2025 - The Year In Review |
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2025 in 400 scale has been something of a tumultuous year. As I predicted at the end of 2024 the implications of US economic policy has had a big impact on both what has been made and pricing, but despite these hiccups 400 scale has remained robust. In fact, competition between brands and the diversification of brands has increased even further to the point where there are more models and people commissioning models than ever before in the scale. That growth hasn't been small either - there has been a 30% year on year increase in the number of models announced in 400 scale:
Admittedly, that number has been significantly boosted by HX Models making both flaps up and flaps down variants of most of their releases (plus interactive versions for cargo variants), but even with that taken into account this is significant growth.
As I hope you are aware I cover the monthly release sets from several of the major brands (Gemini Jets, JC Wings, NG Models and Phoenix Models) and sometimes smaller ones too in ranking videos over at my Youtube channel so if you don't catch those subscribe to the channel now! Subscribers at the channel have grown by nearly a third this year and 88 videos have been produced. Thanks to everyone who watches.
For the purposes of this review the data uses either model announcements from 2025 or model releases in 2025. Sadly the two are not the same since most brand announcements (JC Wings, Panda, Phoenix and Aviation400) usually include a time delay of at least 3 months (regularly longer in JC Wings and Aviation400's case) from announcement to release. For 2024's review of the year see here:
2025 PRODUCTION BY BRAND
NOTE: Stats in this section use announced models rather than released models.
MAJORS
In 2023 there were only 10 brands that I felt the need to mention in my annual review. Last year that number was 16, but in 2025 that has grown to a stupendous 27 brands - 11 of which are manufacturers in their own right. That growth has meant I've split the usual table into two. Now there is a table featuring major brands and another for minor brands. I've categorised a major brand as producing around 100 model releases annually (although I've included Panda still due to their significance as a manufacturer for others):
The big callouts here are clearly:
Panda's numbers are impacted by an increasing reliance on making models for others, while JC Wings have effectively returned to 2023 numbers.
- Significant growth for Aviation400, HX Models and YY Wings
- Significant shrinkage from JC Wings and Panda
Panda's numbers are impacted by an increasing reliance on making models for others, while JC Wings have effectively returned to 2023 numbers.
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Aeroclassics has had a decent year. You know what you're getting from them. Excellent release diversity and fabulous classic's choices, too often with weak printing, QC issues and not a lot of innovation. That said things seem to have improved towards the end of the year from a QC perspective at least. There has also been a trend towards re-releases of US classics, but that hasn't got in the way of some delightful releases from around the globe, especially Africa.
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Aviation400 have continued their growth in the scale, although quite a bit of that growth has been targeted at the Chinese market - with quite a large batch of China only A330s/A340s. They have continued to rollout their magnetic gear, which after some delays is now available on their A350s as well as their 777s, 787s, A330-900s and A380s. Their foray into narrowbody A320s from 2022 seems to have indefinitely paused as none have been made again this year. They do at times continue to suffer from production delays, but as the year ends about 3/4 of their announced models (90 of 122) have made it to stores. For 'features' such as beacon lights, magnetic gear and spinning fans they remain the go-to brand.
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Gemini must have had a tortuous year, with the constant threat of massive tariffs impacting them far more than everyone else, due to their heavily US focused release sets. There have been price increases, but it is impressive that they have managed to keep going and keep releasing mostly on track each month. As in 2024 they continue to do what they have always done. A lot of their business is in commercial agreements (with airlines such as Delta and Emirates) and mostly modern US releases, with a smattering of European airlines. Many of their moulds, especially for narrowbodies, remain weak. The only real change I can see has been the return of more classic US airliners towards the end of the year.
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HX Models have grown massively in 400 scale in 2025, delivering on the promise of 2024. The number of individual releases isn't really as high as it seems, due to them producing flaps up, flaps down and interactive variants of the same models, but is still impressive. They have still been mainly focused on Asian models, but have built an international retailer network that means their name is increasingly well known in the West. They are also often very competitive on price. There is plenty of new mould design underway and they are also partnering with retailers and other brands - so it looks like more growth is on the cards in 2026.
