Jet Hut Reappears With Their First Release

Way back in April 2021 I wrote about a company that I had been informed of going by the name of Jet Hut. It gradually became clear that they were the people behind the JAL Collection models. I was told they were going out on their own making entry level 400 scale models, but following the initial contact I heard nothing more. Well out of the blue, a few days ago, they contacted me and it seems their first product is almost ready.

I admit I wasn't really sure what to think about Jet Hut. I had been told about them in good faith, but not that they were the people behind the JAL Collection models. Once that became obvious it appeared to open up some real potential since they would have access to an impressive existing mould catalogue. However, after the initial contact I heard nothing more and I assumed it was a venture that hadn't come to fruition. That didn't surprise me too much given the impact COVID was having in China.

Nonetheless, I have spent some time looking at the JAL Collection models produced for the DeAgostini magazine series. The JAL Collection models are interesting as they illustrate the potential well. Some are surprisingly nice whereas some of the moulds are very weak. The printing on them is simple by 2022 standards but not too bad.

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For my previous writings about Jet Hut see:

Jet Hut: A New 400 Brand Making Aviation Easy

Jet Hut: The De Agostini Connection?

Jet Hut 787-9 Mould Review

The JAL Collection

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In many ways the JAL Collection moulds are quite similar to pre-2010 standard 400 scale moulds. Typically they lack modern mould features in 400 scale. The moulds are of variable quality but standard features or lack of would be:​

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As I said in my original Jet Hut article my understanding was these models aren't necessarily being aimed at standard 400 scale collectors:

​Jet Hut are aiming, not at the same collector market as everyone else, but at entry-level audiences. These would be people without a strong interest in model aircraft or aviation but who would like a model at a cheap price. They are definitely not aiming these at adult model collectors, but I find what they are doing really interesting for a couple of reasons:

1. The models in many ways are not far from a pre-2010 quality 400 scale standard model
2. They could be a great way to get younger kids (under 10s) interested in proper model aircraft.
3. They are more affordable, at a better quality than anything else available I've seen in diecast, for markets in developing countries with lower incomes such as China, Indonesia, India etc

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Jet Hut's Plans

What I have learned now from Jet Hut themselves is as follows:

• Their first model will be a Virgin Atlantic Boeing 787-9 as shown in the photos below
• The first model should be available this month
• Production runs will be c.1000 units
• 1-3 models will be released per month in 2022
• The models will be sold by model retailers (no information as to who yet)
• The price will be in the $20-35 range

I am interested in seeing how this develops. While I am not the target market for these models it doesn't mean I think it is a bad idea. Certainly if Jet Hut ever produce models using some of their decent moulds that are hard to find used in standard 400 scale (MD-80, MD-87, MD-90, Yak-42, 737-400, Saab 340 etc) then I'd be very interested. The Virgin model above looks surprisingly well printed and painted compared to the JAL Collection models. Hopefully this illustrates a company that wants to make a good product at an affordable price.