Flaps Down Models in 1:400 Scale
Modified: January 2025
|
|
As collectors we have been truly spoilt by the innovations introduced, and modifications made, to 400 scale moulds in the past decade. Not only are the models more realistic than ever in terms of their shape, but features such as rolling gear, aerials, beacon lights, hollow core engines, interactive cargo doors and magnetic landing gear have all added something to a wide range of models made across the major brands. The strongest push towards feature based aspects, on at least some of their widebody models, has come from Aviation400 and JC Wings / Gemini Jets.
It is JC Wings / Gemini Jets that introduced the concept of flaps down model variants widely and only very recently have they been joined by HX Models, who now also offer this feature. JC weren't however the very first company to make a flaps down model as Hogan had made a small selection of ANA Precision Models around 2010. They didn't follow up these with any standard release products outside of Japan. For a closer look at one of the Hogan models see:
The flaps-down configuration enables a model to exhibit a more dynamic display stance as it shows the wing with the leading edge flaps and slats, and the trailing edge flaps deployed.
Below: A generic wing structure showing high-lift devices:
JC Wings Flaps Down
Way back in April 2017 I wrote a blog article discussing the big changes going on at JC Wings at the time, which involved a significant investment in new widebody moulds. They had produced a new Airbus A350-900 in 2014, followed by Boeing 777s and 787s in 2016. For that old article see:
This new mould development also coincided with the creation of a second set of wings for all 3 types and this second wing would introduce the new concept of flaps down. For types like the 787 the wing also exhibits a significant curve, as if under load.
Gemini Jets waited until 2019 before they too began to produce flaps down versions using the same JC Wings moulds. Typically both JC Wings and Gemini Jets would split production with a percentage of a release finished with the flaps down wings. JC Wings part numbers for flaps down versions usually finish with an A, while Gemini flaps down variant part numbers finish with an F.
The last type to acquire a flaps down version from the JC Wings stable has been the Boeing 747-400. Compared to the smaller widebodies this is a much more complex effort due to the massive triple slotted flaps of the aircraft. The result is very impressive, but also very prone to damage, especially at the corners of the outer flaps.
As of January 2025 production of flaps down models for JC Wings and Gemini Jets is as follows:
HX Models Flaps Down
2024 saw the emergence of a new 400 scale brand known as HX Models, who previously (and controversially) had connections with JC Wings. See my video for more about them:
As well as having interactive cargo versions in 400 scale they also have debuted their own flaps down models, which actually began prior to them naming themselves as HX Models since they were already releasing models under a brand name of YY Wings in 2023. These HX flaps down versions are not copies of JC Wings moulds since they are on types that JC Wings doesn't have flaps down for at present or on all new moulds.
So far the HX Models MD-11 mould has only been seen in some photos from last year's Beijing model Expo:
HX production numbers look quite high, but typically include multiple versions of the same airline/aircraft combo with different registrations (for example all the A380s are China Southern examples).
Summary
Although I applaud the concept of flaps down models I admit that they form a tiny fraction of my collection (just 5 models) and I don't tend to look out for them. They do look impressive, but only a small portion of my collection is displayed on stand, which is clearly the best way to show them off. Additionally, as with all features that add parts, there is a much higher chance of the models coming damaged. This has only been an issue with the 747s, but if you look closely at either of the Jumbos in the photos above you will see some mior flap damage at the edge (of the starboard outer flap on both). Despite these reservations in isolation the models look excellent and add a very nice extra piece of detailing. With HX Models now also producing flaps-down it seems there will be plenty more models using this feature to come from all 3 brands.