 The DC-8 series is a major part of JAL's history and the JAL Collection has released both series 32 and series 61 moulds, which both share a general look and feel that is similar to the original Gemini DC-8s. I've only acquired the stretch DC-8, somewhat ironically a little before I acquired the Aeroclassics twinpack of the same aircraft/livery combination. However since I mainly got the model to take a look at the mould that's ok and in this review I'll do just that.
Th DC-8 has featured in issues 14 and 30 of the magazine with the former covering the short DC-8 and the latter the series 61.  DOUGLAS DC-8-61 IN 400 SCALE There have been a few DC-8-61 moulds made in 400 scale and they've all been ok, although the second Aeroclassics mould, dating from 2008, is by far the best. I've written about the moulds in the mould review, which I admit could do with an update: The two most relevant moulds are the 2001 Gemini version and the aforementioned 2008 Aeroclassics pictured below:   JAL COLLECTION DC-8-61  Felix Goetting (GFDL 1.2  The resemblance of the JAL Collection DC-8-61 to the Gemini Jets mould is strong, and this isn't a bad thing since the Gemini original is a solid reliably decent casting despite its age. The overall fuselage shape is good although it lacks some of the finesse in a couple of small places since the nose side intakes are not moulded in and the tailcone is a little more pointy than I'd like.  Even so, this is clearly a DC-8 and the nose shape is quite accurate. The mould shares a very similar wingseam to that used by all DC-8 moulds in this scale meaning it is small, unobtrusive and well shaped.  The wings are well shaped, not too thick and have surprisingly accurate and well shaped engine pylons that correctly cut through the wing leading edge. The engines are well shaped and fit to the pylons better than any of the other JAL Collection moulds. Their only weakness is a lack of some detailing.  It is perhaps the undercarriage that makes this mould look like the original Gemini the most. The gear legs are rather simplistic but are the correct length and have quite well sized tyres attached (the nosegear is only slightly oversized). The nosegear door should be taller but again this gives it a similar look to the Gemini.  The tail and stabilisers are plastic but they are well shaped and fitted with some nice detailing. This is definitely one of the better JAL Collection moulds and I will subtract points as follows: Simple landing gear -1 Nose intakes and tailcone shape -1 Engine detailing -0.5 Wing seam -0.5  As always if this were a standard 400 scale you'd expect aerials and rolling gear but I'm letting that go for the JAL Collection versions. So a score of 7 (or 6 if being stricter) is a very good return for a mould and model that could easily be mistaken for a 2000 era Gemini product. Of course this model clearly has a lopsided cockpit print on the left side but aside from that the print and finish on this model is good. SCORE - 7
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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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