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JC Wings attempt to outcompete others and hold marketshare appears to have failed as they have struggled to keep their production numbers up and now have both NG Models and HX Models vying for the same core market. The amount of old warehouse stock being released has gone down, but hasn't been replaced adequately with new production, which means there are lots of future release models that still appear nowhere near being ready. Indeed, in 2025 they really only got 120 models to market and have 209 that have still not been released (including some models announced as far back as 2022!). The high expectations I had for them at the start of the year haven't quite been met, but I'm still optimistic they may come good and release more diverse and individual models in 2026.
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How you view NG Models' year probably depends on what you collect. The uncertainty caused by the tariff threats definitely caused a swing away from US releases, but also the economic uncertainty seems to have impacted Europeans as well - despite the NG Wish Centre being full of approved models from both regions. If you collect modern Asian (especially Chinese) models you'll be a lot happier and NG has kept its production stats stable by catering towards these markets, where returns are more guaranteed.
The Ultimate Collection and NG Lite both continue to potter along rather haphazardly. NG has also branched out into both plastic models in 1:100 and cartoon style models as well. Mould usage in 2025 has been very poor. It has almost totally been modern jets filling the announcements, with barely any MD-80s, 747s, 757s, 767s, L-1011s, Tu-154s and Tu-204s at all. The A340s, samples of which debuted years ago now, have still not appeared too. |
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Panda Models as an OEM for other brands has had a great year, but this has negatively impacted them making their own branded models. Nowadays they make far more models for other brands than they make for themselves and far more for other brands than anybody else. They have moved into new production facilities and their excellent 767s and MD-11s have been getting nicely used, albeit mainly for others. This can mean their production looks rather random and it would be nice to see a stronger selection of Panda branded models in 2026, because a lot of the OEM production for Chinese brands is very ordinary.
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Phoenix may not have had quite as good a 2025 as 2024, but they continue to be one of the leading brands when it comes to production volumes and, nowadays also, diversity of releases. Their new Il-62s are exceptional and upgrades to some other moulds may, in the short term at least, help stave off huge competition from other brands like HX, NG, Panda and YY Wings. The central issue that remains with Phoenix is that year on year their mould catalogue continues to weaken as all-new moulds from competitors surpass their existing versions. In 2026 Phoenix should not be your first choice for A320s, A330s, A340s, A350s, 737s, 747s, 767s, 777s, 787s, MD-11s or MD-80s - however the good diversity of releases means that often they are the only choice for an airline / aircraft combination. The models largely remain decent, but often not the best.
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This year I've felt the need to split out YY Wings from HX Models as although HX makes all their releases YY have a separate distribution pathway. Nonetheless, what they make is quite similar to what you'll get from HX, with the number of releases also inflated by the multiple variants (flaps up, down and interactive) of the same model. There's been a lot of Cathay Pacific, Lufthansa, Etihad, China Eastern and Singapore - so diversity is poor. However, the number of individual releases is still high and as with HX they are making channels into Western markets, often at very competitive prices.
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MINORS
The number of smaller brands in 2025 has exploded, with many using multiple OEMs to make their models (these have included Aeroclassics, HX Models, JC Wings, Jet Models, Kylin Models, Panda Models and YU ModeL). This increase in new brands can be confusing and irritating as many have poor distribution outside China and keeping track of their releases is often hard work (I try to help out here). The benefits however are, sometimes at least, more unusual models getting made for specific markets that wouldn't get made otherwise. However this isn't always true and some of the release choices are puzzling!
A lot of the new smaller brands have a heavy China focus, helping to ramp up Chinese airline releases to record levels. Despite that, and the tariff issues, there are also brands focused more on the US and Western market, such as 3D Design Deck, LegacyJets and V1:400.
A lot of the new smaller brands have a heavy China focus, helping to ramp up Chinese airline releases to record levels. Despite that, and the tariff issues, there are also brands focused more on the US and Western market, such as 3D Design Deck, LegacyJets and V1:400.
