GJ200 Quality Deteriorating

aradrom · 02-03-2008, 11:49 AM

Greetings,
Yesterday I took a trip to GTA (Greater Toronto Area) to Aviation World with the intent and enthusiasm to buy the new Gemini200 releases.

To my dissapointment all the models I looked at had 2 or 3 glaring defects so I did not buy any...

B737 - AA top antenna glued on backwards & scratches on the top. Landing gears bent

B737 - SWA wings were not level (left side was higher than the right side)

A320 - UA Missing front top antenna along with the top light. On the other one, broken nose gear

These are just to name a few...
Do you guys feel the same way? Gemini200's models quality has deteriorated...

Please share your dissapointments. Maybe someone will take note for the future.

qatar · 02-03-2008, 12:15 PM

While I can't actually say I believe GJ200 quality is deteriorating, IMHO the 200's hav'nt been around long enough yet to have established a pattern for good or poor quality, I can say there are several issues with the latest round of B737's released. I think the overall quality is quite good, the detail is excellent, and they're beautifully packaged. My issues are with the interchangeable landing gear. While the concept is novel, GJ's execution is a bit off. Many collectors have complained of the "nose-down" pitch due to the "too tall" mains, this is'nt too bothersome for me however, trying to interchange the landing gear configuration is rather lame... and the front gear is nothing more than a total b!tch trying to remove. Can I call this a quality issue? Not really... it's more of a poor design issue. I do have (2) of the SWA's, (1)AA, and (1)CO... all were mail ordered so I had no opportunity to "pick and choose" which one of a lot to purchase... the only quality issue was with one of the SWA's... it was missing the top antenna. I contacted Will at GJ... he said spare parts for the new models would be available in about a month... this was 2 weeks ago... I'll be on him again in another 2 weeks for a new antenna... we'll see how it goes... truly, I expect no problems as they've always been quite good with replacement parts.

crownvic · 02-03-2008, 12:52 PM

aradrom: I cant say that I agree with you but in many ways you are right about quality issues....It appears that it comes in stages..Several models can be allocated worldwide and have no problems at all..Other areas such as the issues you came across in Canada are very frustrating...Understand that in no way am I making excuses because there really is no call for what happened with your models, but I have seen firsthand on several occasions at the factory in China how these models are made..I know that a handful of other members who sell competing models and are also participating here on DAC have also seen it first hand...A good portion (a lot more then most think)of these models are all done by hand and the work is very tedious...If there was a way to check every single model individually or let me rephrase it, if there was someone at the factory you could TRUST to check every model, then most of this would be eliminated... Again not to create excuses but it is quite frustrating when so much time and effort and expense goes into the developement of these models and something so small as a missing antenna can thow it all off...
Hopefully in the future a viable solution to this can be sorted out...Anyone out there want to move to China and live at the factory???

D-AIHC · 02-03-2008, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by qatar

While I can't actually say I believe GJ200 quality is deteriorating, IMHO the 200's hav'nt been around long enough yet to have established a pattern for good or poor quality

That's a fair statement, which is why I'm holding off on my G2 purchases, except for the BA A321 - which is just OK, in my opinion. So, far there have only been 15 releases, including 4 on the way. The product line is still new so, it's prudent to have a wait-and-see attitude.

B773ER · 02-03-2008, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crownvic

Anyone out there want to move to China and live at the factory???

It's interesting you mention this, because I had a discussion recently with someone about this very subject. A co-worker's husband was recently in China and he said working conditions for factory workers are horrible. I was also told that in some factories, workers actually DO live in the factory.

qatar · 02-03-2008, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B773ER

It's interesting you mention this, because I had a discussion recently with someone about this very subject. A co-worker's husband was recently in China and he said working conditions for factory workers are horrible. I was also told that in some factories, workers actually DO live in the factory.

I guess this subject COULD bring up an interesting question. Let's say the manufacturers moved their production to the United States. There are the obvious questions asked by this:

Would quality control be at a higher level?
Would "environmental issues" allow such production here in the US?
Would US laws, regulations, taxes, insurance, workers conditions, etc., be too cost prohibitive for the manufacturers?

Assume the answers are yes, yes, and no, respectively... would then a model cost $100 instead of $50 or $60, thus begging the bigger question: Would buyers be more prone to purchase a model at twice the price IF the QC and other issues were satisfied?

Agent X20 · 02-03-2008, 02:31 PM

15..? three lots of 4 , an Air France and a Monarch.. I seem to be missing one..

