I picked up this kit… And the box proclaims it to be a -400… but the instructions call it a -300. It also looks short for a -400 and there’s only the one overwing exit. SO…is it in fact a -300 and if so, why the screw-up? And if it is a screw-up wouldn’t that make the kit more collectible in the future? (printing error)
Good observation! I had this very kit sitting on the shelf and decided to pull it down and finally rip the cellophane off it after reading your post. Mine has the same issue.
Though I’m not sure anyone can answer your question as to “why the screw-up,” I’d have to say something like this only becomes more “collectible” (or should we say valuable?) should there be a large number of people interested in owning a kit with a typo in the instructions.
As to whether or not it is a -300, well…if it’s got the CFM-56 style engines on it, it’s either a -300 or a -700 when considering only fuselage length. However, there are some definite differences between the two sub-models…primarily the wingspan and vertical tail height of the -700 are larger. I’d say the minicraft is a -300.
BTW, here’s a pretty cool site I unearthed during my study for my type-rating on the 737.
http://www.minicraftmodels.com/
have you contacted Minicraft ?..might just be a misprint…
…not based in fact but, i’m understanding the difference between the two to be the EFIS glass cockpit in the -400 series…is why Southwest A/L opted away from them…to keep the cockpits common for easier and quicker pilot transition…
spent 11 years at Love Field in Dallas and don’t remember the exit door difference between the two…it’s my recollection that they are of similar size and capacity…but, i’ve a penchant for not remembering accurately and it’s been 6 years…
hope this doesn’t confuse the issue…[%-)]
i stand corrected…check this out:
http://home.swipnet.se/~w-65189/transport_aircraft/b737/boeing_737_series.htm
Soutthwest actually has EFIS cockpits in their -700 series aircraft. However, the EFIS software was re-written in order to allow the screens to display instruments that look nearly identical to the old steam-gauges. They have a big thing for commonality and wanted every pilot they employ to fly every type of 737 they operate.
Here’s a photo of a Southwest Airlines -700 EFIS display:
http://www.airliners.net/open.file/273065/M/
From what I understand, Boeing was initially going to completely re-design and modernize the flight deck of the newest generation of the 737 family. But since Southwest is one of their largest purchasers, they elected to not make anything but minor changes for fear of the FAA requiring a completely different type rating to fly the new-gen models. You’ll find that aside from the EFIS displays, the overhead and center-console panels are almost identical in all incarnations of the 737.
Thanks for all the help…I’m certain it is a -300 at this point…not what I thought I was buying…so instead of modeling this
I’ll model this…
