September Announcements from Panda & Skywings

The new releases keep on flowing out of China and last month's releases are also now available in the flesh, so to speak. Panda and Skywing's quality continues to shine through as some very beautiful releases are being produced. This month we have new 767s, A330Fs, A330-300s, A340s and another Y-20. Let's take a look at the new offerings and also see how some of August's announcements came out.

Skywings - September

Skywings had me worried there for a while as their taobao shop has disappeared. I am told that somehow they fell foul of the Chinese authorities (some books they stocked were mentioned) and they were closed down. Fortunately they appear to be in the process of setting up a new taobao shop. Since they are both a source of new 1/400 scale models made for themselves and also my primary source for Panda models I am very pleased to still be able to purchase from them.

The issues with their shop have not stopped Skywings from announcing new models. This month so far they are apparently continuing their partnership with JC Wings and producing a pair of Air China Boeing 767-200ERs. The aircraft are seemingly identical but have different registrations - B-2551 and B-2552.

They have also announced the same 'Paul Frank' special colours Capital Airlines A320 that Phoenix just announced, but the Panda A320 mould is much better than the Phoenix one. For full details see:

Comparing A320s - 1/400 Scale Detailed Mould Review

Of their recent releases several look very impressive. Especially the China Express CRJs. Hopefully one will be on their way to me soon.

---

Panda Models - September

Panda have also been announcing their new models and they are focusing firmly on their excellent A330 and A340s. I can do without another pair of Air China A340s but the return of their A330 freighter is very welcome as are another pair of Cathay Pacific A330s. Cathay appear unable to touch either Panda or Skywings who brazenly continue to produce CX models even when the other manufacturers are hiding their own.

As with Skywings Panda's August offerings are available for sale and the Cathay Dragon 'Hong Kong' and Singapore A330s look particularly good. Here are some of last month's releases as produced: