How to Tell a Sample From a Regular GJ Model

Joel_Zimmerman · 06-14-2012, 09:00 PM

Hi there. My friend is offering to sell my his 'sample' British Airways 757-200 to me. Since I will not see him for a while, I took a look at the photos he sent me, but none indicate whether it is a sample or regular. The registration is G-CPET and it is in the 1:400 scale. I took a look at the database and it shows that only G-BMRD is the sample listed. If I am not mistaken, isn't the easiest way to tell is to look at the bottom to see if it has the Gemini Jets logo? It's been a while since I have seen a sample and I think I remember that it has no logo. He also said it only comes in a plastic sleeve, but I'm still sceptical since it isn't listed on the database as a sample.
Does anyone know if there is a sample version of G-CPET in 1:400 scale?

Thanks!

ELY707 · 06-14-2012, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joel_Zimmerman

Hi there. My friend is offering to sell my his 'sample' British Airways 757-200 to me. Since I will not see him for a while, I took a look at the photos he sent me, but none indicate whether it is a sample or regular. The registration is G-CPET and it is in the 1:400 scale. I took a look at the database and it shows that only G-BMRD is the sample listed. If I am not mistaken, isn't the easiest way to tell is to look at the bottom to see if it has the Gemini Jets logo? It's been a while since I have seen a sample and I think I remember that it has no logo. He also said it only comes in a plastic sleeve, but I'm still sceptical since it isn't listed on the database as a sample.
Does anyone know if there is a sample version of G-CPET in 1:400 scale?

Thanks!

G-CPET was produced by Gemini as a regular release with both the 'British Airways' and 'British' titles. Chances are it's one of those.

Joel_Zimmerman · 06-14-2012, 09:11 PM

I have the 'Negus' livery 757-236 with the 'British' title in my collection and I wanted to purchase the 'Chatham Dockyard' (latest) BA livery version. So I take it that Gemini Jets didn't release samples of the 'British Airways' title aircraft?

Thanks.

airport1-600 · 06-14-2012, 10:35 PM

If the logo on the belly is gone, and it is only in the cradle, it should be a sample. I'm sure there are some people on ebay guilty of using acetone to remove the logo, and throwing away the box. Then they list it as a sample, and it goes for high money. That's eBay for 'ya.

Alaska Fan · 06-14-2012, 10:49 PM

some Gemini Jets samples have belly logos ... most do not.

easiest way to tell if it is a sample?

1. registration not released
2. operator depicted not released
3. older version of mould (i.e. w/tail seam)
4. different finish than released (chrome instead of polished or vice versa)
5. gold-tinted chrome ... those are all samples.

not every model produced in sample form is released (see Eastwind 732, Air South 732, etc ...)

however, every release that Gemini Jets makes ... they make at least 8 samples to test the run and for various approvals.

if the seller is reputable then you can probably believe that it is a sample ... otherwise buyer beware

some samples are hard to see the difference from the real thing

for instance ...

Gemini Jets' Sun Country 737-800 (new colors) was released as N800SY

the sample has N738SC as that is what the airline's artwork said before they had a real reg. #

both have the belly logo on them

Alaska Fan · 06-14-2012, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joel_Zimmerman

Hi there. My friend is offering to sell my his 'sample' British Airways 757-200 to me. Since I will not see him for a while, I took a look at the photos he sent me, but none indicate whether it is a sample or regular. The registration is G-CPET and it is in the 1:400 scale. I took a look at the database and it shows that only G-BMRD is the sample listed. If I am not mistaken, isn't the easiest way to tell is to look at the bottom to see if it has the Gemini Jets logo? It's been a while since I have seen a sample and I think I remember that it has no logo. He also said it only comes in a plastic sleeve, but I'm still sceptical since it isn't listed on the database as a sample.
Does anyone know if there is a sample version of G-CPET in 1:400 scale?

Thanks!

GJBAW1014 - G-CPET

GJBAW1037 - G-CPET

CO Rudy · 06-14-2012, 10:54 PM

Well, It is all depending on the price.

A sample of a released model does not have such an high value as one of a not released sample.

For the BA 757, if you do not mind the registration then just go for the cheapest option and do not pay more then the original released model, but that is just my opinion.

CO Rudy.

BuddyK · 06-15-2012, 07:56 AM

I've never understood the allure of pre-production samples of released planes ...

It's easy to see the desireability of an unreleased model. (limited numbers)
If the sample has a different registration ... Even that I can understand.

But in "normal" circumstances ... it escapes me why I would pay (often more) for a pre-production model ...
Especially given the odds that it may have "errors" ...

Buddy

plane737 · 06-15-2012, 11:45 AM

How to Tell a Sample From a Regular GJ Model-kgrhqvhjdke63zdb-jbo6nu61geg-60_57.jpg

Quote:

Originally Posted by BuddyK

I've never understood the allure of pre-production samples of released planes ...

It's easy to see the desireability of an unreleased model. (limited numbers)
If the sample has a different registration ... Even that I can understand.

But in "normal" circumstances ... it escapes me why I would pay (often more) for a pre-production model ...
Especially given the odds that it may have "errors" ...

Buddy

I have been watching this particular model for some time waiting for it to go down in price. It's not on anyones database, so I know it was a sample model, never to be released on a regular run. I just really liked the 80's early 90's livery from Eva.

Alaska Fan · 06-15-2012, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by plane737

Attachment 76708
I have been watching this particular model for some time waiting for it to go down in price. It's not on anyones database, so I know it was a sample model, never to be released on a regular run. I just really liked the 80's early 90's livery from Eva.

no. that was a normal release from Magic

plane737 · 06-15-2012, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alaska Fan

no. that was a normal release from Magic

It does not appear on any database. DAC, Wings or even 400SH? Do you have this model? I know someone did a cargo version not passenger.

Alaska Fan · 06-15-2012, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by plane737

It does not appear on any database. DAC, Wings or even 400SH? Do you have this model? I know someone did a cargo version not passenger.

yes, i actually do have that model. just because you dont see it in the database here doesnt mean it is a sample.

Joel_Zimmerman · 06-15-2012, 10:29 PM

Hi there.
I have found an example on eBay, plus others that seem to have low starting bids on them. All claim to be samples. I have only been collecting 1:400 for the past 5-7 years and haven't done that much research on a lot of releases. What are your thoughts on these items sold by this seller?

ferrari308quattro | eBay

Thanks.

plane737 · 06-15-2012, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alaska Fan

yes, i actually do have that model. just because you dont see it in the database here doesnt mean it is a sample.

Oh, I believe you. I just thought it was a model Magic did that did not get approval for mass production. How many were made do you know? This model is one that's high on my "want"list.

CO Rudy · 06-15-2012, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joel_Zimmerman

Hi there.
I have found an example on eBay, plus others that seem to have low starting bids on them. All claim to be samples. I have only been collecting 1:400 for the past 5-7 years and haven't done that much research on a lot of releases. What are your thoughts on these items sold by this seller?

ferrari308quattro | eBay

Thanks.

These are just samples of released models.
Samples might have some errors which have been corrected on the original release.
The prices are looking good and the seller is reliable.
I have bought from him before without any problems.

CO Rudy.