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.
The NG Models 757 was their first mould and was nigh on perfect right from the start. It is light years ahead of the old modified Gemini mould, also used by Phoenix but with hideous updated landing gear. NG have used the mould widely and I can't get enough of their releases using the mould - it is one of my favourites and one of my favourite airliner types.
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Oddly, until 2024 the series 300 was a mould that had passed NG Models by, which left just three old moulds by Gemini Jets, Herpa and Dragon Wings. Only the Gemini mould is still in use and it has been updated with new undercarriage, which is an improvement. In general it shares the same features as their series 200 so is solid and reliable but not spectacular. The new NG Models 757-300 is based upon their excellent 757-200 so easily better.
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The 767 hasn't had a huge amount of love in 400 scale in recent years but the Aeroclassics series 200 is fairly recent. It is a decent mould but although seamless the lack of modern features, chunky undercarriage and rather formless engines probably still keep it behind the seamed but updated JC Wings / Gemini version. The series 300s also have several decent but not spectacular moulds too. Once again the Phoenix is seamless but personally I probably prefer the JC Wings / Gemini version, despite its wing seam, as the Phoenix has a slab-sided wing fairing region. Nonetheless, the Phoenix 767-300 is still pretty decent and either of those moulds is fine until something better shows up.
That something better looks like it will be the upcoming NG Models 767-200/300s which have had their samples reviewed but aren't available yet.
That something better looks like it will be the upcoming NG Models 767-200/300s which have had their samples reviewed but aren't available yet.
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HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
If the series 300 has been rather ignored the series 400, like the 757-300, had been even more so - or at least it had until 2023. There had only been two moulds - from Dragon Wings and Herpa but now there are, or will be 5. The new Gemini Jets / JC Wings mould was a major disappointment and inferior to the ancient Dragon Wings version. There are new moulds from both NG Models and Panda Models but the NG version requires some tweaking of the samples. The Panda Models version is excellent.
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