Past or present, not much improvements in sight. These are their latest 1/400 releases; the HZ-AK28A and EP-IFA. Anyone with similar experiences?
I've been a long-time Phoenix models collector in 1:400 and I've not have those issues with any of them. Perhaps yours is an isolated case and I believe even with the latest models, shouldn't be like this.
That's pretty awful. Phoenix have been much better in the past year, and certainly better than Gemini and JC Wings. However after Chinese New Year everything changes it seems as they recruit new staff. Hopefully this isn't a sign of things to come
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It is unclear if these fairly recent models were released during Chinese New Year but I thought you might be interested in checking out these NZ models.
They're the ZK-NZF (the one which arrived with a hook on the port ) and the ZK-OKR (the one with lots of patchwork from factory, hoping that buyers like me wouldn't notice ).
Whew! All good with the AirSERBIA bird. I hadn't purchased a 1/400 bird in some time, and was sort of say "sticker shocked" at the price for a 1/400 model from Phoenix.
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I've been a long-time Phoenix models collector in 1:400 and I've not have those issues with any of them. Perhaps yours is an isolated case and I believe even with the latest models, shouldn't be like this.
Indeed, it is not clear if you referred to just the HZ-AK28A and EP-IFA being an isolated case or just me having a string of bad luck.
I have supplied images of faults as found on the ZK-NZF and ZK-OKR subsequent to the above.
I would also like to add to more recent faults identified, fairly recent models, namely the 9M-MTE and XA-ADL.
Whew! All good with the AirSERBIA bird. I hadn't purchased a 1/400 bird in some time, and was sort of say "sticker shocked" at the price for a 1/400 model from Phoenix.
When I saw the title of this thread my attention was immediately triggered since my first 1/400 purchase in over 2 years is a Phoenix. T7
Has it improved?
I have quite a lot of examples of lousy A330 series by Phoenix, just trying to find more of those pictures.
Attached is a fairly recent VH-QPC, check out the huge wing root gap! This was after I replaced the initial VH-QPC which came with chipped elevator paint! One short of a hattrick Phoenix, well done
That's pretty awful. Phoenix have been much better in the past year, and certainly better than Gemini and JC Wings. However after Chinese New Year everything changes it seems as they recruit new staff. Hopefully this isn't a sign of things to come
Oppps, still new to this site, didn't know how to reply with quote. Do now. Yeah, those NZ photos, thought it might be of interest to you too. The ZK-NZF has some sentimental value to me, still pursuing the 'perfect' one.
Indeed, it is not clear if you referred to just the HZ-AK28A and EP-IFA being an isolated case or just me having a string of bad luck.
I have supplied images of faults as found on the ZK-NZF and ZK-OKR subsequent to the above.
I would also like to add to more recent faults identified, fairly recent models, namely the 9M-MTE and XA-ADL.
Just that particular model you showed, but on seeing more pictures of those unacceptable defects, it's getting somewhat ironic.
By the way, how do you purchase them? For me, I've always gone to my local hobby store and personally check them myself before transacting. That being said, some are not as 'perfect' as I wished they would be, such as some have slanted tail fins, wings and even cockpit windows. Some have slight irregular landing gear doors but aren't as bad.
All Phoenix's models are 'limited edition' as I'm not sure if they're all entirely hand-assembled or produced via regular machine-manufacture. If hand-assembled, surely there will be some irregularities but not like those you pictured.
Just that particular model you showed, but on seeing more pictures of those unacceptable defects, it's getting somewhat ironic.
By the way, how do you purchase them? For me, I've always gone to my local hobby store and personally check them myself before transacting. That being said, some are not as 'perfect' as I wished they would be, such as some have slanted tail fins, wings and even cockpit windows. Some have slight irregular landing gear doors but aren't as bad.
All Phoenix's models are 'limited edition' as I'm not sure if they're all entirely hand-assembled or produced via regular machine-manufacture. If hand-assembled, surely there will be some irregularities but not like those you pictured.
Yes, it would be ideal to go into a store but where I'm based, there is not a single diecast aircraft model store around so I don't have any other option but to shop online.
I supposed the frustration here is the business ethics, or lack thereof.
