I see people asking the question who makes the best mould for such and such plane type all the time (especially on Facebook). So I thought I'd put together a series with my accumulated 'wisdom' from years of collecting and listening to fellow collector's opinions. I start with Boeing - see what you think. Nothing too controversial aside from perhaps the 737NG pick:
Very helpful review. See my comments at the blog itself.
Jim
__________________ The greatest need in 1:400:Reissues of Major Passenger-Carrier 747 Classics: -100/200, -300, and SP, of NG / Aeroclassics / Big Bird Mk. 1 quality. Examples: American; United Blue-Star, Bass; TWA double globe, double stripe; Pan Am delivery; British Airways Negus, Landor; KLM 70's-80's blue top; Air France 70's-80's; Lufthansa 70's-80's; Aer Lingus delivery; Sabena 80's circle-s; Japan Air Lines 70's-80s; All Nippon 70's; and Qantas 70's-80's.
I assume the lack of comment on the other thread means you all agree with my mould choices So with that validation in mind I move on to the 2nd post looking at Douglas and the rest of the airplane manufacturers from the New World. Same rules apply as in Part 1:
We move into part 3 of what has expanded to a 4 part series. In this one we cover Airbus types, where there is lots of competition and some fine moulds, and other European manufacturers, where there is less competition but still some great models. Here are my thoughts:
Very interesting reviews, thank you ! I noted that you made no mention of the Aviation400 727, which is not that bad IMO. And didn't you forget the DC-8-71/73 and DC-9-40 ?
Maybe you should have stressed the fact that the existing Caravelle mould could only represent the III and VI sub-types, and that the only Convair twin-props (a 440) isn't suitable for the 240 and 340. I was also quite shocked that you prefered the AC Britannia 300 over the JC one, which in my opinion is far better (more details, and a way better nose, even if not perfect).
Otherwise I do agree with you over the rest. I think the 1-11 is a tie, with pros and cons both for JC and AC. Regarding the A320 family I tend to stick to the AC mould, but I get a PHX from time to time.
Good work, I'm waiting for part four !
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"Open your eyes, because the revolution won't be televised"
Still looking for following 1/400 models :
AIR FRANCE Concorde F-BVFC & F-BVFD
AIR FRANCE 747 delivery colors F-BPVH
Sh*t I forgot about the DC-8-71/73. They use the same mould so I'll count them as one and only Gemini has made any. DC-9-40 is another Aeroclassics win. I'll update the blog post.
I make comment of the Caravelle engine issue in the Caravelle's own mould review page:
The tail of the Witty 727 is wrong but otherwise it isn't bad. Again more details on the 727-200s own mould review - which is actually due for a rewrite soon.
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Richard
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So onto the last part. Here we look at the Soviets and I give my conclusions. Who is the no 1 manufacturer of 1/400 models in terms of moulds? I think you know but I'd like to think the evidence has led me to the conclusion objectively:
Great info! But, I think, the best MD-11 mould is the GJ/JC updated with antenna, the Phoenix one is higher and not so realistic.
Fully agree. I think Jon Champs did a review of the PHX vs GJ Lufthansa Cargo MD-11 and yea, owning both models myself, the GJ MD-11 blows the PHX version out of the water especially when comparing to the actual aircraft photos. The detailing of the GJ with the antennas and printing were just excellent.
The Best Moulds in 1/400 Scale
So with that validation in mind I move on to the 2nd post looking at Douglas and the rest of the airplane manufacturers from the New World. Same rules apply as in Part 1:
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