Boeing 737 MAX-7 & MAX-10 1:400 Scale New Mould Samples
Modified: October 2023
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It was December last year that NG Models sent me the samples for the 737 MAX-8 and MAX-9 and they've been making decent usage of the moulds with 13 MAX-8s and 7 MAX-9s since the first release, which I reviewed in detail at the site:
NG have always been keen to fill out the families of aircraft types and in this case they are certainly on the frontfoot here since neither the 737 MAX-7 or MAX-10 have entered service yet. In fact, the MAX-7 has had its service entry pushed back into 2024, two years after the original date. The MAX-10 hasn't even started certification yet and both have suffered major delays due to the increased scrutiny from the FAA following the criticism of the MAX-8 process, which played a part in the fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019.
The Real Thing
Looking at the MAX the differences between the NG 737s are subtle but obvious. They are:
- Lengthened nosegear strut (by 8inches / 20cm)
- New engines, nacelles (with chevrons at the rear) and pylons
- Split tip winglets (not the same as scimitar winglets on NGs)
- Modified and pointier tailcone
737 MAX-7
The MAX-7 was originally based on the series 700 but actually it has slightly different proportions albeit in a small way. The aircraft is 35.56m (116ft 8in) long as opposed to the 33.63m (110ft 4in) of the NG series 700. This minor stretch gives it seating for 12 extra passengers.
737 MAX-10
The MAX-10 becomes the longest 737 to date at a whopping 43.79m (143ft 8in) - only marginally shorter than the A321 which is 44.51m long. This increase allows seating of between 204 and 230. There have also been some modifications to the maingear leg, which is fitted with a telescoping oleo-pneumatic strut allowing the slightly taller gear to be shortened while retracting into the existing wheel well. I can't see any obvious visual difference caused by this that would be visible on a 400 scale model.
Previous 737 MAX Review
Obviously I reviewed the earlier 737 MAX-8 and MAX-9 back in December 2022. Those samples came with printed windows and cockpits but proved excellent and no doubt share much of the same configuration as this new pair. Check out that previous review here:
737 MAX Release Options
Obviously with neither type in service at the moment possible releases are limited to the prototypes and a couple of United examples. One, N27602, which wears a 'The Future is SAF' scheme and the other N6055X is in standard colours.
However NG hasn't been shy to make fantasy models too and aside from the registrations being incorrect pre-delivery airline versions could be made. The 737 MAX-7 hasn't attracted many orders with 286 aircraft in the backlog but only from three operators which are:
Allegiant Air - 30
Southwest Airlines - 234
WestJet - 22
Allegiant Air - 30
Southwest Airlines - 234
WestJet - 22
The MAX-10 has been far more successful in terms of orders, which it needs to be since Boeing want it to compete against the dominant A321neo. There are around 1,070 aircraft in the backlog. Major orders come from:
Alaska Airlines - 102
Delta Air Lines - 100
flydubai - 50
Gol - 30
Lion Air - 50
Ryanair - 150
United Airlines - 250
VietJet - 106
WestJet - 54
Alaska Airlines - 102
Delta Air Lines - 100
flydubai - 50
Gol - 30
Lion Air - 50
Ryanair - 150
United Airlines - 250
VietJet - 106
WestJet - 54
Mould Samples
Given these moulds share the majority of their structure with the MAX-8 and MAX-9 I'm not going over these moulds in the same detail. They are basically excellent.
As mentioned above the MAX-7 is slightly longer than the 700. The sample measures just over 8.8cm long which is close to the 8.89cm it should do. The MAX-7 also lacks the tailbumper.
Above: 737 MAX-7
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Below: 737 MAX-10
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The MAX-10 mould measures around 10.9cm long, again close enough to the 10.94cm it should be.
UNDERSIDE
The big difference between these new MAX moulds and the first pair is on the underside. The MAX-8 and MAX-9 moulds don't have standholes but both of these versions do.