JC Wings 1:400 Scale A330 Beluga XL Mould

2019 is already proving to be a year of serious competition in 1:400 scale and whether some of the new and updated moulds is a direct reaction to the arrival of NG Models or a natural progression is a little hard to say. This however is the third direct head to head assault on NG Models by JC Wings showing that they at least are not willing to cede market share to NG.

JC Wings have already updated both their Boeing 757-200 mould and the Witty Tristar they own. The 757 has been a decent upgrade, although it still can't compete with NG's 757, whilst the Tristar didn't need upgrading and the new undercarriage they have put on it is a major disappointment. We will be seeing multiple new Tristars this year so it'll be interesting to see how these compare. Either way both moulds have been used by JC Wings and their partner Gemini Jets. Will they have an impact on NG Models? Maybe, maybe not.

I learnt today via Johan Chan's Facebook feed (and an update from a friend who follows his wechat) that JC Wings have also decided to take on NG Models with their own Airbus A330-743L Beluga XL mould. For my review of the NG Models Beluga XL see:

NG Models A330-743L Beluga XL Mould Review

This is a very interesting move and suggests to me that JC Wings are not taking NG's move into the market for granted. This is a very different approach to that of Phoenix, who seem to be ignoring the arrival of NG Models. It perhaps isn't surprising as JC Wings also released an A330-200F at about the same time as Panda Models did (personally I prefer the Panda version as the JC undercarriage is too short).

The two images provided by Johan show that the JC Wings mould looks pretty decent and the big difference (and plus) over the NG mould is that the cargo door will seemingly open. The other difference from the photos is the attachment of the ventral strakes at the rear, which have a much larger attachment point on the JC model.

My only concern is that JC Wings A330 is one of its weakest moulds and all their A330s have undercarriage that is in the wrong position and too short. Hopefully they don't repeat that with this mould.

I am a fan of JC Wings in general (not of their A320s though) so it is good to see they have fighting spirit. I understand that the NG Models Beluga XL has been an excellent seller with the Skywings shop in China alone pre-selling over 200 units. Whether JC can steal a march depends mainly on when their model is released. It may be soon judging from the paint on the tails in the second photograph.

So it's an interesting move and in my eyes a direct challenge to NG Models.