1/144 B737-800 Air Berlin Airliner

This is an excellent model of the 737 and the best one I can find of this variant. I wanted one of the late model 737's and this was a good choice. The pieces are molded in good detail with little flash and the parts fit together well with limited need for filler and sanding. I was happy with the choice to go with a single main wing and mounting. The landing gear is VERY well done with several interlocking pieces that give it much more rigidity than the standard two part landing gear. It can be built with the landing gear either up or down with equal ease. The main windscreen is a single clear piece that incorporates all of the surrounding cockpit area (including what would normally be opaque material). This can be challenging to match the texture to the surrounding plastic, but not overall bad. The decals for this model are done in exquisite detail and give you the option to do it in either Air Berlin or Sobelair colors. Most all major details are given in the decals and the completed model looks great. They even provide silver decals for the forward edges of the wings, elevator, and rudder; however, the ones that are supposed to go on the farings at the base of the wings are almost impossible to apply without warping (painting may be a preferable alternative). The only gripe I have with this model is the main fan insert for the engines. The mounting area for them is recessed WAYYY to far back, so that they almost look ridiculous (the fan in this model sits almost halfway through the engine cowling!?). The only way to mount them properly would have been to shave the fan inserts edging and try and fit them in properly.

Revell's 737NG is a good model that overall captures the look of the real aircraft. However, there are several problems with it. The shape of the blended winglets is incorrect. They are too short and too wide at the top. Although there are several aftermarket replacements, the shape of the real thing has proved to be rather elusive, and most have their own problems. Second shortcoming of the kit is the engine intakes. The NG has a more rounded shape of the cowling when compared to the earlier models. Unfortunately, Revell's rendition is more angular, and requires some work to correct the shape. Finally, the windows are bit too low. Since many modelers fill them in and represent them with decals, this is not typically much of a problem. Apart from these shortcomings, the model features nice undercarriage, and thin recessed lines. So far, this rendition of 737NG is the only game in town. So, if you want this type in your collection, this model is your answer.