Background

The acquisition by the RAAF of the Boeing 707 as a strategic transport and aerial refueller  had long been discussed.
The first two aircraft were obtained in 1979 to supplement the Hercules as long range transports, with the intention to obtain more and acquire a tanker capability.

The first two RAAF Boeings were ex-QANTAS 707-338C models, VH-EAD (Boeing constructor's number 19624) and VH-EAG (c/n 19627). These were received by the RAAF on March 30, 1979, as A20-624 and A20-627, and were initially operated by 37SQN with C-130E Hercules at RAAF Richmond. On February 2, 1981, No 33 Flight took over Boeing duties from 37SQN, and in turn the unit became 33SQN on June 20, 1983. A further two QANTAS 707-338Cs were obtained in 1983, but by a more indirect route. VH-EAC (c/n 19623), after a short stint in the UK as G-BDKE, later served in Canada as C-GRYN, and was delivered on June 17, 1983, as A20-623. Similarly, VH-EAI (c/n 19629) served in the UK as G-BDLM and Canada as C-GGAB. This aircraft was delivered on June 17, 1983, as A20-629.

These four aircraft served with 33SQN in VIP and regular military transport roles. Tankers were seen as essential by the RAAF to support the planned Hornet force, and a request for tender for the conversion of these aircraft was issued in October, 1987. Israel Aircraft Industries (JAI) won this $15 million contract for the tanker/transport conversion. The modification involved the installation of underwing pods for hose and drogue equipment.

Click on images below to see larger images

The Kit
The Nitto kit is one of the best Boeing 707 kits available, the fit and shape is excellent.  Included are clear sections for the cockpit area and engine nacelles to show off interior detail.  Another detail feature is the forward cargo door which can be posed in the open position if you wish.

The model went together really well. During early construction you have to sandwich the nose landing gear strut between the two halves of the nose gear bay.  I'm not sure what went wrong here but the nose sits lower than it should even though the nose strut and nose gear bay were positioned correctly before the fuselage halves went together. 

Finishing
The model was painted with Tamiya paints and I used SNJ Metaliser for the first time on the lower fuselage.  The decals came from a Roo Decal sheet for RAAF and QANTAS 707s.  The aircraft (A20-624) is depicted early in its RAAF career as a Strategic and VIP transport.  The fleet these days has been converter to the Tanker Transport role and sport a low visibility grey scheme.

Ray