DRAW Decal Set 20/44-737-53 Hapag-Lloyd Express 737-700s By Mike Egan

Hapag-Lloyd Express is a relatively new low-cost European carrier. HLX began operations in December 2002. The concept of their service is that flying should be as easy as taking a taxi across town. To that end, the aircraft are painted like big yellow taxis. DRAW Decal has recently added a decal for the HLX 737-700, to compliment its earlier 737-500 sheet. The two aircraft types wear nearly identical schemes, with the major difference being the fuselage titles. The –500s have large HLX.com titles, whereas the –700s have smaller HAPAG-LLOYD EXPRESS titles above the fuselage windows.

This decal is intended for either a converted 1/144th scale Revell-Germany B737-800 kit or 1/200th scale push-fit display models. The instruction sheet provides a full color left side profile of the aircraft. The fuselage is bright taxi yellow, with a white underside and engine nacelles. Wings and horizontal stabilizers are Boeing gray on both the upper and lower surfaces (no corrogard), with bare metal edges. All markings and passenger windows are included on the decal sheet. A now-standard feature of DRAW Decal sheets is that the titles, windows, and door outlines are laid out on the decal sheet so as to be used as one complete piece, ensuring proper window, door, and title spacing. (Older DRAW Decal sheets are being re-designed to include this handy layout feature) These and all other ALPS-type decals are printed on one continuous layer of clear carrier film, and thus, each decal element MUST be cut individually from the sheet prior to soaking in water. Extra care is required when using these decals, as they are also thinner than most silkscreen printed decals.

The print quality of these decals is first rate. Fine details are clear and solid – especially the silver window frames. Also included are overwing escape paths and a pair of ADF antennas for the top of the fuselage. Plenty of extra registration letters are provided to model any of the eight 737-700 aircraft in the HLX fleet. The DRAW Decal website has downloadable instructions in .pdf format for converting the Revell kit into a –700. A resin –700 replacement fuselage is also available from InFormation (see the DRAW Decal website below for a link).

Having flown on one of these Big Yellow Taxis, I can’t wait to model one. The aircraft are very bright in person, and really turn heads. Thanks to DRAW Decal for the review sample. Be sure to visit the DRAW Decal website to see the entire line of outstanding decals.