Towards the end of 2017 I started a project to build Boeing 737-500 Smart Wings by Daco Skyline. My basic impetus was the successful completion of the same aircraft in 1:200 scale and my desire to try the same thing in a larger scale. And to what extent I can improve the level of detail, execution and also the fidelity to the original. The work was progressing rather slowly due to my work commitments and sometimes occasional laziness.
However, I finally managed to finish the model and I am happy with the result.
I also made myself happy by mounting a photo of the model on a photo of the real background of Prague Ruzyne Airport, where the original flew from. I photographed the background in 2011 and deleted the original plane. But I took a lot of care to light the model so that the light atmosphere matches the original background.
The result surprised me positively.
The paints used are Gunze Mr.Color C, Alclad II and oil wash. Draw Decal is used for the livery, however the graphics on the vertical stabilizer are sprayed. The masks for the graphics and cabin windows were made by a fellow modeler. The decals for the doors and other details are original Daco Skyline, some decals I printed myself on a laser printer (for example the registration on the fuselage - Draw Decal supplies the registration in blue and it is supposed to be black). The silver frames on the windows and cockpit are from Authentic Airliners Decals, as are the leading edges of the wings - metallic finish decals. For the rain gutter on the front doors as well as for the static disscharger on the radome I finally used 3D decals also from Authentic Airliners Decals. Photo etched parts are used from Daco Skyline and ExtraTech. ADS-B/L and DME antennas and marker beacon antenna are 3D printed parts from Rocast Models.
by: Zbynek 
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Fantastic build!! Really enjoyed seeing this finished project. Haven’t been to Prague in quite a while. Whatever happened to CSA?
Thanks!
CSA now owns Smartwings as a legal entity, but ceased to operate as an airline in 2024 and surrendered its air operator’s license. The remaining routes have been taken over by Smartwings. There are now 4 new Airbus 220s flying in CSA livery, but as Smartwing – flight code and licence.
Why it happened this way and the 100 year old airline went out of business I don’t know, but I’d say money and vested shareholder interests are involved.