Aeroclassics, Air Algerie 737-2D6: 7T-VEG

Algeria is one of the largest, most populous, and wealthiest countries in Africa. Made powerful by its vast oil and gas reserves, and exporting them, mainly to Europe, the country frequently flies under the radar in international matters. Air Algerie is the nation's flag carrier, and the largest pax carrier in the country. The airline primarily operates out of Algiers International Airport, Houari Boumediene. Air Algerie currenly uses a relatively modern fleet of A330s, ATE 72, and 737-800s. The 800s replaced older 200s like this one, 7T-VEG, for a closer look, read on...

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It's a bit unusual to find a Boeing aircraft that was built in the early 70's as this one was that only served with one carrier. 7T-VEG was the 361st 737-200 completed at Boeing's Renton facility in 1974. It was promptly delivered to Air Algerie in June of '74, and stayed in the fleet up until it was decommissioned in 2005, and broken up in 2012. While the airline has had 188 airframes in their fleet at one time or another, their representation in 1/400 scale is very small. According to modelaircraftdatabase.com, there have only been five 1/400 scale models made, and this is only 737. Distributed by Aeroclassics in February of 2022, this model is likely at under 150 pieces worldwide.

The real thing: 7T-VEG arrives from Algiers in September of 1981. (Photography courtesy of Tim Rees, Airlners.net.).

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Notes:
As I've said, the AC 737-200 mould is not modern by any means, but comparative to the other fittings that exist, it's certainly the most accurate. The overall shape of the model, and the slot in wings make this the top dog in the category. This is an example of what Aeroclassics can do when the company does a good job. The earlier Air Algerie livery is replicated beautifully on the model. The construction is almost perfect, and the model is historically important to the overall story of the airline. Air Algerie is an interesting African state-owned flag carrier that is quite under represented in 1/400, so this is a great example to get hold of.

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Sources:
-airalgerie.dz
-airliners.net
-bbc.com
-modelaircraftdatabase.com
-Planespotters.net