It was about August 2020 that the first El Aviador release was announced, with very little fanfare. The initial photos clearly showed that it was using the Aeroclassics Airbus A321 mould (the tyre hubs and lack of aerials are a clear giveaway) and this relationship with the factory that makes Aeroclassics has continued. It is perhaps not well known that the Aeroclassics factory is distinct nowadays from the Aeroclassics brand and so at times is able to make deals to produce models for others, especially where it involves the rehabilitation of older Aeroclassics moulds that are out of circulation and need repairs. This was the case with the pair of recent YU ModeLs Tu-154s. Since then Aeroclassics have benefitted from the YU funded repair of the old Tu-154 mould and the first two Aeroclassics editions appeared last month. El Aviador's first release was a Taca A321, N567TA, in the 75th anniversary scheme. Overall it looks superb and is a nice scheme: The 2nd model announced by El Aviador also used an existing Aeroclassics mould and appeared on the market in December. It is the LACSA Boeing 727-200, N1280E. Although the registration suggests an ex-Eastern bird this aircraft was delivered new to LACSA in 1980 and flew with them for a decade. My example just arrived and may get a detailed review - time permitting. As you can see El Aviador models come in attractive bespoke boxes unlike standard Aeroclassics releases. El Aviador has just announced its next trio of releases scheduled for April 2021. Interestingly these all feature the Lockheed L-188 Electra - a mould that had been deactivated and in need of repair prior to its return to usage. It was last used by Aeroclassics in 2014. The three chosen aircraft are interesting additions to the Latin prop-scene especially the Ecuadorian example. SUMMARY
It is good to see new brands starting up in 400 scale and producing interesting models. Although the price is quite high for these limited releases ($49.99) they are nice examples, which would otherwise never likely be made in 400 scale. El Aviador's website can be found here: www.elaviadormodels.com/
2 Comments
BWI-ROCMan
13/1/2021 04:33:35 am
I bought the LACSA 727-200 and am thrilled that that national carrier 80's livery got made. I didn't know El Aviador 400 was distinct from Aeroclassics.
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Richie
13/1/2021 04:54:35 am
Looking forward for other Central American airlines to be released by El Aviador, perhaps the elusive 733 from Aviateca, TACA and the 734 of Sahsa. Also great would be to see Aviateca and Copa's 727 plus Tikal Jets DC-9.
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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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