Comac C919 in 1:100 Scale by NG Models
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Modified: August 2024
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Production of the COMAC C919 is gradually ramping up and Chinese model manufacturer's clearly see a significant market for the type in various scales to satisfy a proud Chinese populace. New 400 scale moulds for the type have just been announced by both Panda Models and Phoenix, joining the existing NG Models and JC Wings versions. NG and JC already have 200 scale versions of the aircraft and JC Wings additionally released a 100 scale version in February 2023. Now NG Models has also upscaled their 200 scale version and here I take a look at the sample.
If 200 scale is not usually my playground then 100 scale certainly isn't, but looking at production numbers I can see that the majority of models at this scale are plastic or fibreglass. That is NOT the case with either of the 100 scale C919s and I can certainly verify that this NG Models sample is diecast metal - and very heavy because of it!
Incidentally for those interested in the gestation of the C919 and its story to date I have written about the type here at the site so check that out here:
Size
I recently reviewed a 200 scale Inflight 747-400 but I can tell you that this 100 scale C919 easily matches that for size. The wingspan is about the same and the fuselage length of this C919 a little longer. The C919 is appreciably chunkier with a much thicker fuselage and is also significantly heavier. The fuselage length here is about 39cm and the wingspan just under 36cm.
The 100 version certainly dwarves the 400 scale version I own. The smaller model can comfortably sit atop the 100 scale fuselage!
100 Scale Mould Sample
As you'll see this sample looks complete but the printwork is partial. It has cockpit windows, passenger doors and a windowline. It doesn't have a lot of other print detailing or belly cargo doors. It also lacks aerials. Obviously these things will be added to production versions.
Shimin Gu (GFDL 1.2 or GFDL 1.2 ), via Wikimedia Commons
The C919 has a rather amorphous shape, but I have to say that I can't really see any issues in terms of the shape of the mould itself. This makes sense as they are basically just upscaling the 200 scale version, which is excellent already. The print here also looks good but I do think that the massive cockpit windows do look a little small on the 100 scale sample.
The model is just like a larger version of the 200 scale edition and has the same sort of features as that, such as magnetic landing gear. It fits well and is easy to add and remove. A little surprisingly the nosegear cannot be turned. The gear looks good but the tyre rim detailing isn't quite as good as on the competing JC edition.
As you can see the model comes without a standhole but has a large, heavy all metal stand. This attaches to the model via a slot-in plastic cradle that the aircraft sits on and slots over the rear of the wings. This is completely different to the JC Wings version, which has a traditional, but very attractive, stand connecting to a standhole underneath the fuselage.
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The stand fits nicely and holds the model well but I did notice that the sheer weight of it with the model attached, and its metal base, means it is liable to scratch surfaces it is put on.
From the front the engines have lovely detail and the blades spin nicely.
Comac C919 1:100 Scale Walkaround Photos
Summary
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N509FZ, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
While I doubt there's much of a market for this model outside of China I suspect it'll sell well inside and clearly JC Wings share NG's conviction on this as well. The mould is very nice, but obviously way too large for my collection! With more print detail and slightly larger cockpit windows this should be a fabulous model.
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For a comparison to the JC Wings version released last year see the below photos. Aside from the detailing, such as extra print and aerials, the obvious differences are the stand construction and connection, and tyre hubs.
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