So far we have only see the first four here, the next five should be on the doorstep tomorrow, and the next five I am about to place an order for..

I dont know whether this quality issue can be laid at Geminis door, more and more if I get the chance to look at models before I buy, I find I am rejecting many more these days and this includes the likes of Inflight.. with one or two paint defects (Cont 747), missing bits of tampo (C9A) and the ever present wonky undercarriages, the old 'one nosewheel touching the tarmac' ploy.....

Think its more a case of quality control... all over..

taavime · 02-03-2008, 02:48 PM

There are some problems indeed.

My Cebu's antennas are not properly secured and the wheels are REALLY wobbly.
But I hope that they will work out the issues they have.

aae991 · 02-03-2008, 02:50 PM

I am not defending poor quality control at Chinese factories, but keep the following in mind...

Small factories making items by hand often have quality problems in China. I do business with a factory in China for leather products. Yes, some employees DO live at the factory. It is common practice for young people to work 3-4 years in the factories (switching around to various plants for those 3-4 years) and then take all that money home. To us, the money is a joke - it's almost nothing. To them, it's a lot for them to take home to their rural farmland areas.

Quality only occurs when you've got constant supervision. The problem is constant supervision is not common or easy. "Simple" things like leather gloves never turn out the same from one employee to another. A diecast model has more steps in the manufacturing process than leather products - each one introducing more chance of a defect getting through. Environmental issues are a joke. Only recently has the government started to care. Heavy metals, organic solvents, etc... are dumped into the water system all the time. Most of these small factories would be shut down in the U.S. due to EPA violations.

HOWEVER - For us to enjoy these models at a reasonable price, China is one of the few places around to get people to make them. Until the mentality changes over there, quality will always be a problem - whether it's a diecast model or a pair of gloves. When quality becomes vital to the Chinese economy, the cost will go up and they'll move the factories elsewhere.

Russell and others here that have been into mainland China have witnessed first hand the standard of living for the average factory worker in small shops. It ain't pretty! Once again, I'm not defending the quality problems with all diecast models. Sometimes it helps to know the story behind these issues...

crownvic · 02-03-2008, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aae991

I am not defending poor quality control at Chinese factories, but keep the following in mind...
Small factories making items by hand often have quality problems in China. I do business with a factory in China for leather products. Yes, some employees DO live at the factory. It is common practice for young people to work 3-4 years in the factories (switching around to various plants for those 3-4 years) and then take all that money home. To us, the money is a joke - it's almost nothing. To them, it's a lot for them to take home to their rural farmland areas.
Quality only occurs when you've got constant supervision. The problem is constant supervision is not common or easy. "Simple" things like leather gloves never turn out the same from one employee to another. A diecast model has more steps in the manufacturing process than leather products - each one introducing more chance of a defect getting through. Environmental issues are a joke. Only recently has the government started to care. Heavy metals, organic solvents, etc... are dumped into the water system all the time. Most of these small factories would be shut down in the U.S. due to EPA violations.
HOWEVER - For us to enjoy these models at a reasonable price, China is one of the few places around to get people to make them. Until the mentality changes over there, quality will always be a problem - whether it's a diecast model or a pair of gloves. When quality becomes vital to the Chinese economy, the cost will go up and they'll move the factories elsewhere.
Russell and others here that have been into mainland China have witnessed first hand the standard of living for the average factory worker in small shops. It ain't pretty! Once again, I'm not defending the quality problems with all diecast models. Sometimes it helps to know the story behind these issues...

Thank you for the support, the actual factory where the Geminis are made happens to be one of the cleanest, most modern I have ever seen compared to to others..The owner does go out of his way to make sure it is clean and the living conditions are not all that bad for the workers, as factories go...I wish I could tell you what else is also made there, some big name stuff in the diecast business is also sent out as well...
But it all boils down to the workers, the more details that go into the model, the more likelihood of messups. It seems that adding the fine details can work against you..Simpler may be better as models without all the detail like risesoon, hogan, flight miniatures, dont have as many quality control issues..

aradrom · 02-03-2008, 07:28 PM

Crownvic:
Thanks for your details regarding China factories where these models are being made.
The first GJ release was good. All the models I saw from the 4 first releases were good with no such 'defects" (except for the wobbling landing gear).
I was expecting the second releases to be better.

