wu6fiend

I'm looking at the Jetway site, and note that it lists 4 1:200 Pan Am DC-10 models.

A couple appear to be basically the same model, albeit with a different "Clipper" name.

However, there are 2 others.

Which is the best model in terms of accuracy, build quality, value and collectibility?

Before I take a leap of faith, I thought it prudent to ask.

I was leaning toward the Herpa model, (of which there seems to be no shortage for sale on the net), but maybe there is a better option.

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truss20

Herpa is plastic, Aviation 200 is diecast.

Hope this helps a bit

jixer

The Herpa (plastic) DC-10 mould is pretty good. Better cockpit windows - and correctly sized underwing engines - than the metal version. And that makes for a very nice Pan Am model. It's relatively cheap, too.

The Inflight version is best left alone. I'm not sure I have time to go in to all the issues with it - but just check out where they have put the window line!

The two new Aviation 200 releases are pretty good. They are using the Inflight mould, which does have those generic issues with cockpit window placement and the size of the underwing engines, but Aviation 200 have done a good job with it.

travsuz

I had the Inflight version when it first came out, but the window placement of the passenger windows is way too high. Really ruins the model in my opinion.

I recently got the Avation 200 model, same mold as inflight but Avaition 200 did an excellant job with the model in my opion. Great model! They made two, one is Celestial and Aurora, same exact model just different registration and clipper name. And the Aviation 200 model is much cheaper that the Inflight version. I still see it listed for $150-$180, but the Aviation 200 runs about $99.

I've heard the Herpa is a nice version. But I'm not a big fan of plastic models, so didn't really interst me.

Good luck on your search.

superbou

I recommend the AV200 for a good quality/price rate ; here comes
the pics of the 2 AV200 in my own pics thread :

http://www.diecastaircraftforum.com/...ins-av200.html

Arnaud

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travsuz

This post is what made me want one of these! And I'm glad I got one! Beautiful model!

wu6fiend

Thanks everyone. I decided on the Aviation 200 model, and ordered Clipper Celestial Empire.

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travsuz

You will not be disappointed.

wu6fiend

Thanks for your advice!

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Todd2

I know you've already made your choice but I have the Herpa Pan Am in plastic and it's just as detailed as my AV200 diecast Continental DC-10.

wu6fiend

Thanks, I only have one Herpa model (at the moment), a little Pan Am 727 1:400. Its wings appear to be mostly plastic. After comparing it to its shelf mates (two Gemini models), the latter appear of much higher quality. Of course, they were about 30% more cost-wise too.

So far, I am extremely impressed of the quality of Gemini models, particularly the 1:200 Pan Am L-1011 I received today. It is absolutely gorgeous.

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Wingnut

I just received my very first Herpa model yesterday. It is a American Airlines DC-10. I was kind of skeptical about buying it do to the fact that it is made of plastic. After unpacking it and playing with it, I really began to like the model. I was suprised to learn that the turbine fans rotate like Inflight and Gemini. I thought that they would be fixed and not rotate.
Also you can see all the way through the tail mounted engine which gives you a good view of the turbine fans. I am very happy with the model. I almost bought the Inflight DC-10 but said what the heck. I`ll go with the Herpa. Other members told me I made the right choice. They said Inflight did a poor job on their DC-10. I am expecting a Inflight200 Western Airlines DC-10 shortly and I am eager to compare them with each other.