Yellowing Test

Rudi · 01-25-2003, 02:33 PM

Probably every owner of a Herpa Premium model is afraid of yellowing. The best way to find out whether they yellow or not is to place them into maximum direct sunlight. I’d never do this with my Premiums but I still have replacement engines for the A300-600 “Emirates”. They are made of white plastic. Herpa says this new material won’t yellow. I don’t believe this. It just takes longer, that’s it. Now I’ve placed one of them directly on the glass of one of my windows to the south side. This would be the worst thing that could happen to a model. I’ll let you know from time to time what happened.

For those of you who are surprised about the replacement engines:
The model came with engines which belong to the 747-400. There is a small plastic part on its top which is the very first part of the pylon – if it’s a 747-400.

Dr. Edmund H. Carus · 01-26-2003, 03:45 AM

Rudi, you are totally right. The choice of polymers can delay but not eventually stop yellowing.

"Berlin" is still virgin white and "as made" but is conservation packaged in its original packaging! I might be able to display her soon thanks to help from the British Museum and their knowledge of special display cases.

Take care Rudi,

Cheers!

Dr. Edmund H. Carus · 01-26-2003, 04:41 AM

I have observed that many plastics (this depends on the quality of the polymer masterbatches used) will discolour to cream as opposed to yellow. A good example is the Herpa Modell Edition 747-400 "B-W" displayed in the Lufthansa Business Lounge at FRA airport for some years in a showcase of models for sale. Poorer masterbatches tend to yellow due to severe oxidation of the polymer chains in the finished models.

Herpa failed in its materials QC in the DLH modell Edition series with some models much more prone to yellowing than others - even to the extent of yellowing in their boxes. The presence of PU foam could have hastened this defect in already faulty models.

New "Premium" models will discolour over time but the time frame is hard to predict. Heat/UV will hasten this change as will bright light. My collection is small so I cannot predict this time. I would be interested if any collectors of "Premiums" have seen any change in their Air NZ models? Please let us know. Also what is the situation with the competitive models - Starjets and other far eastern producers?

Herpa is continually delaying their "new" Premiums - largely I suspect due to these polymer problems. New models will probably be largely coloured as discolouration is far less apparent.

I now collect metal models made/modified/superdetailed etc. by Buzzbee to "Premium" levels as this route overcomes ageing problems. The paints, laquers etc. are similar to those used in the automotive industry and just think, we don't see "yellowed" Mercedes etc. - and these can live in sunlight or UV for most of their long lives.

Cheers!

PS Rudi, could you please send me your e-mail address again as I have had computer problems which erased my diary!

mcair02 · 01-26-2003, 03:40 PM

I also enjoy Buzzbee's work through Inflight models...can I ask how much you are paying for a super-detailed metal model? I have plenty of metal models, but even the Inflights come nowhere near the perfection of a Herpa Premium. I believe this is a result of Herpa using CAD data from the manufacturer when creating the moulds.

Dr. Edmund H. Carus · 01-27-2003, 03:42 AM

Please remember that Buzzbee produces different types of model a/c depending upon customer/market requirements. I am having a special 1:200 model made but I cannot disclose how much this model will cost but please bear in mind that it is being made to "museum standards". There will be a picture on Buzzbee's site when the work is complete.

axis · 10-18-2004, 12:23 PM

maybe they should also use real airplane paint, that way, everything is good as real... including the price.

01-25-2003, 02:33 PM	#1
Rudi Master Collector Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Lübbecke/NRW/Germany Age: 49 Posts: 702	Yellowing Test Probably every owner of a Herpa Premium model is afraid of yellowing. The best way to find out whether they yellow or not is to place them into maximum direct sunlight. I’d never do this with my Premiums but I still have replacement engines for the A300-600 “Emirates”. They are made of white plastic. Herpa says this new material won’t yellow. I don’t believe this. It just takes longer, that’s it. Now I’ve placed one of them directly on the glass of one of my windows to the south side. This would be the worst thing that could happen to a model. I’ll let you know from time to time what happened. For those of you who are surprised about the replacement engines: The model came with engines which belong to the 747-400. There is a small plastic part on its top which is the very first part of the pylon – if it’s a 747-400.

01-26-2003, 03:45 AM	#2
Dr. Edmund H. Carus Master Collector Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: UK/Germany Posts: 801	Yellowing Rudi, you are totally right. The choice of polymers can delay but not eventually stop yellowing. "Berlin" is still virgin white and "as made" but is conservation packaged in its original packaging! I might be able to display her soon thanks to help from the British Museum and their knowledge of special display cases. Take care Rudi, Cheers! __________________ Edmund (now UK/IOM residency)

01-26-2003, 04:41 AM	#3
Dr. Edmund H. Carus Master Collector Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: UK/Germany Posts: 801	Yellowing - some more information I have observed that many plastics (this depends on the quality of the polymer masterbatches used) will discolour to cream as opposed to yellow. A good example is the Herpa Modell Edition 747-400 "B-W" displayed in the Lufthansa Business Lounge at FRA airport for some years in a showcase of models for sale. Poorer masterbatches tend to yellow due to severe oxidation of the polymer chains in the finished models. Herpa failed in its materials QC in the DLH modell Edition series with some models much more prone to yellowing than others - even to the extent of yellowing in their boxes. The presence of PU foam could have hastened this defect in already faulty models. New "Premium" models will discolour over time but the time frame is hard to predict. Heat/UV will hasten this change as will bright light. My collection is small so I cannot predict this time. I would be interested if any collectors of "Premiums" have seen any change in their Air NZ models? Please let us know. Also what is the situation with the competitive models - Starjets and other far eastern producers? Herpa is continually delaying their "new" Premiums - largely I suspect due to these polymer problems. New models will probably be largely coloured as discolouration is far less apparent. I now collect metal models made/modified/superdetailed etc. by Buzzbee to "Premium" levels as this route overcomes ageing problems. The paints, laquers etc. are similar to those used in the automotive industry and just think, we don't see "yellowed" Mercedes etc. - and these can live in sunlight or UV for most of their long lives. Cheers! PS Rudi, could you please send me your e-mail address again as I have had computer problems which erased my diary! __________________ Edmund (now UK/IOM residency)

01-26-2003, 03:40 PM	#4
mcair02 Senior Collector Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 178	A question I also enjoy Buzzbee's work through Inflight models...can I ask how much you are paying for a super-detailed metal model? I have plenty of metal models, but even the Inflights come nowhere near the perfection of a Herpa Premium. I believe this is a result of Herpa using CAD data from the manufacturer when creating the moulds.

01-27-2003, 03:42 AM	#5
Dr. Edmund H. Carus Master Collector Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: UK/Germany Posts: 801	Special Model Please remember that Buzzbee produces different types of model a/c depending upon customer/market requirements. I am having a special 1:200 model made but I cannot disclose how much this model will cost but please bear in mind that it is being made to "museum standards". There will be a picture on Buzzbee's site when the work is complete. __________________ Edmund (now UK/IOM residency)

10-18-2004, 12:23 PM	#6
axis perfectionist Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: thailand Posts: 54	maybe they should also use real airplane paint, that way, everything is good as real... including the price. __________________ :: axis ::

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