I'll call out some of the more important minor brands here:
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The Canadian manufacturer and brand 3D Design Deck are the first to productionise 3D printed and UV printed models in 400 scale. Their growth in 2025 has been impressive and they are producing an eclectic range of unusual and smaller types, including some fighter jets (F/A-18s and F-35s). Regional airliners (DHC-8s, CRJs, B-1900Ds) and private jets remain their primary products, but they also have experimented with more unusual types like the B-2 Spirit, Boeing T-43 and Canadair CL-415. I'm really enjoying their output and they've been reviewed a few times here at the site:
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The reborn Apollo Models has increased production in 2025 using the old Witty A380, 747-400, 767-300, 777-200 and Jet-X A300. All the moulds are rather old, but have been updated with aerials. The majority of the releases have targeted the China market and while ok there are usually superior offerings available. They are priced at the lower end of the spectrum seemingly targeting HX Models.
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Aero Polaris have, in 2025, shown a lot of promise as a major new force in 400 scale with their own production facilities and very high quality moulds for the 737-800 and A350-900/1000. The moulds are unquestionably derived from the NG 737 and Panda A350, but that makes them all the better for it. While much of their production has been Chinese it has often featured more diverse Chinese airlines and there has been a sprinkling of foreign airlines too - such as United, Virgin and All Nippon. They are definitely one to watch in 2026.
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JetHut has rebranded as simply Jet Model and begun to produce significant numbers of mainly China focused models, once again aimed at the lower price range of 400 scale. They have modernised and improved several of their moulds (most noticeably the 767-300 and 777-300ER) plus added some A319s enabling them to produce models at about the same quality as Apollo, helped by a serious improvement in print quality as well. In addition, they have been acting increasingly as an OEM for brands such as Geministar. I expect to see a lot more from them in 2026.
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Kylin Model are an entirely new brand and manufacturer that has come onto the scene in 2025 and that is showing huge amounts of potential. So far they have only released a small number of A319/320s, however they have A330/A340s upcoming and new 757-200/300s as well. Once again, they are willing to act as an OEM for others, such as Z2 Models. I've liked what I've seen from Kylin to date and they are yet another brand, which will likely grow substantially in 2026.
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Patriot Models have successfully made a name for themselves in 2025 and continued to produce an assortment of unusual aircraft, by modifying existing moulds from HX Models and Panda, and prototype colours. In many ways their profile outweighs their output and they definitely place themselves at the premium end of the 400 scale spectrum. 2026 should see their own new moulds come to the market in the form of an Antonov 12.
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For more information about several of the other smaller brands see my Who's Who Videos at the Youtube channel:
Below: Despite, or perhaps because of, their pivot towards China, NG Models are still producing the most models. JC Wings comes in 2nd but isn't really delivering those numbers, which are too often made up of 'future' announcements. The other old majors now face pressure from HX Models, YY Wings, Aero Polaris, Apollo, Geministar and a host of smaller brands.
2025 PRODUCTION BY GEOGRAPHY & AIRLINE
NOTE: These following stats use released models not announced models
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There's no doubt that one of the talking points this year has been the perceived movement away from North America and towards Asian (mostly Chinese) releases, fuelled no doubt partly by tariffs (or the threat of them). This is backed up by the figures below, however not as dramatically as it may have seemed. The total number of US releases (not announcements) is actually only down fractionally, and arguably Canada, Mexico and South America have fared worse (a lot of models for those regions do distribute via the US).
Rather than a drop for the USA the story is really more of a massive rise for Chinese releases - fuelled heavily by an increasing number of brands aiming themselves largely at that market, such as Apollo, Aero Polaris, C Models, Creating Dreams Wings, HYJL wings, Geministar, Kylin Models, Undefined Collectibles, YU ModeL and Z2 Models. Having said that NG Models themselves certainly have made significantly more Chinese models in 2025 (139) than 2024 (93). Part of the growth in Asia's output is down to that swathe of Etihad A340-600s and the new Korean Air livery.
