New Collection Additions: January 2020

​January seems like a long time ago now, with the Coronavirus outbreak delaying the shipment of February’s models and causing suspensions to at least some manufacturer’s production into March. It was however a fairly standard month of purchases for my collection with a focus on my favourite pair of 1:400 manufacturers.

Aeroclassics

​Aeroclassics delivered an interesting set of models in January, however for various reasons they appealed to me less than usual. Two of the models were Tristars (Saudia and Gulf Air), which actually looked quite good. But, I don’t see any reason to replace my Witty Saudia Tristar and I’d rather wait for an NG Gulf Air version.

​Another pair of models were 767s but I already owned both Ansett and Qantas examples by Dragon and Gemini respectively. The Aeroclassics 767 is decent but I’m not super happy with either the nose or maingear, and the lack of aerials means that these new versions are only marginally better than the old ones. Plus of course Aeroclassics new price hike means I should be more selective about what I am buying.

​Lastly a couple of the models had some pretty terrible printing. Both the Air China 707 and the FedEx A310s were embarrassingly crooked in terms of tail and engine logos. There is really no excuse for this lack of attention to basic standards.

​Fortunately, the three models I did acquire just about pass muster. Two, the Frontier 727-200 and PLUNA 737-200, are excellent. The third, the Kenya Airways 707, is another balls up frankly, but one I can live with.

​Not only is the registration wrong (it accidentally reuses that of the previous DC-9 release) but it also features a side cargo door despite being a 707-351B not C. Andrew has stated that it was supposed to have been 5Y-BBK but I’ll just have to pretend that it was actually 5Y-BBJ, which was a 707-351C. As it is the model just about gets away with these errors but seriously what a cock-up.

​Along with the 3 new ACs I also acquired an Air Tanzania 767-200, released in 2019, from a Waffle sale. This is a decent model and one I had regretted not getting last year. I find it hard to turn down African airlines.

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NG Models​

​NG Models just don’t make the sort of errors that I have detailed above and the few instances where they have had an issue (like the I on the BRITISH titled L-1011) were rectified before many got to the market. Accordingly, the big bang of two month’s releases coming close together was a concern for the wallet of many. I ended up with 7 models: 1 787, 3 Tristar 1s, 1 Tristar 500 and 2 757s.

The Tristars in particular look great. I've recently reviewed the Pan Am Tristar 500:

George T Baker: Pan Am Lockheed L-1011 Tristar 500 N510PA

I may well also review the Air Tahiti Nui 787-9.

​The only minor disappointment of this bunch of 7 is the China Southern 757. Both HYJLwings and NG Models have already made examples of the China Southern 757 but this version differs from earlier ones in having a grey belly. Unusually I’m not entirely satisfied with the cockpit printing in this case.

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Gemini Jets

​Gemini are featuring more regularly in these posts as they are producing a more interesting set of models. January saw the arrival of the Delta MD-88 and aside from some loose parts it is a good model that scored ok. The mould is far from perfect but I can accept its failings if only to get to add some MD-80s to the collection. To see the detailed review click:

28 For The 88: Delta Air Lines McDonnell Douglas MD-88 N956DL

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Summary

​I am not thrilled by the steep price rises Aeroclassics have put in place but I could understand it more if their quality was at a level where at least basic mistakes weren’t being made. It is annoying that it is not and almost every month at least one, and often more, models have issues. Nonetheless they are still the only people in town for many classic models and my February purchases show a return to previous acquisition volumes. NG continue to set the pace and Gemini also continue to intrigue. February has seen some JC Wings arrivals but my Phoenix drought continues – will I ever buy another one of their models??