Take a look at example ZK-OKR I have attached, clearly there was a deep scratch during manufacture, hand or machine I don't care, and the practice of patch-up paint jobs and pass it off to buyers, hoping it did not get noticed is plain wrong
I have quite a lot of examples of lousy A330 series by Phoenix, just trying to find more of those pictures.
Attached is a fairly recent VH-QPC, check out the huge wing root gap! This was after I replaced the initial VH-QPC which came with chipped elevator paint! One short of a hattrick Phoenix, well done
I have some errands with the family today, but will post some pics of the new AirSerbia A330 when I get back, and see if I can find any old A330 Phoenix models I still have? Cheers! T7
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Yes, it would be ideal to go into a store but where I'm based, there is not a single diecast aircraft model store around so I don't have any other option but to shop online.
I supposed the frustration here is the business ethics, or lack thereof.
Take a look at example ZK-OKR I have attached, clearly there was a deep scratch during manufacture, hand or machine I don't care, and the practice of patch-up paint jobs and pass it off to buyers, hoping it did not get noticed is plain wrong
Yes so I believe there's no other choice for you but order online then, so there's a risk.
Honestly I'm appalled at how Phoenix could pass this kind of QC (perhaps cost-cutting or some other more serious insider job) and it should never happen. Perhaps you could order from another online store, some here are pretty reputable, but not exactly cheap.
Gentlemen, my sincere apologies for my all clear post earlier in this thread. I think there is a problem. Please feel free to comment. Thank you, T7
[IMG]20170326_132724 by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/94339321@N03/], on Flickr[/IMG]
[IMG]20170326_132831 by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/94339321@N03/], on Flickr[/IMG]
[IMG]20170326_133329 by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/94339321@N03/], on Flickr[/IMG]
[IMG]20170326_134459 by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/94339321@N03/], on Flickr[/IMG]
[IMG]20170326_134623 by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/94339321@N03/], on Flickr[/IMG]
[IMG]20170326_134706 by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/94339321@N03/], on Flickr[/IMG]
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Yes so I believe there's no other choice for you but order online then, so there's a risk.
Honestly I'm appalled at how Phoenix could pass this kind of QC (perhaps cost-cutting or some other more serious insider job) and it should never happen. Perhaps you could order from another online store, some here are pretty reputable, but not exactly cheap.
True. Too true.
With that said, for the type of price these are retailing, I don't believe we are getting what we pay for half the time.
Bad QC is one thing, but when these defects could not even pass basic eye ball tests (naked eyes) and the factory releases it, do you start to question their honesty?
Plus, you're right, dealers and suppliers have responsibilities to check too before shipping it off to buyers. Most are responsible when it comes to accepting returns for exchanges.
Whoops, for got to add, please let us know how the replacement goes. Keen to know if this is a bad batch.
Phoenix's A330 seems to have dramas - that is to say, batch issues. I will attempt to upload more photos of what I meant.
Will do. I already have a replacement on hold at my retailer. Crossing my fingers that it's A-OK, compared to the one I have in hand. I'm guessing my best mate wouldn't be able to spot the defects, but it's my gift to him so it matters to me that he receives a model in A+ condition.
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Yet another A330 with wing root gap, also a VH-QPC but not the same as the one depicted earlier above. Point is, there were 2 VH-QPC with same gap problem.
Last edited by Beetlecounter; 03-27-2017 at 05:27 AM.
Reason: Clarity
phoenix, notorious for poor paintwork and bad qc. A lot of phx models start bubbling after 2-3 years, not limited to my own models too, lots of my friends are facing these issues
phoenix, notorious for poor paintwork and bad qc. A lot of phx models start bubbling after 2-3 years, not limited to my own models too, lots of my friends are facing these issues
Phoenix's been getting away with this forever, so it seems.
I wonder, do they read these forums? Do they have an FB account and did collectors leave comments with photos to prove?
I just realized that I paid more for my bud's 1/400 AirSerbia A330 Phoenix model than I did for my Gemini 200 Air Canada CRJ-705. There were no defects on my G200 Air Canada CRJ-705 and it's 2.5 times the size of the A330 model. That is not good IMO! T7
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I just realized that I paid more for my bud's 1/400 AirSerbia A330 Phoenix model than I did for my Gemini 200 Air Canada CRJ-705. There were no defects on my G200 Air Canada CRJ-705 and it's 2.5 times the size of the A330 model. That is not good IMO! T7
Yeah, the price-point of these models are getting a bit tough.
