Zvezda 1/144 767-300 'Aeroflot' Kit First Look

By Michael Benolkin

First Look

Back in the early 1970s, Boeing started planning for a new generation of airliners that were targeted at replacing existing aircraft in the airline fleet. As the program matured, the concept developed into the 757 to replace the 727 and the 767 to fill the niche between the 707 and the DC-10.

The 767-300 was the second major version of the series which features a lengthened fuselage to accommodate additional seating in first/business class as well as in coach, depending on the interior arrangements selected by each airline. As with the 767-200, the airframe can be powered by the airline's choice of powerplant - the P&W JT9D, P&W PW4000, GE CF6-80A, GE CF6-80C2, all rated in the 50,000 pounds of thrust class. Boeing also developed the extended range 767-300ER and the 767-300F freighter variants of the basic airframe, each sharing the same dimensions as the basic 767-300, but both with over 60,000 greater take-off weight and powered by PW4000-94, CF6-80C2 or RB211-524H, all producing around 60,000 pounds of thrust.

When Zvezda first announced this new subject, many folks assumed that it was a re-box of the Revell/Germany kit. Since then, test shots started appearing on the internet and many of the airliner experts started seeing key differences in the tooling - this Zvezda kit is all-new tooling.

Molded in light gray styrene, the kit is presented on five parts trees, plus a single tree of clear parts. The panel lines and details are finely scribed, though the plastic surface is slightly textured. While this should disappear after a primer coat, some modelers will want to buff this texture out and get to a smooth surface.

The kit has nicely laid out CF6 engines and detailed landing gear as well. The wings and nose have recessed wheel wells. If you want to park the model on its gear, the instructions show that you'll need 20 grams of ballast in the nose. For those that want to pose the aircraft in flight, the kit also includes a display stand.

One interesting design feature of this kit is the wing/fuselage joint. The wing roots fit into recesses molded into the fuselage to hide any gaps. This will allow for a smooth joint that won't radically alter the dihedral of the wing.

In addition to the windscreen, the kit provides sections of clear side windows. You can use these or simply set them aside and use Krystal Clear or even white glue for the passenger windows after your painting and decals are completed to eliminate the need for masking all of those tiny windows.

Markings are provided for two examples:

• 767-300, VP-BWW, Aeroflot
• 767-300, VP-BWW, Boeing colors

Zvezda has released another nice kit with this 767 that will build into a colorful subject with a little patience and skill.

My sincere thanks to HobbyTerra for this review sample!