than the two I mentioned.

Santos · 09-24-2009, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gospodin

Santos, you might get lucky. Not all of those models had that problem. I have several on the "Zinc Rot" list that haven't shown any signs so far, other than the two I mentioned.

Crossing fingers Steve. But my VARIG 707s are in bad shape. Every days their heath status gets worse.

fazeman · 09-24-2009, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Santos

A few months ago this model was listed on jetcollector.com . I have this model and it is perfect so far but I am sure it will suffer the same disease my two AC VARIG 707s are suffering.

I received mine from Jetcollector back in August 2006 and it's as strong as an ox. I like Jetcollector because you can look up your order history.

As you know, the 737-200 is part of my Varig display in Int'l showcase #1. I've since added a colorful Varig advertisement and attached it to the back wall. Always looking to improve the overall scene.

Santos · 09-24-2009, 09:42 PM

Steve, did you see the VARIG poster released a few months ago showing most of the aircrafts operated by the airline since 1927?

fazeman · 09-24-2009, 10:45 PM

I haven't seen it but then again, I don't need it. I have the hardcover book, VARIG - A Brazilian Star, published 1997, 144 pages, 12" X 9", (English). All of their aircraft are beautifully illustrated on eight pages toward the back of the book. For the airline aficionado, this is one book for the personal library. It covers their history and includes pictures of aircraft, personnel and operations throughout the years.

CRJ-Pilot · 09-25-2009, 12:58 AM

Nothing on Jetcollector.com
Amazing to know about the deterioation of these specific models. But still it's an airplane I MUST have... my dad flew that same airplane for many years.

diecast1964 · 09-25-2009, 11:01 AM

If you find one, buy it but don't pay foolish prices. You could regret in the end.
I have almost all the "affected" models in my collection, but so far none of my copies is suffering. So you can take the rick. Fingers crossed.

Jan

dylan · 09-25-2009, 08:49 PM

Pics of zinc-rot taken from "the Buzz":

Santos · 09-25-2009, 09:17 PM

Dylan, if your VARIG 707 is sick mine is in the ICU.

dylan · 09-25-2009, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Santos

Dylan, if your VARIG 707 is sick mine is in the ICU.

These pics were stolen from The Buzz. Not my models. I would like to see some pics of yours though! It gets worse??