 3D Design Deck is really making a name for itself in 400 scale and has proven the combination of 3D printing of the aircraft and UV printing onto the model not only can work, but can at times surpass die-cast. Certainly, the technology gives them an edge when it comes to making improvements and it is pleasing to see how far they have come since their debut in late 2023. In many ways the DHC-8 has become their signature type and their latest batch of models included a diverse set of 8 showcasing their capability. 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  3DDD have now access to files allowing them to produce all 3 fuselage lengths for the 4 major variants of the DHC-8. Since the first non-decaled models in May 2024 they have produced 41, including 18 -100s, 2 - 200s, 14 -300s and 7 Q400s. That compares very well to the only competition, which comes from JC Wings / Gemini.  The JC Wings / Gemini mould dates from 2006 (for the Q400) and 2009 (for the -100/200) but in the 17 years the latter has existed only 16 shorter versions have been made - and often with dreadful undercarriage and cockpit printing.   I have reveiwed 3DDD DHC-8s before including a series 300 a year ago and there is no doubt that the mould has been refined to make it better. It nowadays comfortably surpasses the diecast JC Wings edition in my eyes.  At the front-end the aircraft sits level, unlike the JC Wings version, which all too often has an odd nose-high attitude. The shape of the nosecone and the change of angle up to the cockpit are also more accurate as the change in angle is barely present on the JC version.  The undercarriage has been improved with new larger tyres, complete with proper hubs. Once again the tyres look much better than on the JC mould, although the gear legs themselves are not quite as detailed and the shape of the maingear door a little too rectangular.  The wings slot onto the fuselage in a similar manner to the JC, which hides the seam admirably. The form of the wings and attached engine canoes is excellent. Along the fuselage 3DDD has also gone to the lengths to model in the rooftop and belly blade aerials. These are better shaped than previous efforts, and again add detail that the JC version leaves off.  These latest DHC-8s utilise a new improved and more accurate vertical stabiliser, which has a modified rear chord angle. The aircraft looks great from any angle, but especially so from a rear overhead one.  The changes made to the DHC-8 print file have significantly improved the finished product here. The nose and cockpit are sharper, tyres all new, aerials added and better shaped, plus there's a new vertical stabiliser too. It all adds up to a near perfect little DHC-8 and shows the maturing capability of the 3D printing technology. Impressive. SCORE - 9 PAINT & LIVERY Horizon Air started operations in 1981 and has, like its parent, been one of the great survivors of deregulation. During the late 1990s the backbone of the fleet were F28s and DHC-8s. Pleasingly, Horizon took up its own version of the Alaska scheme rather than losing its identity as so many regional partners did. The result was a great scheme featuring burgundy stripes and stylised sunset tail logo.  The livery has been very finely replicated on this model, all the more impressive given the small size. The fuselage striping and tail logo are well sized and placed. I am especially impressed by the accurate font and placement of the large Horizon titles.  At macro-level photography there is a little graininess to the resolution, which isn't visible with the naked eye, but small text such as the aircraft name below the cockpit 'The Great City of Wenatchee' are still readable despite being miniscule. SCORE - 9  PRINTING & QUALITY CONTROL  As well as refining the print files for the aircraft 3DDD have also been refining the UV printing fineness and finish. It is definitely superior to their earlier products and the aforementioned graininess is not at all noticeable unless heavily zoomed in.  Especially pleasing is that, unlike JC Wings, the printing of standard elements like the cockpit windows are excellent. There has also been an effort to add a lot more print detailing in areas such as the wingtops and panel lines on the engine nacelles. The result is that the print compares very well with traditional Tampo print methods and in fact there is quite a lot more of it than on a standard JC Wings DHC-8.  As is standard for 3DDD models it comes in a cubic box with outer sleeve, marked up with the exact piece number - in this case model 15 of 120. The box contains a foam insert that in my experience protects the model really well. As a result there are no quality issues or breakages here. SCORE - 10  SUMMARY  I've always liked the work of 3D Design Deck, but this DHC-8 is easily the best model they have made that I have acquired. The upgraded print file combined with improved UV printing detail has enabled the recreation of an incredibly accurate DHC-8 that now easily surpasses what has been made in die-cast for the type. Even better, 3D Design Deck's production methodology supports smaller production runs that enable a wider range of liveries to be made. It really feels like they are leading the way when it comes to the production of smaller types in 400 scale. FINAL SCORE - 28/30 
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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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