I work in Quality Assurance and I quickly see appearance flaws.
Everytime I buy a model, (Gemini200/Inflight200/Corgi/Witty...etc...) I examine them very carefully.
Quality workmanship and accuracy must be met at all times. In my world quantity and quality are equally important.
The statement >>But it all boils down to the workers<< I think that is wrong...
The workers will do what management allows them to do. If management have poor expectations then the workers will do exactly that. Poor quality is a reflection of poor/weak or non existent management standards.

I hope that the next A321 Air Canada release will not have these flaws.

Mike777 · 02-03-2008, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crownvic

Simpler may be better as models without all the detail like risesoon, hogan, flight miniatures, dont have as many quality control issues..

I appreciate all that goes into these models despite the inevitable quality control issues, but I hope GJ doesn't take a step backward and go for LESS detail.

crownvic · 02-03-2008, 07:57 PM

How true it is the management...They can take some lessons from the Japaneese...

Mike: As for details I dont think a cutback in detail is the answer...

Mike777 · 02-03-2008, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crownvic

Mike: As for details I dont think a cutback in detail is the answer...

Good, I don't think so either. But it kinda seemed like that's what you were implying in your post I quoted.

CcrlR737pilot · 02-03-2008, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crownvic

aradrom: I cant say that I agree with you but in many ways you are right about quality issues....It appears that it comes in stages..Several models can be allocated worldwide and have no problems at all..Other areas such as the issues you came across in Canada are very frustrating...Understand that in no way am I making excuses because there really is no call for what happened with your models, but I have seen firsthand on several occasions at the factory in China how these models are made..I know that a handful of other members who sell competing models and are also participating here on DAC have also seen it first hand...A good portion (a lot more then most think)of these models are all done by hand and the work is very tedious...If there was a way to check every single model individually or let me rephrase it, if there was someone at the factory you could TRUST to check every model, then most of this would be eliminated... Again not to create excuses but it is quite frustrating when so much time and effort and expense goes into the developement of these models and something so small as a missing antenna can thow it all off...
Hopefully in the future a viable solution to this can be sorted out...Anyone out there want to move to China and live at the factory???

I dealt with the same thing with the Phoenix 787 models that had missing antennas on the top of the plane. It is all about how many are produced and quality control. Sometimes it takes a little bit more money to have someone check all the model planes and depending on how many are produced, it is harder to do. Lickily, I have only had this problem a few times but not a lot though. Mabye talking to the company and letting them know, could it help?

JetBrew · 02-03-2008, 08:53 PM

Quote:

The workers will do what management allows them to do. If management has poor expectations then the workers will do exactly that. Poor quality is a reflection of poor/weak or non-existent management standards.

So true! Let's not lay this at the feet of "Chinese factory works" but rather with the quality standards GJ management allows.

I noticed immediately that the addition of so many tiny pieces would complicate the quality issue. At the same time I received my GJ200 Southwest737, Continental737, and UnitedA320 - I also got a GJ400 Qatar A380. While the detail of the first three was great, the simplicity of the GJ400 allowed for perfect quality. If even one of the minuscule antennas or lights on the 200's is off by a hair, it looks bad.

I was also very frustrated with the lack of precision in the landing gear pieces. Mess those up, and they're annoying (or impossible) to work with. I do hope Gemini addresses all of these concerns because their planes are otherwise awesome.

crownvic · 02-03-2008, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JetBrew

So true! Let's not lay this at the feet of "Chinese factory works" but rather with the quality standards GJ management allows.

I noticed immediately that the addition of so many tiny pieces would complicate the quality issue. At the same time I received my GJ200 Southwest737, Continental737, and UnitedA320 - I also got a GJ400 Qatar A380. While the detail of the first three was great, the simplicity of the GJ400 allowed for perfect quality. If even one of the minuscule antennas or lights on the 200's is off by a hair, it looks bad.

I was also very frustrated with the lack of precision in the landing gear pieces. Mess those up, and they're annoying (or impossible) to work with. I do hope Gemini addresses all of these concerns because their planes are otherwise awesome.

JetBrew Glad you like the models
G J management is in the states and cant watch every model produced in China...It is the factories responsibility to oversee quality control. When you wire transfer tens of thousands of dollars for a mould and spend several thousand more for a final sample, you are then at the factories mercy...

This topic has been brought up several tmes before, therfore I am now going on mute...

citjet · 02-03-2008, 11:28 PM

Putting the NG 737 gear problems asside, I must say that I have been very satisfied with the product's that GJ's has been selling. If you ask me they have gone past other model producers by adding such subtle details down to red beacons on the top and bottom of their models. Engine details are also superb.
I have been trying to get all the Airbus releases and am getting close. That line of the production are in my opinion the absolute best models I have in my collection......and I have a lot!
So keep em coming. I'd love to see in the future some military machines made by Gemini. C-130's, C-141's or maybe even a C-17 ?

