Finally, something to add...

I've been waiting nearly five years for this light plate to surface, and one of my regular 727 suppliers came through for me. This is one of the rarest of the rare.

Not sure why it was pulled as "Repairable" as it's intact with good finish and all of the bulbs burn bright and even.

It's almost exactly the same size as my scratchbuilt panel with even the cut-outs lining up pretty well. It should be a 'no-hassle' retro-fit.

This probably doesn't excite too many, but for me it's a major find for my 727 overhead. Especially one in this condition. :):):)

Bottom photo is the donor aircraft during her heyday with AA.

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h1...22/N6829-4.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h1...22/N6829-3.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h1...22/N6829-2.jpg

Im happy for ya my friend, nice to hear things like this, I know we can all certainly identify when these things occur in our building proces. I had an identical experience happen yesterday a brand new authentic airbus Flap panel of a 330/340 appeared in a box on my doorstep all because Matt O's eagle eyes lol and I bid on it in EBAY. And when I fit it into my pedestal yesterday it was like Christmas :) And I do have to add! Phil's panels were absolutely identical in every millimeter of detail and texture, quality and weight to this real panel, I wa truly blown away. WAY TO GO PHIL! Sorry didn't mean to hijack your thread or i anyway steal your spotlight, I know we are all thrilled you found such a rare piece Bro. You have one of those kinds of setups that most builders wouldnt dare venture to because of the difficulty and precision not to mention the patience.So I truly share your excitement. Congrats on the find.

Regards
Tim
A340
Canada

Glad you got what you needed for yours too.

Sometimes, as in my case, some items seem forever elusive and you don't know if one will ever surface.

Everything else for the 727 was a piece of cake compared to finding this.

Since this is attached directly to the overhead with no backplate, I guess many just went to the scrap pile along with the overhead frame.

Mike,

What a find! The 727 was truly a grand 'ole gal. The only one I ever had the pleasure of boarding was a Delta 727 that was brought down to Jacksonville's Blue Angel Airshow and the same Captain brought her down twice, two years apart from each other. Both years I got to check out the front and exit the rear and it was always a pleasure.

The Jacksonville Air and Sea Spectacular has always been a great airshow, but sadly the big iron has not been around since around 2003, or has greatly dwindled- Im told due to deployment (C17, C5, C130's, etc.)

Im glad you chose and have stuck with the 727- it's really looking better and better each month or so!

I'm glad you had the chance to see one in person. Back when I flew a lot in the late '70's and '80's, the 727 was about the only aircraft I ever flew on.

It didn't take long for the the 727 with it's lines and layout to capture my permanent attention. For me, nothing has ever been able to replace it.

The L-1011 came close at one time though. :lol: