 I have been impressed with how far 3D Design Deck (3DD) have come in only a couple of years. They are now the go to choice for regional airliners in 400 scale, producing models at a level of quality that can match die-cast rivals. Their 3D printed method also makes it possible for them to produce unusual one-off types and make quick updates to designs. They have a growing mould catalogue in 400 scale featuring aircraft as small as an F-35 up to a Boeing 737-200. Although for many of the smaller types they have no competition, they are increasingly producing airliners that are part of the JC Wings / Gemini stable. The DHC-8-Q400 is one such aircraft and the one we'll look at in this review. Each review is to split into three key areas:
This review is sponsored by Northeast Diecast. Check out their store for an excellent range of hard to find 200 and 400 scale collection sale models and get 15% off!  MOULD  Ignoring the DeAgostini / JAL Collection version, the only other DHC-8-Q400 in this scale is the Gemini Jets mould (also used by JC Wings), which dates all the way back to 2006. That mould has been used 44 times and seen something of a resurgence recently with 6 releases in 2024 and another in 2025, compared to only 2 models in the period from 2020-2024.  One of the great things about 3DD is that with their smaller runs they can make more releases and so although this aircraft type was only added to the portfolio in mid-2025 there are already 7 released or announced models.  From a mould perspective, despite its age, the old Gemini version remains a competitive casting. At the same time it has never been updated with aerials and the height of the nosegear often gives it an inaccurate taildown stance. The new 3DD version certainly gives it a very good run for its money.  The overall aircraft looks good, with a surprising fineness of detailing present. The wings attach as a separate piece, but with the seam almost totally obscured it doesn't detract from the model in anyway. The fuselage barrel is well-shaped aside from a couple of minor complaints at each end.  I would argue the nose is a little too stubby and not quite long enough at the tip. At the tailcone end the small upturned APU exhaust isn't present. On the plus side the ventral fins are sharper and appear better moulded than on the Gemini.  The 3DD version also has a more accurate nosedown stance, with a really nice set of maingear that is better detailed at the struts and tyrehub than the Gemini version. In fact the maingear tyres are a big improvement over earlier DHC-8 tyres. Unfortunately, despite the proper nosedown stance the nosegear tyre is oversized and not enough gear leg is visible.   The model has aerials, but 3DD does struggle to accurately replicate the shape of the blade type aerials. The wings and stabilisers are really nice, as are the props (which spin). The engine nacelles are well-shaped at the upper surfaces but are a bit chunky on the underside where the front inlet and rear canoe fairing are slightly too deep. Despite this I'd argue the shape of the engines is no worse than those on the Gemini.  This is a decent Q400, which has a lot to like about it. Modification of the nosegear and some slight finessing at the nose, tailcone and under the engines would improve it, but with the Mk1 eyeball, rather than magnified macro-photos, none of these things stands out. Side by side with the Gemini mould this 3DD version is as good in my opinion. SCORE - 8 PAINT & LIVERY  This DHC-8-Q400 was delivered to Jazz Air, operating as Air Canada Express, in October 2011. The frosted leaf scheme has never been a favourite of mine and is difficult to reproduce at such a small scale due to the complex dotted tail design.  There are limitations to the fidelity that is presently possible with the UV printing method 3DD are using, but once again these are really only visible when you zoom in at extreme detail. With the naked eye the model's livery looks good, indeed better than the DHC-8-300 I reviewed in the same colours in August 2024.  Zoom in as I have with these photos and the resolution of the print shows its limits, especially at the grey express titles. Nonetheless everything is printed in the correct place and the colours are good. SCORE - 8 PRINTING & QUALITY CONTROL  A weakness of many of the Gemini Q400s has been their cockpit printing, which is often oversized. I prefer the size of the 3DD cockpit windows, however from the side the angle of them isn't as good. They droop down towards the rear, when they should have a straight lower margin. From the front they look fine.  There is a lot of nice line printing on the model, (far more than on recent JC Wings Q400s) especially on the wingtops. The resolution of the wingtop print is actually really good, and better than the line printing on the fuselage and engines, which at magnification can be seen to be a bit fuzzy. Once again at 1:1 the linework looks really good.  Another area of minor criticism is from the front. It would be ideal if the engine inlets were dark and not white. 3DD model's come in quite thick boxes with foam inserts, which provide a lot of protection to the model. That, alongside the individual inspection of each model by the owner, means that QC is good. SCORE - 8  CONCLUSION  Although at magnification the print detail can't quite match that of a Tampo printed diecast model I would argue that the overall finish of 3DD products is as good as those of diecast regional airliners. This is one of the first 3 Q400 releases from them and I would expect there to be minor mods to the form of the model for coming versions, as 3DD have shown a willingness to take feedback and modify their print files, which their 3D printing method readily enables. Regardless of that this model displays beautifully alongside its diecast equivalents and I can heartily recommend 3D Design Deck models for the release choices, aircraft variety, model finish and quality service - plus of course being Canadian they aren't as impacted by US tariffs as China. FINAL SCORE - 24/30 
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorI'm Richard Stretton an aviation enthusiast and major collector of 400 scale models. On this page I take a detailed look at new releases. This site is free. Please donate to keep it going.
|
RSS Feed