Also, for those of us who don't have a local retailer, the shipping cost is now starting to become higher than the model itself. I find myself these days passing on models if I can't buy a batch of 3 at a time since the postage for a single item puts me off the deal.
There was a model I wanted recently for $70. The Shipping was $74.
That is a deal breaker for me on a single model.
I think I might soon be reaching the "full thrust reverse and breaks" in my model collection. Sad, because there are still quite a number I really wanted.
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Yeah, the price-point of these models are getting a bit tough.
Also, for those of us who don't have a local retailer, the shipping cost is now starting to become higher than the model itself. I find myself these days passing on models if I can't buy a batch of 3 at a time since the postage for a single item puts me off the deal.
So true. Same case with me, at times if there was a model or two that I must absolutely have, I ended up getting one or two more of the nice to haves, not must, just for the sake of it to enjoy combined shipping. Silly.
I just realized that I paid more for my bud's 1/400 AirSerbia A330 Phoenix model than I did for my Gemini 200 Air Canada CRJ-705. There were no defects on my G200 Air Canada CRJ-705 and it's 2.5 times the size of the A330 model. That is not good IMO! T7
Agreed. If price crept up a bit errr... okay but the quality does not commensurate with it. As per this thread, both you and I had highlighted Phoenix's most current line up with defects no different from older releases.
Their next line-up looks interesting but I'm a bit nervous. Will try dig up one more pic of their A380 for your review. It had something to do with the plastic sheet leaching into the paint work I suspect, or it being placed when the paint's gloss hadn't completely cured.
With that said, for the type of price these are retailing, I don't believe we are getting what we pay for half the time.
Bad QC is one thing, but when these defects could not even pass basic eye ball tests (naked eyes) and the factory releases it, do you start to question their honesty?
Plus, you're right, dealers and suppliers have responsibilities to check too before shipping it off to buyers. Most are responsible when it comes to accepting returns for exchanges.
That's very true also and I'm fortunate that my local hobby store is reputable here and replaces any models that are not 'QC passed', even after the very day of purchase and with inspection (sometimes we may overlook certain things).
Sometimes I feel like in your case, they were sold in order to reduce any loss of costings after manufacturing but I may be wrong as if it really is so, it's definitely a hypocritical thing to do and that may 'kill' their reputation.
I mainly collect SQ models and I've only one A333 model (9V-SSH) and all seems ok on the wing root, no gaps at all and the whole model overall is very neat, even on the landing gears.
I went to my retailer to exchange the model. Unfortunately, they thought I was exchanging it for the 1/200 version. They didn't have anymore 1/400 versions left. I did pull one of the other Phoenix A330 1/400 models off the shelf for inspection and the model also suffered from the wing root problem on one wing. I didn't inspect other A330 airline models or take any photos.
I decided to just get a refund for the model and will look at other options for my mate's bday gift. It will still be an airplane model, but don't which one at the moment. I was also informed that the Phoenix 1/400 models will be going up in prices as well. I think some of their new 1/400 (A380s, B747, B777) prices will now surpass the $$$ for a small 1/200 diecast model from JC or Gemini.
T7
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The sad truth is that business ethics in China are a lot more 'free and easy' than would be overtly acceptable in 'the West'. QC management is not likely to radically change unless products really stop selling. (If you think Phoenix A330 QC is bad, have you seen the latest Gemini Jets / JC releases??) I'm afraid we may be heading for a bit of a no win situation as the internal Chinese market is really starting to boom and there may come a point where there is no need to satisfy us whining gweilo if more money can be made at home.
I sometimes wonder how the model railway people manage it...
I went to my retailer to exchange the model. Unfortunately, they thought I was exchanging it for the 1/200 version. They didn't have anymore 1/400 versions left. I did pull one of the other Phoenix A330 1/400 models off the shelf for inspection and the model also suffered from the wing root problem on one wing. I didn't inspect other A330 airline models or take any photos.
I decided to just get a refund for the model and will look at other options for my mate's bday gift. It will still be an airplane model, but don't which one at the moment. I was also informed that the Phoenix 1/400 models will be going up in prices as well. I think some of their new 1/400 (A380s, B747, B777) prices will now surpass the $$$ for a small 1/200 diecast model from JC or Gemini.
