Boeing 757-300 in 1:400 Scale by NG Models
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Modified: April 2024
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As I discussed when I updated the mould review for the 757-300 last year, it has been somewhat surprising that NG Models hadn't yet created a version for the type since they had started with the 757-200 way back in 2018 as their first 400 scale mould. They'd mentioned to me last year they did have a mould coming, hence the hints, but it wasn't until the last batch of future announcements a few months back that NG officially announced the type and 5 models are included in the April 2024 announcements.
NG have in recent months begun to allow collectors access to some mould samples through their CRP programme and so technically this one isn't a sample proper, as it is fully finished, comes with a proper box and has been made available for acquisition. Mine just arrived and since that is before most I thought it still worthy to post this short review. Since the aircraft is based upon the exceptional 757-200 mould then there isn't a lot of analysis required so this one's mainly photos.
If you're interested in the competing 757-300 moulds don't forget to check out the mould review for the type at the site, which features photos of all the other moulds. Unsurprisingly this version outcompetes them all quite easily:
Release Options
Despite the short production run for the series 300 there are at least 40 liveries that have been worn by the type and only 16 of them have been made in 400 scale so far. There's plenty to do and the majority of what has been made can easily be replaced. Check out the full wishlist below:
The Real thing
Outwardly the series 300 is just a stretched series 200, albeit quite a substantial one. It is 7 metres longer than its sibling for a total length of 54.4m (178ft 7in). This makes it the longest narrowbody twinjet as it is still slightly shorter than the DC-8-61/63. It is also fitted with a retractable tailskid on the rear underside but this isn't obvious in 400 scale. As with the shorter 200 series the 300 can be fitted with blended winglets but none were delivered with them.
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Eddie Maloney from North Las Vegas, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Engine options included the Pratt & Whitney PW2040, as shown by the above Northwest example, and the Rolls-Royce RB211-535E4 as worn by the Condor.
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Frank Schwichtenberg, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
NG Models already has both engine and wing options available for their 757-200 mould. This sample comes with the Pratts and the winglets:
The New NG Models Mould In Detail
Comparing directly with its nearest competitior, the updated Gemini mould, and the nosegear is a better fit without the gear doors being overly recessed into the fuselage. The aerials are also smaller and better shaped too. While Gemini releases typically have only 2 aerials on them (all on the dorsal) this sample has 3 (1 dorsal and 2 ventral).
Another area of superiority over the Gemini is the slot in wings casting avoiding the seamline on the much older GJ version.
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757s with winglets are mostly too modern for my liking but the shape of the blended winglets could be more accurate here. They rather lack the sharp profile and shape at the dorsal edge.
NG Models Boeing 757-300 Mould Sample - Walkaround
Summary
Obviously this sample is considered ready for production and hasn't been sent to me to garner feedback for NG. That's understandable considering it is just a stretch of what is one of their, and 400 scale's, best moulds. Even so, the winglet shape could do with some finessing. Along with the 767-400 this type is never likely to be a major component of anyone's collection, but considering it has served with both Delta and United I'm sure it will be a hot seller and unwelcome competition for Gemini Jets.
For me the 757-300 is largely too new to feature in my collection but I'd probably still get at least 6 of the older ones (ATA, Continental, Northwest bowling shoe, Condor delivery clrs, JMC and Thomas Cook). I actually even flew on a 757-300 back in 2005 on a ski charter LGW-LYS and back. The aircraft was G-JMAA when she was with Thomas Cook:
