 The number of new brands popping up in 400 scale continues to rise, but the majority are using 3rd parties for the manufacturing process and moulds (either Aeroclassics, HX Model, JC Wings, Panda Models or Jet Hut). Kylin Model looks to be different as it is creating its own moulds from the start and they have just released the first photos of them.
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 HYJLwings has long been one of my favourite brands. Beginning in 2016 they pioneered the creation of the first great A321 mould in 400 scale. By 2020 the brand was dormant, but that year it reappeared and in their second phase they branched out to produce models using some NG moulds as well as their A321. This came to an end in late 2023 and in mid-2024 they announced the end of the brand and its replacement by Aero Polaris. That isn't the end of the story though as now HYJL is back again, and ready for phase 3!
 It's not all ultra-sleek spinning fans and rolling gear in 400 scale. Increasingly there are also brands at the lower end of the market producing models. Some of these budget contenders, like YRD, produce plastic models while some, like Jet Hut, aspire to be low cost and close to a 400 scale model from the 2000s. I've just been alerted to a new brand starting out in that space calling themselves Radscale Models or RM.
 It was only just over a month ago that Aero Polaris announced 6 737-800s, all of which have since been delivered to market. While the scale model market in the West appears to be stagnating somewhat in China it seems to be going great guns and they have just announced a further 7 737-800s - two of which are not Chinese.
 Aero Polaris has just announced their third batch of model releases following on from the first set of 6 Boeing 737-800s and the second set of two Airbus A350s. This time around it is another 6 737s and once again they spread them geographically. Here's what they are offering:
 It is increasingly hard to keep track of the number of retailer exclusives being made in 400 scale by a variety of brands. Thailand has been a fertile market for them with previous entrants being a Thai DC-9-30 made by Aeroclassics and Bangkok ATRs made by JC Wings. I've recently learnt about another - and this one comes with an Icelandic connection.
 The gestation of the new YU ModeL A300 mould has taken a little while, but it is important to remember that YU are a much smaller company than any of the major players. Their ability to produce a new mould at all is a testament to them, as the majority of brands are happy to just use existing moulds from other manufacturers. YU have reached out to me to say that the first three models are nearing completion and will be hopefully available for preorder this month or early in January.
 Just before I went away I wrote a post introducing the new brand Aero Polaris. At the time they only had rendered imagery to show for the 6 737-800s they had announced so it was difficult to judge them, however while I was away they sent me through the photos of the real models so here they are.
 It was a sad day when earlier in the year HYJLwings announced they were stopping production, however at the time of the announcement they also said that they had sold their assets to a new company to be called AeroPolaris. This company has been making some quite grand claims, so let's take a look at what they are saying now they have announced their first models.
NG have just released a lot of the photos for their September announcements, which is in itself a surprise given their recent history. It also gives the first opportunity to look at an NG Models Lite product in comparison with a standard NG Models release, since the two Southwest MAXes announced last month had been released previously. So what are the differences between the two?
 Indonesia is a hotbed of retailer exclusives thanks to Harry's Diecast and increasingly Airshop Diecast. Kenney at Airshop Diecast has built a great business and strong relationships with both Panda Models and JC Wings. Over the past few weeks no less than 6 exclusives have arrived at his store covering a wide range of Indonesian aviation.
 Given the general improvement in 400 scale models in the past 6 or 7 years new releases can sometimes look a lot better than old ones. If you've been collecting a long time then that will likely pose an increasing issue for you as new releases of models you already own are re-released. The dilemma then becomes should you replace the old version with what you hope is an upgrade or should you stick with what you have?
 Inflation has been a serious issue for the World economy in recent times, even when you don't take into account your Prime Minister trying to tank the economy. This has led to price rises everywhere and, although inflation rates in the US have been relatively sedate compared to the UK, Gemini Jets latest releases, announced yesterday, come with a hefty price tag increase attached to them.
 The Chinese market for 400 scale is showing an impressive level of diversity in 2024 with a variety of sources utilising Panda Models and JC Wings as OEMs to make their own models. Mostly their products can be found on Taobao stores in China but that doesn't mean they are not of the highest quality and for a Chinese collector like myself, quite sought after.
For a long time it seemed Phoenix was content to just churn out the same old Asian models on weak moulds ad infinitum, while more active newer brands stole their marketshare. That is no longer the case. In the past year Phoenix have shown commendable agility, and have pivoted towards a wider diversity, of often classic models. They have also updated several moulds and now they are going to be making a type all new to 400 scale - the Ilyushin Il-96-400.
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I'm Richard Stretton, an aviation enthusiast and major collector of 400 scale model aircraft. This blog discusses ongoing events in the world of 400 scale. This site is free. Please donate to keep it going.
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