D-AIHC · 02-04-2008, 12:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Agent X20

15..? three lots of 4 , an Air France and a Monarch.. I seem to be missing one..

Actually, I miss the AF A320...so, that makes it 16 in total, including 4 on the way:

GeminiJets Online - Model Database

CcrlR737pilot · 02-04-2008, 12:19 AM

I like their aircraft too. It is just that there are small problems and they seem to still make the planes nice. Even the small scale. They just need to do a little bit more work with it.

kl729 · 02-04-2008, 03:50 AM

Its good to learn a lot just from reading this thread. QC is really a big issue. Have a look at my AA 738. A little wing (I don't know what it is called) on one engine came off and has gone missing. I wouldn't think this small piece was to be glued on the engine. By the way it was my friend who helped me choose the model .

Now I have one more thing to check carefully when buying the models.

smoothjazz · 02-04-2008, 04:58 AM

My opinon on this GJ quality problem, Yes and No.

GJ certainly pioneered high standards fine line of 1/200 models.
I give my two thumbs up for the folks at GJ for such a hard work.

However, they do have "few" problems with the models I agree.
I guess I'm lucky enough to go through number of a same model
at local GJ distributor to get the one I'm satisfied with.

What I have seen while I was going through,
1. Missing engine fin
2. Missing antenna tip
3. Missing nose or main gears
4. Broken nose or main gears
5. Tiny part of paint off
6. Wobbling nose gear
7. Seriously bent nose or main gears
8. Seriously bent tail or stablizer

I have total of 7 GJ2 models and very happy with them.
However, I wasn't able to get Monarch A321 due to all wobbling nose gear.
Is that same for all A321s?

GJ opened brand new era on 1/400 scale and 1/200 recently
and really I thank them deeply for the wonderfully detailed diecast airplanes!
I'm sure GJ does their best to keep the 1/200 models to meet their
high quality standards of 1/400 scale, but I have to agree that
1/200 scale has more things that could be easily broken during the shipping.

Even thought some things I've seen, I'd say GJ still is the best...
I guess we can complaint all night long, but we gotta ask ourselves one thing.
Is there any other 1/200 manufacturer that makes the models just as good
like GJ "in that same price range?" I'd say no...

IF and HE premiums are much more expensive so they are not to be
compared I think...

02-03-2008, 11:49 AM	#1
aradrom Senior Collector Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: SW. Ontario Age: 36 Posts: 254	GJ200 Quality Deteriorating Greetings, Yesterday I took a trip to GTA (Greater Toronto Area) to Aviation World with the intent and enthusiasm to buy the new Gemini200 releases. To my dissapointment all the models I looked at had 2 or 3 glaring defects so I did not buy any... B737 - AA top antenna glued on backwards & scratches on the top. Landing gears bent B737 - SWA wings were not level (left side was higher than the right side) A320 - UA Missing front top antenna along with the top light. On the other one, broken nose gear These are just to name a few... Do you guys feel the same way? Gemini200's models quality has deteriorated... Please share your dissapointments. Maybe someone will take note for the future. __________________ My wish list: Herpa Premium B747-400 KLM "City of Atlanta" *I like everything that flies...except flies...*

02-03-2008, 12:15 PM	#2
qatar JT8D power! Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 86	Re: GJ200 Quality Deteriorating While I can't actually say I believe GJ200 quality is deteriorating, IMHO the 200's hav'nt been around long enough yet to have established a pattern for good or poor quality, I can say there are several issues with the latest round of B737's released. I think the overall quality is quite good, the detail is excellent, and they're beautifully packaged. My issues are with the interchangeable landing gear. While the concept is novel, GJ's execution is a bit off. Many collectors have complained of the "nose-down" pitch due to the "too tall" mains, this is'nt too bothersome for me however, trying to interchange the landing gear configuration is rather lame... and the front gear is nothing more than a total b!tch trying to remove. Can I call this a quality issue? Not really... it's more of a poor design issue. I do have (2) of the SWA's, (1)AA, and (1)CO... all were mail ordered so I had no opportunity to "pick and choose" which one of a lot to purchase... the only quality issue was with one of the SWA's... it was missing the top antenna. I contacted Will at GJ... he said spare parts for the new models would be available in about a month... this was 2 weeks ago... I'll be on him again in another 2 weeks for a new antenna... we'll see how it goes... truly, I expect no problems as they've always been quite good with replacement parts. __________________ THE BOEING 727-200 IS THE GREATEST MASTERPIECE EVER ENTERED INTO THE WORLD OF AVIATION

