If 2024 was a year when the 767-400 featured strongly, 2025 looks like a year when the Boeing 767-200/300 will get more focus as the new moulds from both NG Models and Panda Models start getting a decent number of releases. Panda continues to work closely with other brands and retailers. Of the 8 767-300s announced using their mould to date only 3 are actually Panda Models releases. By far the most unusual of them is from VTJets representing the only 767-300 operated by Air Sahara.
Thanks to Wings400, where I purchased this model from:
Each review is to split into three key areas:
MOULD
For many years it has been a two way fight between the updated 2001 Gemini Jets / JC Wings and 2008 Phoenix moulds for 767-300s. There are several other moulds of similar vintage that exist (from Dragon Wings, Witty Wings / Big Bird / Aeroclassics and Witty Wings / Aviation400), but all of those were retired by 2014.
None of the older moulds are especially poor, but all are nowadays showing their age so the creation of new 767-300s in the scale is welcome. NG Models sent me the original samples for their new 767-300 in November 2023 and the final samples in June 2024 with the first models being announced that month also. Since then the NG mould has only been used 4 times (ignoring blank models), but it is clearly the main competition to this new Panda version.
Panda Models announced their first 767-300s in November, but they have only started arriving at retailers in January. As well as a pair of Deltas, there have also been models for Hainan Airlines, China Southern, 2x China Eastern and this Air Sahara example announced. The China Southerns and Easterns are made for the brand Creating Dreams Wings.
This new Panda Models 767-300 is near identical to the NG Models version, which is more of an illustration of how excellent they both are than a suggestion they are copies. The biggest area of criticism the NG mould has had relates to the winglets, but this Air Sahara example does not have them fitted (however the Delta versions suggest the Panda winglets are better).
The shape of the fuselage barrel is exceptional from nose to APU. The wings slot in tightly to the fuselage, giving this area a big advantage over the cradle mount JC Wings mould. The shaping of the fuselage to wing fairing is also better than the Phoenix mould.
The wings, engines and pylons all show excellent detailing also. The attachment of the pylons to the wing and engine detailing is an improvement over the older moulds. I also think the hot sections of the Pratt & Whitney engines fitted here are more accurate than the NG samples had.
At the rear of the wing one of the small points of difference from the NG 767 mould is that the flap track fairings are slightly longer and protrude very slightly further beyond the wing margin. I think this is more accurate. The only other difference I have noticed is in the maingear where the Panda 767 shows a little more gear leg than the NG. In this case I'd say the NG is better, but both of these callouts are very minor.
Small areas of detailing on the mould, missing on the Phoenix edition, such as the underbelly NACA intakes (also absent on the JC Wings mould) and the tailbumper are present.
Both this mould and the new NG Models mould are excellent, and differ only in very small areas. At a push I'd probably go with this version first, but you'd need a magnifying glass to really notice the difference between the two (at least without winglets fitted). Certainly, both moulds are a significant improvement over the decent existing moulds.
SCORE - 10
PAINT & LIVERY
Air Sahara always seemed like it had a curious name to me, since the Sahara desert is in Africa, but was actually named for its founding Sahara India Pariwar owner. Flights had begun in late 1993 as Sahara India Airlines and it wasn't until December 2005 that is took delivery of a single ex-United 767-300 to fly services to London Heathrow. Less than two years later it was taken over by Jet Airways and rebranded as Jetlite. Just prior to the takeover the 767 was returned to its lessor.
Air Sahara used a very patriotic livery utilising the white, green, orange and navy blue colours of the national flag. The livery had rather retro stylings with thin pinstripes running along the fuselage before sweeping up onto the tail. The colours and position of the cheatlines on the model are faultless.
Smaller details, such as the underwing registration, DL on nosegear doors and main titles are all present and correct, for what is a perfect rendition of the livery.
SCORE - 10
PRINTING & QUALITY CONTROL
My experience with Panda Models has been that they are capable of producing the highest quality models in 400 scale. There is plenty of fine print detailing present across the model. Similarly the paint finish is topnotch. Linework is crisp and straight with no sloppy joinwork or overprint lines.
NG Models has been criticised for the windowline height and cockpit printing on their 767s to date, but I don't see any similar issues here.
From the front the inside of the engine nacelles is tidy with a nice titanium colouring for the fans. Build quality shows no reason for complaint.
This model comes with a nice bespoke box design, that includes a history of the airframe on one side. It all adds up to a high quality product.
SCORE - 10
SUMMARY
This is a very professional model pulling together the best in mould, print and QC to make a review that can't point out any real issues. This is only the 8th model since 2018 to score a 100% review, and only one of three to do so since January 2020. That is no mean feat. Along with the new MD-11 mould (which I plan to review next week) Panda Models have thrust themselves to the forefront of 400 scale brands. They have always been one of the strongest manufacturers, but have largely stayed under the radar due to their release strategy. Hopefully in 2025 they will get more of the recognition they deserve.
FINAL SCORE - 30/30
1 Comment
Gaz
5/2/2025 10:45:15 pm
Trouble is,......leaving it so long in this game,they seem to be doing models and liveries that many have already acquired!!
Reply
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.
|