The NG Models Boeing 757-200 in 1:200 Scale
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Modified: May 2023
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Until now NG Models has rather dabbled in 200 scale with less than 100 models produced to date. These have covered mainly regional types or private jets, that don't work well in the smaller 400 scale, or Chinese made aircraft. NG Models' growth has been spectacular and now with a monthly release output sometimes approaching 40 models they appear ready to begin to expand into 200 scale in a bigger way with their first mainline US jet - the Boeing 757-200. For further discussion of NG Models' strategy in 200 scale to date see this video:
In many ways the Boeing 757 is a natural choice for NG in 200 scale since it was their first own-branded mould in 400 scale, and that mould itself is very very good. I've discussed the NG 757-200 multiple times but here's a review of NG's output using the 400 scale 757, which may give some clues to its future usage in 200 scale as well.
The 757-200 has had relatively heavy usage in 200 scale albeit a lot of these are plastic Wooster or Flight Miniatures releases that aren't really in the same category as die-cast. The most important existing moulds are the Inflight version (used 36 times under their name and I think 12 times by Aviation200) and the Gemini Jets / JC Wings mould (used 63 times by Gemini and 33 times by JC). Both of the existing 757s in 200 scale look like fine moulds so it is a competitive arena that NG are entering into, albeit one with plenty of potential.
Boeing 757-200 Moulds
The 200 scale version makes an interesting comparison with the smaller 400 scale one. Please also see the accompanying video covering these new 757 moulds:
NG Models have sent me two moulds covering two engine options (the Rolls-Royce RB211-535E4 and the Pratt & Whitney PW2037/40) and two wingtip variants (the original and the later retrofitted blended winglets). It wouldn't surprise me to see the original RB211-535C engines in time, since they made them in 400 scale, but they aren't on these samples.
Boeing 757-200 with RB211-535E4 Engines
Javier Bravo Muñoz (GFDL 1.2 or GFDL 1.2 ), via Wikimedia Commons
Boeing 757-200WL with PW2037 Engines
Rolf Wallner (GFDL 1.2 or GFDL 1.2 ), via Wikimedia Commons
As you'd expect since NG have an almost perfect 400 scale 757 there really isn't any reason why these 200 scale versions shouldn't be great too. Certainly I can't see any issues with the overall fuselage shape or the printing of the cockpit. The double bubble style fuselage is clearly evident too, with the crease down the fuselage side.
The undercarriage detaches easily as you'd expect and attachs with magnets. There is a lot of great detailing, especially on the nosegear leg, which also can be turned. The maingear trucks pivot nicely.
The wing join is delightful and the maingear looks fabulous:
NG continue to use solid-core engines aiming for hyper-realism rather than the gimmickry of see through rotatng fanblades, which rarely can recreate realistic fan blade shape or spacing.
The panel lining on the vertical stabiliser is nice and the overall form of the tailplanes and cone fine by me.
The only criticism I can see on the moulds at the moment is that the blended winglets are not quite sharp enough or angled enough at their upper margin:
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NG Models Boeing 757-200WL with PW Engines
NG Models Boeing 757-200 with RB211 Engines
The stand below didn't come with the samples but instead was with the AG600M sample I reviewed.
SUMMARY
Overall I'd say these are very impressive moulds with some lovely detailing. The only area I can see for improvement is the form of the winglets at their tip. Otherwise, I'd say NG is onto another winner with these beautiful 757s.
