Etihad Airways | Boeing 787-10 | A6-BMA | NG Models

It was May the last time that I reviewed an NG Models release here at the site, 9 reviews ago. That partly indicates the lack of standout models from NG and the high number of Chinese models, that I do collect, but often have very samey liveries. I'm not usually keen on Middle-Eastern airlines or cartoon based special schemes, but I do have a nostalgic feeling for Looney Tunes and Tom & Jerry, and the Etihad scheme is my favourite from the region. The combination peaked my interest so here's a review.

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This review is 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

There have been 112 Boeing 787-10 models announced or released in 400 scale to date, which is only slightly less than the 124 actual aircraft delivered. These have been spread across 4 moulds: Aviation400 (15 models), Gemini Jets / JC Wings / Albatros (47 models), Phoenix (22 models) and NG Models (28 models).

The newest mould is from Aviation400 (I reviewed a United Airlines example in December) but there is currently a 5th mould in the pre-production phase being made by C Models. Further competition has been found with the recent upgrades to the Phoenix 787, but even with those it remains behind the rest. The NG Models version of the 787-10 appeared in late 2019 and benefitted from the gestation period of the earlier 787-9 mould, which saw some modifications, mainly to the landing gear.

The result is a 787 that is at, or near, the top of the pile of moulds available - although all of the Aviation400, Gemini/JC and NG Models versions are very good. For the NG mould the basic fuselage barrel is superb and has no problems. 

Comparison with the AV and JC moulds tends to focus on the smaller detail areas such as landing gear, engines, wings and stabs. It is the NG mould, which usually comes out top. For example, the wing join to fuselage is tighter than on the JC Wings version and the vertical stabiliser better shaped than the Aviation400.

Other highlights of this mould is the nosegear and the well-shaped Wi-Fi radome atop the fuselage, both I think superior to the AV400 version. However, the smaller roofline radome aft of the wings is printed (as on the JC Wings) rather than in relief as on the Aviation400.

All 4 aerials are fitted, and are smaller and better shaped than on the competition. The maingear is hyper-accurate - at least from the side. From the front the gear trucks are a little too narrow and the gear legs angle in slightly. Additionally, the small triangular inner door element (present on the JC version) is missing.

Another area where the NG version comes out top are the engine fans. All the moulds have hollow core engines, but the number, shape and spacing of the NG fanblades is easily the best.

This is one of those moulds that sits near the top of the scoreboard. Whether it is within the margin of error for a 10/10 is arguable. I think it is only the maingear that lets it down slightly and this time around I'll give it a 9. It is probably my personal choice for a 787 but good cases can be made for the Aviation400 and JC Wings moulds too.

SCORE - 9

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PAINT & LIVERY

For a good variety of photos of this aircraft try Planespotters.net here.

​The current Etihad scheme was unveiled in September 2014 and was designed by Landor Associates. It is a fantastic livery and uses a variety of colours 'which reflects the varying hues of the landscape of the UAE, from the darker sands of Liwa to the lighter colours seen in the Northern Emirates.'

NG have released Etihad models before and not always got all the colours accurate, however there is a definite improvement to 'Fractal Color 4' here, which is now more golden than yellow. The capture of the metallic sparkly paint is also exceptionally well done.

Of course this aircraft is wearing the Warner Bros World special scheme with DC heroes on the starboard side and Looney Tunes / Tom & Jerry on the port. Starting with the DC side and the definition of the printing is superb. Even at extreme close-up the details can be clearly seen. Batman and Wonder Woman are essentially perfect. Superman himself is equally good, however he's slightly too high (only by something like half a mm).

On the left side the characters are equally impressive. I have rarely seen such quality printwork in the scale. Once again nitpicking means I'll mention Bugs' higher ear is slightly out of position as regards the grey geometry it should intersect.

The fine detailing on the model can almost sometimes be its downfall. In 1:1 the Etihad falcon crest behind the main titles looks too dark (almost as if it has a dark background) but in close-up you can see the level of fine print on the bird is very accurate.

Overall this is a wonderful piece of art reproduced on a 400 scale model. All the more impressive as its clear Etihad and Warner Bros themselves were not involved in the  design for the model.

SCORE - 9

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PRINTING & QUALITY CONTROL

I have already applauded the livery printwork on this model, but that is also backed up by NG's usual excellence when it comes to 787 templated elements, such as engine nacelle printing and entry door detailing.

Quality control on this model is near perfect. The hollow-core engines require separate rims to be attached to the nacelles. In magnification there is a tiny amount of misalignment, but you can't really tell with the naked eye.

Likewise the nosegear leg is slightly bent to one side, but you don't really notice in 1:1.

SCORE - 9

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CONCLUSION

This is the sort of model that makes me feel that as 400 scale collectors we are nowadays sometimes spoilt. The overall product finish of this model is as good as it gets, and even if it were crafted by artisans I doubt you'd get a much better model. Of course at this price point it isn't and it is important to remember that these models are printed and put together in factories by relatively low-paid staff, by Western standards. The fact this sort of standard is now expected is a testament to how far 400 scale has come and how much NG themselves have helped push the envelope of what is possible as the norm.

FINAL SCORE - 27/30