Europe has actually had more models in 2025 than they had in 2024, but again not from NG Models (38 in 2025 to 45 in 2024). Of course that is only part of the story, as when you breakout the major airlines (including their cargo subsidiaries):
Europe has actually had more models in 2025 than they had in 2024, but again not from NG Models (38 in 2025 to 45 in 2024). Of course that is only part of the story, as when you breakout the major airlines (including their cargo subsidiaries):
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While this is not entirely surprising it does mean that even for areas very well stocked for models there is often a lack of diversity. For example:
2025 PRODUCTION BY AIRCRAFT TYPE
NOTE: These following stats use released models not announced models
These stats look very similar to those of 2023 and 2024. Airbus and Boeing make up over 85% of releases in the scale. Boeing also continues to surpass Airbus too and by roughly the same numbers. If anything classic types are down in 2025, but other aircraft manufacturers have been bolstered by 3D Design Deck's output, Phoenixes Ilyushins and MD-80s, HX Models / YY Wings MD-11s and an increasing number of COMACs. Embraer has seen a marked decrease in releases (from 19 to 7) while Tupolev has flatlined, down from 21 to zero!
Production Split by Aircraft Manufacturer
Phoenix - Northwest MD-82
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Airshop Diecast / Panda - Garuda MD-11
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Douglas and McDonnell Douglas products are once again third, mainly thanks to 62 MD-11s. The diversity isn't quite what it seems due to flaps down and interactive variants of the same standard releases. Only 4 of the MD-11s are from the Panda stable, although I believe Panda are gearing up for more MD-11s in 2026. NG Models continues to not use its MD-80s well at all. There were only 15 in 2025 and many of these were very samey. The other 14 MD-80s come from either Phoenix or Gemini / JC Wings. Aeroclassics hasn't made any DC-9s in 2025 (although V1:400 has announced 4) and has instead focused on DC-8s and DC-10s. There have been no Douglas props in 2025.
Aeroclassics - Swissair DC-8-62
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Gemini Jets - Frontier Airlines MD-80
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The Embraers remain 100% the preserve of JC Wings and Gemini Jets with their range of E-Jets - but releases have been thin on the ground. ATRs have also not been heavily represented by JC/GJ. 3D Design Deck has taken up the regional slack with a lot of DHC-8s, CRJ-100/200s and Beechcraft 1900Ds.
Gemini Jets - Binter E-195-E2
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3D Design Deck - Air Southwest DHC-8
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Lockheed had a small resurgence in 2025 as NG rediscovered their Tristar mould, but still only made 3 examples! At least half the Lockheeds were F-35 fighters made by 3D Design Deck. COMAC gained a significant increase with the expansion of C909/ARJ-21 and C919 operations. Being Chinese multiple brands (NG, Panda and Phoenix) have moulds available for them.
NG Models - China Eastern C919
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NG Models - Eastern L-1011 Tristar
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Tupolev output nosedived, with a complete absence of releases of NG Models (Tu-154, Tu-204) and Panda Models (Tu-134). The lack of Aeroclassics (Tu-154) and Phoenix (Tu-154) was less missed. Fortunately, Phoenix took up some of the slack with its excellent new Il-62s and in 2026 there is potential for HX with its new Il-76. A type making an unexpected return was Concorde with several versions made by ARD and Socatec on the lovely updated Socatec variant.
Phoenix Models - LOT Il-62 Basic
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ARD Models - British Airways Concorde
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3D Design Deck and Aeroclassics have filled holes for many less popular types such as the Northrop Grumman B-2, Sud-Aviation Caravelle and Vickers Viscount.
3D Design Deck - B-2 Spirit
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Aeroclassics - Libyan SE-210 Caravelle
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AIRBUS PRODUCTION 2025
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BOEING PRODUCTION 2025
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Once again the A320 and 737 families do well, however somewhat surprisingly there has been a decrease in A320 family releases and a massive decrease in MAXs, while 737NG release numbers have gone up by 20 models. This appears partly due to Panda's A320 mould being out of action and yet there being plenty of Panda OEM 737-800 releases, plus Aero Polaris' efforts.
Creating Dreams Wings - Juneyao Airlines A321
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Aero Polaris - Suparna 737-800
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Airbus A380 release numbers have remained fairly stable year-on-year with releases from Apollo, Aviation400 and HX Models making up the majority. Only a few of the 35 were from Gemini Jets or Phoenix. The A340 has seen a massive increase from 2024 where there were 19. This year there were 81, although once again none came from NG Models! A huge chunk were quite repetitive YY Wings Etihad A340-600s, but Aviation400 released 26 series 300s too.