T7
Bummer. Hope you find a suitable alternative for your mate.
Indeed, even if our mates aren't collectors, when we give we'd like to give them A+ grade stuff. Their mates might be collectors and they might point out those defects to them, won't look good on the giver.
I'm still err-ing and argh-ing with Phoenix's A330. To date, I would not grade any of those my collection A let alone A+. Almost always the wing root
The sad truth is that business ethics in China are a lot more 'free and easy' than would be overtly acceptable in 'the West'. QC management is not likely to radically change unless products really stop selling. (If you think Phoenix A330 QC is bad, have you seen the latest Gemini Jets / JC releases??) I'm afraid we may be heading for a bit of a no win situation as the internal Chinese market is really starting to boom and there may come a point where there is no need to satisfy us whining gweilo if more money can be made at home.
I sometimes wonder how the model railway people manage it...
Such valid points, I don't know what else to add.
I'm afraid I've never seen the latest Gemini or JC. I only ever had one in the past, an A330 and one of its antennas was missing whist the other one was upside down...both aft.
If such is the culture across the board, we shouldn't really sweat it with their so-called stealth jets then
Phoenix is the worst, my a330 fan get paint from engine cowling. avoid it as possible as I can in my 400 collection . lucky I do not need to look at Phoenix when buying my 200 fleet
I'm afraid I've never seen the latest Gemini or JC. I only ever had one in the past, an A330 and one of its antennas was missing whist the other one was upside down...both aft.
Ah. Well this link has an example of the quality we can expect from GJ/JC when they think they can get away with it. Kinda almost makes the Phoenix ones look good... 1:400 Gemini Jets Cebu Pacific Airbus Industries A330-300 RP-C3347
Take a squiz at the dihedral on that sucker. Looks like it is squatting down to take a dump. Appropriate for the useless, runny crap quality these stinking dirtbags are foisting on us.
This is utter BS, these models are going up in price and coming down in quality. Some 'people' must really be lining their pockets and having a good old laugh.
Phoenix is the worst, my a330 fan get paint from engine cowling. avoid it as possible as I can in my 400 collection . lucky I do not need to look at Phoenix when buying my 200 fleet
Speaking of engine cowling, check this out - short and curly one too.
Ah. Well this link has an example of the quality we can expect from GJ/JC when they think they can get away with it. Kinda almost makes the Phoenix ones look good... 1:400 Gemini Jets Cebu Pacific Airbus Industries A330-300 RP-C3347
Take a squiz at the dihedral on that sucker. Looks like it is squatting down to take a dump. Appropriate for the useless, runny crap quality these stinking dirtbags are foisting on us.
This is utter BS, these models are going up in price and coming down in quality. Some 'people' must really be lining their pockets and having a good old laugh.
That's way bad! Surprised that thing hasn't snapped
Actually prices for 1:400 Phoenix models have already gone up. When I last purchased my SQ B77W (9V-SWB), the price already went up around 20% which is quite a lot. The model is flawless!
Phoenix to me is still a very good aircraft model manufacturer and I would still purchase them in future. Every brand has its flaws as well so it really depends on the quality you get.
I was able to snap a few shots of another AirSerbia A330 from another retailer who had them in stock. Will post the pics later this evening. Thank you, T7
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I was able to snap a few shots of another AirSerbia A330 from another retailer who had them in stock. Will post the pics later this evening. Thank you, T7
Yes, please - I look forward to seeing them.
I've tried getting a decent Thai A380 HS-TUE 2 times and they both came with the same issue i.e. paint chip at the leading edge of the wing root (if that's what's it's called - happy for forum members to correct me).
Then I thought I'd give it a last attempt, the Thai A380 is after all, a very beautiful aircraft.
I received the 3rd on Friday just passed. Guess what?! I have a hattrick. It's a gooaaalllllllll
With your AirSerbia, you like to try and match or beat my hattrick?!
Phoenix 1/400 Issues
) and the ZK-OKR (the one with lots of patchwork from factory, hoping that buyers like me wouldn't notice 
That's good to know.
Such valid points, I don't know what else to add.
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