Herpa Air France Boeing 727-200 F-BPJO 1:500 Diecast Model

1:500 Diecast: Air France Boeing 727-200 F-BPJO (Herpa). Released in May/June 2024 as part of Herpa's 60th anniversary celebration of the Boeing 727, this model represents one of 29 trijets that served Air France for nearly a quarter century . F-BPJO was delivered new to the airline in the late 1960s, part of the fleet that replaced the Sud Aviation Caravelle and was itself later succeeded by the Airbus A320 .

A 20-year career with Air France: F-BPJO operated for Air France from its 1968 delivery until 1989, when it was returned to its lessor and briefly flew for Noble Air and Istanbul Airlines . These aircraft were the non-advanced 727-200s, distinguishable by their "clamshell" type thrust reversers—which, when deployed, would blast black exhaust onto the tail, leaving the rear fuselage perpetually stained . Aviation spotters of the era affectionately called these the "dirty 727s," a distinctive look that became part of the type's character .

The mystery of the blue tail: F-BPJG—a sister ship to this model's F-BPJO—once appeared in photographs wearing a predominantly dark blue tail that puzzled enthusiasts for years . Forum discussions at Airliners.net debated whether this was a trial livery, a hybrid scheme from a previous owner, or simply an experimental paint job . The most plausible explanation? Air France may have tested a very dark blue tail on some 727s to mask the inevitable exhaust stains that came with the territory .

About this model: Herpa released F-BPJO (item 537605) in 1:500 scale as part of the Boeing 727 anniversary series . At just 9.34 cm long with a 66 mm wingspan, it captures the trijet's distinctive three-engine configuration with the number two engine intake running through the tail. The model features Air France's classic livery from the 1968-1976 era—white upper fuselage, bare metal engine nacelles (later painted white), and the iconic seahorse logo . For collectors of European classics, trijet enthusiasts, or those fascinated by the quirks of 727 operations, this model carries the memory of the "dirty" years when jet exhaust was just part of the job.

Age 16+ only. Not a toy.