Apollo - Qantas A380-800
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Aviation400 - Emirates A340-300
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A330s and A350s remain popular and made by a wide range of different brands - although numbers of both were slightly down.
YY Wings - Airbus A340-600
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Aviation400 - Air France A350-900
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Thankfully, as I hoped 2025 brought more quality 747 classics - mostly from HX Models. On the flipside there was a lot of repetition with the releases, which clouds the lack of airline diversity somewhat. Once again NG Models largely ignored its own 747SP, but the 747-8 had another stonking year assisted by a lot of HX Models / YY Wings freighters (usually in 3 versions each).
HX Models - Pan Am 747-121
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HX Models - Cargolux Boeing 747-8F
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757s were thin on the ground and so were quality 767s. Although there were 51 of the latter a disappointingly small number (17) used the Panda moulds and they were often made for obscure brands and featured some rather random subjects.
AACF Exclusive - Transavia 757-200
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VTJets - Air Sahara 767-300
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Triple Seven releases increased, but Dreamliners decreased in 2025. NG Models made 44 of the 124 777s - with the rest split as follows: Aviation400 (20), Phoenix (15), JC Wings (10), Gemini (15), Geministar (10), Jet Models (7). NG Models made 21 of the 59 787s in 2025. The rest came from Phoenix (12), JC Wings (10), Gemini Jets (10) and Aviation400 (5).
NG Models - Air China 777-300
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Aviation400 - China Eastern 777-300ER
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MOULD PRODUCTION & MODERNISATION
New mould creation continues apace and among an increasing number of manufacturers. There are quite a few moulds that have been pre-announced but not had any releases announced for them as of yet. I have excluded those from this section. Several of them are mentioned in the Beijing HEC EXPO Review from April:
Many of those moulds come from JC Wings who have, as far as I can see, not released any new moulds this year, but have a long list of moulds under development. Others come from C Model, HX Models, Patriot and YU ModeL.
3D Design Deck - CRJ-100/200
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Aero Polaris - Airbus A350-900
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3D Design Deck has been prolific in 2025, with a range of often unusual types being produced. Their 3D printing method adapts easily to more unusual aircraft types, but they have also focused on more mainstream regionals too.
Aeroclassics have updated their 727-200's tailcone, although it is arguable whether it is an improvement. Their very recent 707-320 turbojet still needs some work. HX Models are working on expanding their mould catalogue. They have released and adapted new moulds gradually, but often not got them right first time around. The new 737-900 is another example where some tweaks would be good.
Aeroclassics - Boeing 727-200
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HX Models - Boeing 737-900
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Kylin Models first moulds have been promising and once again they are very open to improvements. Panda's 767s have gone from strength to strength with the addition of the series 200.
Kylin Models - Airbus A319
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Panda Models - Boeing 767-200
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NG Models have been rather quiet this year and still haven't released or announced any A340s. They have updated their 777s and finally got a proper 747-400 to market though.
NG Models - Boeing 777-200
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YU ModeL - Airbus A300
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2025 HIGHLIGHTS, LOWLIGHTS & TRENDS
This year I've decided I will cover this aspect in a separate video at the YouTube channel. Check that out here:
For my Top 12 Models of 2025 see the following video:
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INTO 2026
Despite significant challenges, mostly caused by the actions of a certain President, 400 scale has weathered the storm of 2025 admirably. This isn't always obvious to Western collectors fixated on their homemarket, however the scale ends the year with more brands and more manufacturers than it has ever had. That positions it well to continue to thrive, and for there to be plenty of new opportunities for it to continue to grow. It is hoped that 2026 brings more economic stability to allow that and, if that is the case, then there should be less of a focus on the Chinese home market and more of a global outlook once again. I am cautiously optimistic for 1:400 airliners moving into the New Year.
As always, I look forward to exploring the coming changes with you at Yesterday's Airlines. Happy New Year!! |
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