Below is my view on the best 400 scale moulds for a selection of Boeing types based on buying a lot of 400 scale models and looking at them in detail across many years. You may not agree but if you don't you should at least mount a sensible argument about why you don't!
NOTE: Just because a mould isn't the best it doesn't mean it isn't good and that you shouldn't buy it. I buy a wide range of good moulds for many of these types myself. In the end your collecting is up to you. Use the resources linked to below to get a better understanding of what is available.
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-100/200 |
There has only ever been a single 737-100 mould in 400 scale - the Seattle Models version. It was really nice but was only used a handful of times and the last of those was in 2008. The series 200 has fared better but the only moulds that could be classed as good are the original SMA version (later used by Aeroclassics) and the later Aeroclassics version. The Aeroclassics mould is still in use today thankfully and is lovely. It is certainly miles ahead of the ancient Gemini mould, which last got a run out in 2017.
SUPPORTING MATERIAL
ACTIVE MOULDS - 737-200
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BEST MOULD 737-200
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-300/400/500 |
The series 300-500 is another mid-range type not especially well served in the scale. There haven't been many moulds and the only one that you could say is outstanding is the Panda models version, also used historically quite a bit by Aeroclassics. Panda in 2020 produced a complimentary series 400 as well, which is excellent. The old Gemini Jets version (updated by JC Wings) covers all three variants and is serviceable without being spectacular, however if you're after a series 500 it is all there really is. The Phoenix versions are generally dire.
SUPPORTING MATERIAL
ACTIVE MOULDS
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* 300/400 only
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* 300/400 only
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BEST MOULDS
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* 300/400 only
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* 500 only
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-600/700/800/900 |
Until relatively recently the 737 Next Generation series was plagued by a series of mediocre moulds. The 2014 Panda version was a step in the right direction and is decent but it wasn't until NG Models joined the party in 2019 that there was finally a top-class 737-800. Since then Panda Models have introduced a new 737-700/800 mould which is very nice, however NG Models retains the crown and has expanded its lineup to cover all variants from series 600 to 900. The JC Wings and Phoenix moulds still in use cannot compete at all and need replacing, which may be gradually happening with a new Gemini series 600 on the horizon.
SUPPORTING MATERIAL
ACTIVE MOULDS
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* series 600/700/800 only
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* series 700/800/900 only
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BEST MOULD |
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
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* series 700/800 only
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Special callout here for the Gemini Jets P-8 Poseidon, which uses a different base mould to their 737-800 and is very good. Better than the Panda version.
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MAX-8 / MAX-9 |
I am not a big fan of the Aeroclassics or Phoenix MAX moulds, but the Gemini / JC Wings edition is good. As good, if not better, is the Panda mould, although it appears now to be inactive. The recent NG Models 737 MAX is an excellent edition and probably just about pips the Gemini version.
SUPPORTING MATERIAL
ACTIVE MOULDS
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BEST MOULD |
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
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