I have been strong in my condemnation of the Phoenix 737-800 this year. The mould is fundamentally passable and whilst no worldbeater it was ok. Then Phoenix started misprinting the cockpit windows and to add insult to injury this year began to muck about with the nosegear itself. The result were some true abominations. Recently they seem to have at least returned to sensible nosegear, although the cockpit windows are still not correct. At least they now usually seem to be at the same height on both sides of the fuselage! Before we look closely at the releases here's a typical Jet2 737: Below is the first of the releases G-JZHY. The first thing that is clear as day is the fuselage colour is miles off. The real thing is almost silver whilst the Phoenix model is a browny grey. Then of course there is the usual cockpit problems. The cockpit windows are too long and slope oddly so at the corners they are too low and their top border is not level. I'm not sure what the long ruler type markings are ahead of the front door as I can't see them on any photos of Jet2 737s. At least the nosegear looks ok on these releases. The second release, G-JZHZ, has all the same failings as the first but does have the added Jet2Lanzarote titles on the nose. The painting around the engine rims looks pretty dodgy however. From what I can see Phoenix has at least returned to making bog standard 737s, however this pair are certainly nothing special. If you've been waiting for Jet2 releases I doubt that'd stop you from buying them but just be aware of their characteristics. With Phoenix it pays to take a buyer beware policy!
1 Comment
Adrian Balch
16/12/2017 12:45:44 am
These came up from a UK E. Bay seller and whilst I was thinking about them, they quickly sold out. Having read your review, I think I'll pass!
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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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