Boeing 737-300
Western Pacific Airlines, “The Simpsons” Livery, N949WP
1/400 Scale Diecast Model
Phoenix Models PH4KMR1158

Phoenix Models PH4KMR1158 – 1/400 Scale B737-300 Diecast Model

Phoenix Models PH4KMR1158 diecast model replicates in 1/400 scale the Boeing 737-300 airliner, registered N949WP, in Western Pacific Airlines “The Simpsons” livery.

Allocated manufactures serial number 23230 it first flew on May 15, 1985, and first entered service with Piedmont, then US Air until June 7, 1995. Moved to Western Pacific Airlines, then shortly to Southwest Airlines on May 8, 1995. Withdrawn from service in July 2016 and placed in storage.

The airlines “LogoJet” program allowed for the first time, the entire exterior of an airliner to be rented as a billboard. The first customer was the Colorado Springs hotel, the Broadmoor. The Simpsons Jet became the most famous of the logojets. FOX Television paid $1 million for the aircraft to wear the scheme.

Western Pacific Airlines

An American low fare airline started passenger flights on April 28, 1995, as Commercial Air. Renamed Western Pacific Airlines soon after at the request of a new investor. Originally based at Colorado Springs Airport, moved to Denver International Airport during 1997. The airline declared bankruptcy in February 1998 and ceased operations.

1/400 scale diecast model of the Boeing 737-300, Western Pacific Airlines

Boeing  737 Classic Series

The Boeing 737-300/-400/-500 variants are short- to medium-range, narrow-body jet airliners. The second generation referred to as the 737 Classic series. Produced from 1984 to 2000. The maiden flight of the first variant, the -300 occurred on February 24, 1984, and entered service in November 1984. Improvements over the previous generation included CFM56 high bypass ratio turbofan engines. Along with upgraded avionics, and increased passenger capacity in the -300/-400 models. Redesigned wing with improved aerodynamics.

Development of third generation 737 began in 1979 and became the 737 Next Generation. Production of the 737 Classic continued alongside that of the Next Generation for some time.

 Design

The Classic series structure is similar to previous generations. The fuselage is a semi-monocoque structure with a 25-degree sweepback cantilever low wing monoplanes. Flight crew consists of two, pilot and copilot. Passengers seating is six-abreast. The aircraft is constructed mainly of aluminium alloy and some composite materials.

The 737 Classic series was significantly modernised with the use of stronger aluminium alloys and a new wing with improve aerodynamics. The wing tip lengthened 23 cm (9 inches), redesigned leading-edge slats and trailing-edge flaps. An optional EFIS (Electronic Flight Instrumentation System) with four colour CRT screens. Passenger cabin improvements developed for the B757.

1/400 scale diecast model of the Boeing 737-300, Western Pacific Airlines

It is powered by two modified CFM56 turbofan engines, yielding significant gains in fuel economy and noise reduction. The low ground clearance of the 737 wings necessitated a decrease in fan diameter, reducing air bypass ratio. As well as moving the engines forward and raising flush with the wing, the accessory gearbox moved from the bottom of the engine to the 9 o’clock position. This gave the engine nacelle its distinctive flat-bottomed shape. The modifications reduced, engine thrust from 24,000 to 20,000 lb. Mostly due to the change in bypass ratio.

Performance

The 737 classic series has a cruise speed of 912km/h (567 mph, Mach 0.745). Maximum ceiling of 11,300 m (37,000 ft).

Variants

737-300

The 737 -300 first flew on February 24, 1984, and entered service the same year with Southwest Airlines and USAir. Generally seats 126 passengers in a two-class configuration, 140 in a single class with a maximum 149. Maximum takeoff weight is 62,820 kg (138,500 lb) and a maximum range of 4176 km (2595 mi). Remained in production until 1999, with the last aircraft going to Air New Zealand. Retrofitted winglets, became available in 2005, designated the -300S P (Special Performance). Third parties offer freighter conversions.

737-400

The 737-400 flew for the first time on February 19, 1988, and entered service later that year with Piedmont Airlines. Differences to the -300 included a 3.45 m (10 ft) longer fuselage and strengthened spar. The addition of a tail bumper to prevent tail scrapes. Generally seats 147 passengers in a two-class configuration with a maximum of 188. Maximum takeoff weight is 68,040 kg (150,000 lb) and a maximum range of 3,815 km (2370 mi). Design to fill the gap between the 737-300 and the 757-200. Competed with the Airbus A320 and McDonnell Douglas MD-80. A freighter conversion is available. Remained in production until 2000, with the last aircraft going to CSA Czech Airlines.

737-500

The 737-500  flew for the first time on June 30, 1989, and entered service on February 28, 1990, with Southwest Airlines. Design as a replacement for the 737-200. The fuselage is 1 ft 7 in (47 cm) longer than the -200 and 2.4m shorter than the -300. Generally seats 110 passengers in a two-class configuration, 122 in a single class with a maximum of 145. Maximum takeoff weight is 60,550 kg 133,500 lb) and a maximum range of 4398 km (2733 mi). Production ended in 1999. Retrofitted winglets became available in 2007. Aircraft with winglets received the designation -500SP (Special Performance).

1/400 scale diecast model of the Boeing 737-300