02-03-2008, 12:52 PM	#3
crownvic Junior Miss City of Orlando Join Date: Jun 1999 Location: Orlando FL Posts: 3,148	Re: GJ200 Quality Deteriorating aradrom: I cant say that I agree with you but in many ways you are right about quality issues....It appears that it comes in stages..Several models can be allocated worldwide and have no problems at all..Other areas such as the issues you came across in Canada are very frustrating...Understand that in no way am I making excuses because there really is no call for what happened with your models, but I have seen firsthand on several occasions at the factory in China how these models are made..I know that a handful of other members who sell competing models and are also participating here on DAC have also seen it first hand...A good portion (a lot more then most think)of these models are all done by hand and the work is very tedious...If there was a way to check every single model individually or let me rephrase it, if there was someone at the factory you could TRUST to check every model, then most of this would be eliminated... Again not to create excuses but it is quite frustrating when so much time and effort and expense goes into the developement of these models and something so small as a missing antenna can thow it all off... Hopefully in the future a viable solution to this can be sorted out...Anyone out there want to move to China and live at the factory??? __________________ *SOON CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF CONTINUOUS STUPIDITY AND STILL FOLLOWING NOT LEADING* "Hey Andy, unless we get some Police Package Crown Victorias, I'm quitting, and you can have your bullet back!" And yes, I did do Aunt Bea,,,she was great!

02-03-2008, 02:31 PM	#7
Agent X20 Insane Collector Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: UK Posts: 1,264	Re: GJ200 Quality Deteriorating 15..? three lots of 4 , an Air France and a Monarch.. I seem to be missing one.. So far we have only see the first four here, the next five should be on the doorstep tomorrow, and the next five I am about to place an order for.. I dont know whether this quality issue can be laid at Geminis door, more and more if I get the chance to look at models before I buy, I find I am rejecting many more these days and this includes the likes of Inflight.. with one or two paint defects (Cont 747), missing bits of tampo (C9A) and the ever present wonky undercarriages, the old 'one nosewheel touching the tarmac' ploy..... Think its more a case of quality control... all over.. __________________ Agent X20

02-03-2008, 02:48 PM	#8
taavime Senior Collector Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 175	Re: GJ200 Quality Deteriorating There are some problems indeed. My Cebu's antennas are not properly secured and the wheels are REALLY wobbly. But I hope that they will work out the issues they have. __________________

02-03-2008, 02:50 PM	#9
aae991 Senior Collector Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Chicago area Posts: 195	Re: GJ200 Quality Deteriorating I am not defending poor quality control at Chinese factories, but keep the following in mind... Small factories making items by hand often have quality problems in China. I do business with a factory in China for leather products. Yes, some employees DO live at the factory. It is common practice for young people to work 3-4 years in the factories (switching around to various plants for those 3-4 years) and then take all that money home. To us, the money is a joke - it's almost nothing. To them, it's a lot for them to take home to their rural farmland areas. Quality only occurs when you've got constant supervision. The problem is constant supervision is not common or easy. "Simple" things like leather gloves never turn out the same from one employee to another. A diecast model has more steps in the manufacturing process than leather products - each one introducing more chance of a defect getting through. Environmental issues are a joke. Only recently has the government started to care. Heavy metals, organic solvents, etc... are dumped into the water system all the time. Most of these small factories would be shut down in the U.S. due to EPA violations. HOWEVER - For us to enjoy these models at a reasonable price, China is one of the few places around to get people to make them. Until the mentality changes over there, quality will always be a problem - whether it's a diecast model or a pair of gloves. When quality becomes vital to the Chinese economy, the cost will go up and they'll move the factories elsewhere. Russell and others here that have been into mainland China have witnessed first hand the standard of living for the average factory worker in small shops. It ain't pretty! Once again, I'm not defending the quality problems with all diecast models. Sometimes it helps to know the story behind these issues...

