MOULD SUFFIX: 929 / 939
YEARS: 1987-2006
AIRLINES: 17
MODEL VARIANTS: 34
The ATR-42 represented one of Schabak’s first forays into smaller commuter types in 1:600 scale and although it wasn’t the smallest type they ever made it is certainly diminutive. After the introduction of the ATR-42 in 1987 they expanded the line with the ATR-72 from 1990. Together both types would get a decent representation from Schabak, mostly aimed at the European market rather than the much more commuter rich US scene.
MOULD VARIANTS
Above you can see the only difference between the 42 and 72 was the fuselage length. Both moulds were surprisingly decent albeit even Schabak’s smaller sized wheels looked rather chunky on the ATR (and other commuter types).
Similar to other types that crossed the 1980/90s boundary the mould was updated with the black wheels and several of the decal sets were updated with newer style silver windows.
Below: A pair of Kar Air ATR-72s illustrating the early silver wheels and black windows of the first version model and the later black wheels and silver windows of the third version model.
PRODUCTION
Given their small size it isn’t surprising that the diversity of ATRs was lower than for other larger types, although they did get a slightly larger production run than other small commuter types such as the F27/F50, Saab 340 and EMB120.
For a complete list of ATR production by Schabak see the database at MADb that has been updated with photos and accurate records for the type:
Aside from models sold in a blister pack all early ATRs came in the smallest square box reserved for types like the 737-200. During the 1990s this was upgraded to the rectangular box used for types like the MD-80 and 727. As you can see here with the NFD example some models survived in production long enough to see box both types used for them:
A SELECTION OF NOTABLE RELEASES
Much of the ATR production focused on European commuters. Often these were for major airlines already in the Schabak portfolio such as Air Franc or Finnair:
Alitalia’s regional partner ATI was also featured and survived the transition to black wheels:
Being a German company it wasn’t surprising that the two German regionals NFD and RFG were produced. They would later merge to form Eurowings, which would also feature:
Surprisingly US commuters were quite rare with just Pan Am Express and American Eagle featuring:
One of the more colourful ATR-42s was for Air Pacific. Schabak also made the 737-200 and 767-200 so could make a three set for the airline with the ATR-42 added.
ATR-72 production often featured the same airlines as the 42s with American Eagle, NFD, CSA and house colours all turning up. There was however plenty of new variety – albeit once again mostly from European airlines. Not how the late model Eurowings (2002-2006) once again suffers from yellowing decals as many late model Schabaks do:
Outside of Europe a rather random ATR-72 that was made was for Vietnam Airlines:
ATR production continued until Schabak’s collapse in 2006. Air Dolomiti was a late add, wearing these Fendi special colours, from 2000. Indeed there was also an Air Dolomiti ATR-72 planned but it was cancelled.
