Boeing 767-400ER 1:400 Scale New Mould Sample
Modified: June 2024
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Of the 767 samples I was sent last November it was the 767-400 that required the most work and, somewhat ironically, also the 767-400 that was facing the most competition given that both Gemini / JC and Panda also had new moulds. The former isn't much competition at all, but the Panda Models version has proven to be excellent. See my review of the United Star Alliance example here.
The summary of my review of the last NG 767-400 sample said:
'This 767-400 sample is clearly superior to the new Gemini Jets version in a multitude of ways - such as wing dihedral, nosegear length and tyre size, tailcone shape, wing/fairing join, NACA intakes and even the engine exhausts. Even so, it isn't perfect as NG have reused the same maingear as the other samples. Modifications to be made are as follows:
NG has definitely made some adjustments to the mould but has definitely not made all those I suggested.
'This 767-400 sample is clearly superior to the new Gemini Jets version in a multitude of ways - such as wing dihedral, nosegear length and tyre size, tailcone shape, wing/fairing join, NACA intakes and even the engine exhausts. Even so, it isn't perfect as NG have reused the same maingear as the other samples. Modifications to be made are as follows:
- Create new longer maingear with 777 tyres
- Modify shape of maingear doors
- Change position of NACA intakes'
NG has definitely made some adjustments to the mould but has definitely not made all those I suggested.
The Real Thing
The 767-400ER is a series 300 stretched by 6.43m (21.1ft) and also features a wingspan increased by 4.36m (14.3ft) by the addition of raked wingtips. The only other physical change visible on the outside is that the maingear has been modified. It is 46cm (18 inches) taller with wheels, tyres and brakes from the 777. The tyres are 50 inch in diameter, as opposed to the previous 46 inch. The result of the maingear change is that the 400 has a slight but noticeable nosedown attitude.
767-400 Mould Sample
The mould clearly looks good but I can't help but feel that the maingear isn't quite holding the rear high enough, and the roofline is too level. The fix could be as simple as using the 777 tyres rather than the 767 ones. It is a minor issue, that the Panda mould also shares, however I still prefer it to the bizarrely short nosegear of the Gemini mould.
The other major area that needed changing was the addition of the 767-400 specific maingear with differently styled maingear doors. NG have definitely got 767-400 maingear doors here but I am not overly impressed by their shape or size. I think they need to be larger, better shaped and they are currently showing too much gearleg:
Another area that needed fixing were the position of the underside NACA air intakes, which should be symmetrically positioned on the series 400, unlike its smaller brothers. NG has unfortunately forgotten to fix that issue and they remain positioned as they are on the 200 and 300. It is worth pointing out that although they are outlined as print they are actually moulded into the fuselage:
The fuel dump pipe is also still absent from the wing trailing edge:
Boeing 767-400ER Sample Mould - 1:400 Scale
Summary
Unfortunately, although this mould is clearly miles better than the Gemini / JC version at present it is still behind the Panda Models version. This is mainly because NG hasn't actually fixed any of the 3 issues the previous sample had effectively. Although the maingear now resembles a 767-400's it isn't particularly good. Modifications I'd like to see are as follows:
- Make sure the model angles down a bit either with slightly longer maingear or just by using 777 tyres
- Modify shape of maingear doors to make them more accurate
- Change position of NACA intakes