02-03-2008, 07:28 PM	#11
aradrom Senior Collector Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: SW. Ontario Age: 36 Posts: 254	Re: GJ200 Quality Deteriorating Crownvic: Thanks for your details regarding China factories where these models are being made. The first GJ release was good. All the models I saw from the 4 first releases were good with no such 'defects" (except for the wobbling landing gear). I was expecting the second releases to be better. I work in Quality Assurance and I quickly see appearance flaws. Everytime I buy a model, (Gemini200/Inflight200/Corgi/Witty...etc...) I examine them very carefully. Quality workmanship and accuracy must be met at all times. In my world quantity and quality are equally important. The statement >>But it all boils down to the workers<< I think that is wrong... The workers will do what management allows them to do. If management have poor expectations then the workers will do exactly that. Poor quality is a reflection of poor/weak or non existent management standards. I hope that the next A321 Air Canada release will not have these flaws. __________________ My wish list: Herpa Premium B747-400 KLM "City of Atlanta" *I like everything that flies...except flies...* Last edited by aradrom; 02-03-2008 at 07:37 PM.

02-03-2008, 07:57 PM	#13
crownvic Junior Miss City of Orlando Join Date: Jun 1999 Location: Orlando FL Posts: 3,148	Re: GJ200 Quality Deteriorating How true it is the management...They can take some lessons from the Japaneese... Mike: As for details I dont think a cutback in detail is the answer... __________________ *SOON CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF CONTINUOUS STUPIDITY AND STILL FOLLOWING NOT LEADING* "Hey Andy, unless we get some Police Package Crown Victorias, I'm quitting, and you can have your bullet back!" And yes, I did do Aunt Bea,,,she was great!

02-03-2008, 11:28 PM	#18
citjet Collector Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 112	Re: GJ200 Quality Deteriorating Putting the NG 737 gear problems asside, I must say that I have been very satisfied with the product's that GJ's has been selling. If you ask me they have gone past other model producers by adding such subtle details down to red beacons on the top and bottom of their models. Engine details are also superb. I have been trying to get all the Airbus releases and am getting close. That line of the production are in my opinion the absolute best models I have in my collection......and I have a lot! So keep em coming. I'd love to see in the future some military machines made by Gemini. C-130's, C-141's or maybe even a C-17 ?

02-04-2008, 12:19 AM	#20
CcrlR737pilot Collector/AMT student Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Chicago IL Age: 23 Posts: 781	Re: GJ200 Quality Deteriorating I like their aircraft too. It is just that there are small problems and they seem to still make the planes nice. Even the small scale. They just need to do a little bit more work with it. __________________ I flushed a potato down the toilet and now we have to live in a hotel!

02-04-2008, 03:50 AM	#21
kl729 Insane Collector Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Melbourne VIC Australia Posts: 1,223	Re: GJ200 Quality Deteriorating Its good to learn a lot just from reading this thread. QC is really a big issue. Have a look at my AA 738. A little wing (I don't know what it is called) on one engine came off and has gone missing. I wouldn't think this small piece was to be glued on the engine. By the way it was my friend who helped me choose the model . Now I have one more thing to check carefully when buying the models. Last edited by kl729; 08-10-2008 at 03:38 AM.

02-04-2008, 04:58 AM	#22
smoothjazz More Korean Air in 1/200! Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: SEOUL KOREA Posts: 6,251	Re: GJ200 Quality Deteriorating My opinon on this GJ quality problem, Yes and No. GJ certainly pioneered high standards fine line of 1/200 models. I give my two thumbs up for the folks at GJ for such a hard work. However, they do have "few" problems with the models I agree. I guess I'm lucky enough to go through number of a same model at local GJ distributor to get the one I'm satisfied with. What I have seen while I was going through, 1. Missing engine fin 2. Missing antenna tip 3. Missing nose or main gears 4. Broken nose or main gears 5. Tiny part of paint off 6. Wobbling nose gear 7. Seriously bent nose or main gears 8. Seriously bent tail or stablizer I have total of 7 GJ2 models and very happy with them. However, I wasn't able to get Monarch A321 due to all wobbling nose gear. Is that same for all A321s? GJ opened brand new era on 1/400 scale and 1/200 recently and really I thank them deeply for the wonderfully detailed diecast airplanes! I'm sure GJ does their best to keep the 1/200 models to meet their high quality standards of 1/400 scale, but I have to agree that 1/200 scale has more things that could be easily broken during the shipping. Even thought some things I've seen, I'd say GJ still is the best... I guess we can complaint all night long, but we gotta ask ourselves one thing. Is there any other 1/200 manufacturer that makes the models just as good like GJ "in that same price range?" I'd say no... IF and HE premiums are much more expensive so they are not to be compared I think... __________________ BENJAMIN MY COLLECTION http://www.diecastaircraftforum.com/...tion-1179.html