The First and The Last

[Tabs 2,790]

We realized tonight that we've actually painted both the first and last 747-400s to roll off Boeing's production line at Paine Field:

 

THE FIRST:

Pete Sterling's rendition of N661US, which started its life as the Boeing prototype N401PW (which has also been painted). The aircraft was delivered to Northwest Airlines in 1989 and ended its illustrious career with Delta Air Lines in 2015. The aircraft is now on exhibit at the Delta Flight Museum in Atlanta, GA, located on the north side of the massive KATL complex:

 

THE LAST:
Jason Brown's depiction of N782CK, the last 747-400 to roll off the assembly line in 2009. A -400ERF, N782CK was originally supposed to be delivered to LoadAir Cargo as N798BA, but was stored at KPAE for several months, then transfered to KMZJ, Pinal Airpark north of Tucson, AZ, where it stayed until it was signed over to Kalitta Air in January of 2012.

 

 

You'll be able to fly both of these aircraft very soon as we near release of the PMDG 747-400 Queen of the Skies II!

[Werner747 107]

Beautiful - thanks for sharing Ryan.

 

Regards

[BelgianTiger_2 22]

Magnificent! 2 liveries that will get some hourson my flying.

 

Thanks kyle!

[Halbi 8]

Oh he's teasing us

[Orlaam 306]

Very pretty.  Nice work!

[Tabs 2,790]

Oh he's teasing us

 

Why of course not!  :wink:

 

Seriously though, we're super proud of this product and can't wait for you all to see it. It's the best thing we've done.

[fabristunt 25]

Amazing, can't wait to fly them all!

[kityatyi 78]

Pure eyegasm. Kalitta - yummi yummi!

[Tabs 2,790]

Pure eyegasm. Kalitta - yummi yummi!

 

Really interesting point we discovered - all their liveries are painted by eye/hand on the real thing. It's not a template. There's noticeable differences even in the registration text from airframe to airframe. (we've done a 400F, a 400ERF and a BCF)

[Halbi 8]

Really interesting point we discovered - all their liveries are painted by eye/hand on the real thing. It's not a template. There's noticeable differences even in the registration text from airframe to airframe. (we've done a 400F, a 400ERF and a BCF)

Did you also hand paint them?

[HUSSAR 271]

I had no idea that the 400 was no longer in production.

[stefant234 8]

Really interesting point we discovered - all their liveries are painted by eye/hand on the real thing. It's not a template. There's noticeable differences even in the registration text from airframe to airframe. (we've done a 400F, a 400ERF and a BCF)

Completely by hand? Is there any reason behind them doing that? Like upholding a company tradition perhaps? I didn't know anyone would hand paint a real 747.. That is quite a bit of work after all. Personally I really appreciate that every of their 747's is a bit different in it's own sense. Makes it feel less like a mass-produced anonymous jet

[bobrbend 28]

I had no idea that the 400 was no longer in production.

 

Yeah and sadly, I just learned that both Delta and United are retiring the birds this year.

[CaptainGabe 81]

The 747 is probably the most iconic Boeing aircraft right along with the 707. Timeless aircraft. PMDG, I applaud your teamwork making this project possible.

[aceshigh3008 4]

Don't forget the 737