 Since I wrote about the new YY Wings 747-8s they have begun to appear in the Western market on eBay, MyHobbyHouse and Waffle Collectibles. They have also been very well received, both in terms of quality and price. Nonetheless, they are in effect a callback to the mystery brands of the 2000s in that nobody knows anything about them. There's uncertainty where they are made and by whom, and have taken the mystery aspect even further since the boxes for them are entirely unbranded. The 747-8I isn't the only mould they have either as an An-225 has also appeared. A first glance suggests it is a match for the Herpa version so let's take a closer look. FORMAT Each review is to split into three key areas:
MOULD  For years nobody was really very interested in the An-225 in 400 scale. Herpa had developed their mould in 2010 but it seems the Ukrainian war and the well-publicised destruction of the only aircraft stimulated more interest in the type. YRD Models released a plastic version in 2021, which I reviewed here:  This was followed in 2022 by an interactive version with opening nose cargo door from an outfit that has been called ALB models, but whose boxes say Blue Wings. Now there is a fourth edition in the form of this version released unbranded but sold as YY Wings.   This edition comes with the Buran orbiter atop the fuselage and looks remarkably similar to the Herpa version released in 2022, although there are definitely mould differences that rule this out as being a copy or reuse of that casting, at least for the An-225 itself.  .jpg) Anthony Noble (GFDL 1.2 These diecast moulds are definitely a significant improvement over the plastic YRD models versions and this one is superior in almost every regard, but in competition with the Herpa An-225 this model stands up well also. That is impressive considering I was able to purchase it for under RMB300 (about $41). As has been seen with the YY Wings 747s the price is quite a lot cheaper than standard brands but the quality is the same or better.  I have to say I am very impressed with the casting overall. The basic shape of the complex fuselage is exact. It has the correct curving profile and the wide variety of bumps and lumps. The only missing items are the two triangular NACA intakes just ahead of the wing, which are present on the Herpa mould.  The wings slot in tightly and look really good also. They have a good amount of leading and trailing edge detailing. I note that the Herpa mould has more linework on the wings but to be honest it isn't very obvious in photographs so I'm not sure which approach is better.  Something that is better than on the Herpa edition are the thoroughly modern engines. Although the fan diameter of each is quite small all have really intricate fan detailing and are see through, unlike on the Herpa. The shape of the nacelles and pylons is also excellent.  Another area where this mould wins out over the Herpa is at the tail. On the Herpa the horizontal stabilisers are one piece and attach onto the fuselage creating a seam line. On this mould the stabs slot into the fuselage sides as separate pieces, giving a more realistic look.   Equally impressive is the undercarriage. Each wheel truck is separate and has super detailed rolling landing gear with excellently detailed gear doors.  On the underside the mould also has a standhole, unlike the Herpa, as the model comes with a solid free plastic stand.  The Buran shuttle connects to the aircraft via an additional 4 piece plastic scaffold that slots into holes on the fuselage roof. It and the Buran look near identical to the Herpa version. The Buran itself is plastic, not diecast, but has plenty of detail and a nice shape too.  _1.JPEG) MASTER SGT. DAVE CASEY, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons  I admit that I have never owned the Herpa version of the An-225 and I have written this review comparison using photos, although quite detailed ones, for reference. From what I can see this YY Wings edition is an improvement in several areas (engines, undercarriage, tail form), while the Herpa has slightly more detailed fuselage and wing markings.  Given the price difference, the mould upgrades and the fact this version comes with both a stand and collectors card I think the YY Wings is the better option. It is a spectacular mould. I am close to giving this full marks, but will dock one for the missing NACA intakes and simpler wingtop finish, plus this model lacks the aerial mounting I have seen in some online photos (not sure why it isn't fitted here). SCORE - 9 PAINT & LIVERY   Ralf Manteufel (GFDL 1.2 The An-225 was demonstrated with the Buran orbiter atop it at the 38th Paris International Air & Space show in June 1989 and this model represents that moment in time.  The livery is simple but stylish with a thin red pinstripe along the fuselage that tapers at either end and is repeated on the engines. I can't fault the reproduction here in that regard or any other. The Soviet flag is located on the outer vertical stabilisers and the number 387 is on the forward fuselage.  The MPIR An-225 titles are nicely shown above the L1 door too. Even the Buran is well finished with correct titles and individual heatproof panels visible. SCORE - 10 PRINTING & QUALITY CONTROL  What has been impressive about the YY Wings releases so far is the level of print detail and quality they have shown. The Air China 747-8 I reviewed had some livery reproduction issues but the printing itself couldn't be faulted.  The same goes here on this An-225. Comparing it to the Herpa edition and there is certainly more print detailing present here. This is especially noticeable on the underside and engine nacelles.  As mentioned before the overall quality is enhanced by the model coming with a nice and robust free stand that holds the heavy model well, partly because the area under the peg is expanded out to form a small platform. The collectors card that comes with the model is also high quality plastic with printing on either side.   The box, although unbranded, also shouts quality and has a fliptop lid with details about the aircraft.  I am also impressed with the QC of the model, especially given that all the undercarriage units are free moving and independent plus the engine cores are hollowfans. There are no concerns around build quality on the aircraft itself, or with the thin struts that hold the orbiter, or the Buran itself. SCORE - 10 SUMMARY  The An-225 has never been an aircraft that has been high on my list but this model has changed my mind. Given the price point the quality on show here is amazing. This is as good a model as you'll get from anyone in 400 scale and is better than the Herpa version in terms of mould, printing and extras. Considering I see the Herpa version selling for nearly twice what I paid for this I am thoroughly impressed. Hopefully this model will also become available in Western markets, I got mine via taobao, as it is a high-end product. It also illustrates that excellence doesn't necessarily have to cost the Earth and that the prices we're paying for some brands that don't match this quality is not always good value for money. SCORE - 29/30 
2 Comments
dkp
26/3/2024 09:29:47 am
The products sold in the same store in YY model are both HEPA and HOGAN, so YY should be OEM by HP or HG.
Richard Stretton
26/3/2024 09:31:53 am
Yeah Hogan has been my guess. Herpa's products are nowadays made by JC Wings 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.
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