EMB120 MOULD SUFFIX: 937
YEARS: 1988-2006
AIRLINES: 5
MODEL VARIANTS: 8
SF340 MOULD SUFFIX: 936
YEARS: 1988-2006
AIRLINES: 5
MODEL VARIANTS: 12
1987 had seen an expansion of the smaller Schabak range with both modern (ATR-42, F27, F28) and classic types (DC-3, CV-440). 1988 would see further regional additions, including two aircraft that were probably the smallest moulds ever made in 1:600 – the Embraer EMB-120 Brasilia and the Saab 340. Both really tested how small a saleable product could get in 600 scale and unsurprisingly their usage was limited, although both were made continuously until the end of Schabak’s original period in 2006.
The small size of these types in 600 scale is shown when you have one in hand!
MOULD VARIANTS
These smallest of Schabaks were very cute but even the smaller wheel style used was really too large for them so they can look a little clunky. Above is an early Embraer 120 and below an early Saab 340. Aside from the usual black wheel change and decal upgrades the moulds would remain unchanged across their lifetime.
Early Saabs and Embraers came in the small square box, but into the 90s they took up the medium sized box size used for 727s and 737s:
PRODUCTION
Considering their tiny size it is not surprising that production was limited for both these types. Indeed it is amazing they were made at all. Production would focus on a small number of European and American commuters aside from one South American release.
For a complete list of Embraer EMB-120 and Saab 340 production by Schabak see the database at MADb that has been updated with photos and accurate records for the type:
A SELECTION OF NOTABLE RELEASES
Unsurprisingly the German commuter DLT (later Lufthansa Cityline) got a look in for the EMB-120 (and also F50):
Crossair was popular for the Saab 340, which was for many years its flagship aircraft. Schabak updated the original colour decals and also produced the later livery. Both of these are late production examples:
Amongst American regionals American Eagle was a no brainer for the Saab, joining the ATR-42 and later ATR-72 versions:
United Express was featured on the Embraer 120 and once again the scheme got updated as United changed their livery in the 90s. Applying the all over grey decals must have been a real challenge and the older Saul Bass version looks much better.
Schabak didn’t always get around to updating the box designs and would use the ‘Neue Bemalung’ stickers to denote where the contents didn’t match the box:
Although most of the releases were for fairly obvious airlines there were a couple of more unusual versions made. Finnaviation was a little more esoteric and Rio-Sul of Brasil by far the most exotic.
Comair was a relatively late Embraer release. Silver windows on a silver base fuselage really didn’t work at all!
