The Boeing 707 was the most successful of the early jet airliners and signalled the arrival of the ‘jet age’ to air transport. The Boeing 707-138 was a special shortened version made specifically for Qantas.

The Boeing 707 became the most successful of the second generation of jet airliners.

Between 1957 and 1979 a total of 865 of all versions were manufactured. The first version, the 707-120, made its first flight on 20 December 1957 and they entered service, first with Pan American Airways, in October 1958.

A special version, the 707-138, was ordered by Qantas. It was slightly shorter, tailor made for the trans-Pacific air route.

They entered service in 1959 but were soon upgraded to 707-138B standard with quieter and more powerful JT8D engines and other improvements to give increased and quieter performance.

This model represents VH-EBI flying for Qantas Empire Airways in 1965.

Roden 1/144 kit with Hawkeye decals, completed by Leigh Edmonds in May 2017.