AirBridgeCargo | Ilyushin Il-96-400T | RA-96103 | Phoenix Models

Increasingly, there aren't a lot of new moulds that can be made in 400 scale that haven't been made before, or at least there aren't many that manufacturers will take the chance on. Pleasingly, Phoenix already had an Il-96-300 and they were convinced that it was worth taking a punt on developing that into a series 400. They seem happy with the decision as they've already announced 5 releases on the new mould and the first two have just arrived at the hangar. Technically, they aren't the same aircraft type, as one is an Il-96M and the other is a Il-96-400T, but I'll discuss the difference here as I look at the freighter.

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Each review is to split into three key areas:

• The model mould
• The paint and livery reproduction
• Printing and quality control

Each section can get a maximum score of 10 for a maximum combined score of 30

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MOULD

I was able to announce the new Il-96-400 from Phoenix at the site (see my Il-96-400 mould announcement post here) and privileged to have also been able to review the mould sample too. That review proved worthwhile as feedback from collectors helped tease out the difference between the base Il-96M and the Il-96-400 developed from it. For the full sample review see:

Ilyushin Il-96-400 SAMPLE by Phoenix Models

The original Phoenix Il-96-300 is an excellent mould so it was little surprise that the samples scored highly, especially as they reused several elements. The difference between the M and 400 variants related to the underside form of the rear fuselage and as it turned out Phoenix have produced both variants, even though only a single M (RA-96000) was ever built. I have both models so it is easy to show the difference between the fuselage rears:

The M has a curved underside profile, while the 400 has a much more angular version with two clear angle changes, either side of a long straight portion. This sort of attention to detail becomes possible when brands engage more with collectors and it is excellent to see Phoenix beginning to realise this potential and avoid issues.

As I said, many aspects of the 96-300 mould make appearances with this 400. One of those is the fuselage front section. Very much a uniquely Soviet profile it is captured really well.

The direct comparison to the 96-300 mould can be continued with the wings, engine pylons and nacelles too. There's a lot to like and not a lot to criticise. The engine pylon shape as it meets the nacelle forward edge doesn't curve enough, but that is very minor.

Probably, the only criticism of any value is in relation to the winglets. They are a little too tall, not wide enough at the top and too straight at the rear. 

Aside from the fuselage length and shape of the rear fuselage underside, the other difference between this 400 and a 300 is the vertical stabiliser. That fitted to the 400 is shorter and stubbier. The mould captures it fine.

One other minor point is that the maingear don't pivot. They don't on the 300 either (but do on JC Wings Il-86). This really doesn't bother me at all but I know some collectors like to know this kind of thing.

Phoenix have capitalised on the excellent sample, and quickly pivoted to modify the underside of the rear fuselage to make an accurate 400 version. They deserve massive praise for that and for listening to my friend Tung who has been pushing them to take a chance on the Il-96-400. 

SCORE - 9

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PAINT & LIVERY

This aircraft was the third Il-96-400 made and wasn't completed until 2008 (even though the first true series 400 first flew in 1997). Initial service was with Polet Flight but after they went out of business in 2014 it was put into storage, probably with the expectation that it would never fly again. Presumably, the Ukrainian war changed that as, in August 2023, it was returned to flying condition in the colours of AirBridgeCargo.

As it turned out, they never took the aircraft up and instead it went to SkyGates by December in an almost bare white paintjob nowhere near as attractive as this livery. The ABC scheme is unusually intricate for a cargo airline, even if it uses only two colours - blue and white. Phoenix has colour matched the deep blue very well here.

The overall placement of livery elements is fine and there's plenty of detail like the tiny UAC and Ilyushin Finance logos forward. The only criticism I have is to do with the titles. Those forward appear lighter than the rest of the blue and the larger ones at the rear have a slightly different font for the A and B capitals. Elements printed onto the blue are also very slightly off white. 

SCORE - 9

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PRINTING & QUALITY CONTROL

Printwork on the model is of a high standard and everything that is there is good quality, including fine linework like the radome. The small roofline antenna and domes are printed on, unlike on the other model where they were forgotten. 

There are some question marks about the height of the cargo door, which reaches almost up to the roof mid-line. The lower boundary is in the right place but it is a little tall. It isn't by a lot as the below photo shows:

Also on the underside Phoenix have forgotten to print the maingear doors on, something that has historically been a recurring Phoenix feature, but one I thought they'd overcome.

Build quality, of what is a very solid and quite heavy casting, is very good. There is a very minor tyre tab on one of the maingear middle wheels and a very minor paint application mishap on the starboard maingear door. Neither are visible without magnification. For completeness I should also mention that the box incorrectly calls this an IL-96M rather than the IL-96-400T it actually is.

SCORE - 8

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SUMMARY

These new stretch Il-96s are a really refreshing addition to 400 scale. As a plane they look awesome and as models they are excellent renditions. Although I nitpick several small issues above, none really impact the overall feel of a quality model here (and the same goes for the other release illustrating RA-96000 as an IL-96M with the Soviet engines). I look forward to further Il-96-400 releases as although there are only 10 different liveries available for the type there are at least three more I'll purchase.

FINAL SCORE - 26/30