Innovation in 1:400 Scale
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Modified: July 2023
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Recently I have seen the word innovation used a lot in discussions of 400 scale, usually negatively to decry certain brands for their lack of it. This has confused me somewhat as it doesn't fit my understanding of the word. In response I thought I'd look at recent innovations in the scale and see who has really been innovating and who hasn't. First of all I think we should understand what the word means. This is a good definition from the Merrian Webster dictionary:
1. : a new idea, method, or device : novelty. 2. : the introduction of something new.
1. : a new idea, method, or device : novelty. 2. : the introduction of something new.
To me that suggests doing something truly new - not just releasing new models or even airline/aircraft/livery combinations not made before. After all, every brand releases both new aircraft / livery combinations and ones that have been made before. Of course, it is easy to criticise a newer brand for producing combinations made before. I mean obviously they should just ignore any previously made combination regardless of their quality or age and focus entirely on less lucrative unmade models all the time!!
That doesn't mean there isn't plenty of scope for criticism of release choices - there certainly is and much of it is valid. But does it relate to innovation really? I don't think so. So what real innovation has there been in 400 scale in recet years? Let's take a look:
That doesn't mean there isn't plenty of scope for criticism of release choices - there certainly is and much of it is valid. But does it relate to innovation really? I don't think so. So what real innovation has there been in 400 scale in recet years? Let's take a look:
The new Aviation400 has been highly innovative in terms of its production ever since it began, even though it mainly sticks to modern aircraft / airline livery combinations. Here are some of its innovations:
Beacon Lights
No other brand adds red jewel beacon lights to its models.
Extra Detailing
AV400 has gone out of its way to add and keep extra details. It has had a strong focus on spinning fanblades, moveable undercarriage bogies and adding striping to the underside waste antenna (not always even fitted by some brands).
Magnetic Landing Gear
AV400 is the first brand since Dragon Wings to have removable landing gear and the first ever to have magnetically attached landing gear.
I include this pair together since they use the same production facilities and generally the same moulds.
Interactive Freighters
Both brands have pioneered the production of interactive 747s and 777s in 400 scale with opening cargo doors.
Flaps Down
Producing both flaps up and down variants of models has been a great initiative.
Gemini MACs
Gemini has expanded its range of military moulds in recent years - a space nobody else really inhabits.
Antonov 26
There have been new moulds from both brands, although most have been for types already represented (737-600, 747-400, 767-400). JC Wings is still breaking new ground though with the first ever Antonov twin in 400 scale - the An-26.
Unique Model Variants
NG has not been afraid to produce one-off mould modifications to represent unusual aircraft. The Honeywell 757 with test engine was an early example but the recent PLAAF Tu-154M is a far more recent one.
Multiple Engine Variants
Most brands have historically ignored small details on models that require extra financial outlay for little extra reward. There is a long history of generic engine variants and one size fits all moulds to represent similar types. NG Models has never taken this approach. It has produced many engine variants for its moulds to represent the aircraft at different stages in its career. The 757-200 and Tristar are good examples of this.
Customer Focus
No other brand has engaged with the public like NG Models have. They have consistently tried to listen to collectors and react to their needs and desires. This has led to regular and significant modifications to sample moulds shown way ahead of time for this exact reason and more prosaic modifications to pre-release artwork.
CRP Programme
The recently activated Customer Retention Programme is the first time in years that there has been any form of system to engage and reward collectors. It took quite a while to implement but collectors are now reaping the rewards of free models and there is plenty of scope for more interesting content in the future.
New Moulds - Lots Of Them & Highest Quality
NG has made a lot of moulds in a short space of time - probably more than any other brand ever. Despite what some say there has been plenty of innovation here, especially as their moulds have almost always been the best of breed. Ignoring types already well represented in the scale they have made:
The first ever Tupolev Tu-204-100 and Tu-204-300
The first ever Tupolev Tu-204-100 and Tu-204-300
Xian Y-20 Kunpeng
Smaller Variants of Existing Families largely ignored in 400 scale - 737-600 / A318
The first accurate Tristar variants and Tupolev Tu-154M
Panda have plowed their own furrow in 400 scale but still been able to innovate well.
Retailer Partnerships
No other brand has built partnerships with retailers like Panda has, which has enabled a range of geographically targeted models to be made, most of which have been overlooked by their competitors. A sizeable chunk of their business continues to be from this pathway.
Tupolevs
Panda have produced the first Tupolev Tu-134 in 400 scale and it is a beauty. They also almost pipped NG to the first Tu-204-100.
Oddball Russians
Panda have, like NG, shown a willingness to make one-offs and bizarre rarities like the Tu-134UBL and Tu-204s with extra humps.
Conclusion
I hope what this page illustrates is that there has been plenty of real innovation in 400 scale in recent years. Not all brands are represented above and that is because some have not been innovating anywhere near as much as others but even in the sea of 737s, A320s, 787s and A350s there is still plenty of life in 400 scale to produce new features on existing moulds or unique and unusual aircraft too.