So GeminiJets is the best? Are these available anywhere?HP752 StdLvry, UA747SP etc..

StratMatt777 · 06-20-2005, 05:23 AM

I'm looking to buy a few models and the most important thing to me is accuracy. Particularly the nose shape and cockpit window shape and placement.

I have 2 Herpa 1/500 (UA772 and AS734) that I bought several years ago and I am happy to see how much quality has improved!

I also have 9 1/200 airliners that I bought back in '98. I had to go through all the boxes to find the ones with accurate looking cockpit window printing/placement... yes, I am crazy!

So I have been looking at the pictures at some online retailers and it looks like GJ is the best (except for RR equipped aircraft which have messed up looking engine struts).
But you can only see the planes from the one angle the picture is shot at so here are my questions (since I will probably be buying online unless someone knows of a GJ dealer in the seattle area):
- Does the nose shape on the GJ 757 look absolutely accurate?
- I saw a picture of one particular AA757 and also a 777 where it looked like the printing of the cockpit windows had been applied low (looks like it is rare though)... how consistent is the printing?
When you mail order do they accept returns if you happen to get one of the few lemons with cockpit windows that don't look right?
- Who do you guys buy from online?

I don't plan on buying tons and tons of models because I am spending my money on flight training instead (and I don't care about collector value or boxes), but there are a few I want to get...

I haven't looked yet to see if GJ makes an Alaska Airlines MD-80 (fingers crossed).
Alaska Airlines 734, 737, 738, 739
Does anyone make an Alaska Airlines 737-400 in NON Disney colors?
Does anyone make an Alaska Airlines 737-900? (I know there is a 1/500- StarJets I think)?
Does anyone make a 757 in America West STANDARD colors? All I see available are those special liverie (DiamondBacks etc..) HP757s on the internet.

Does anyone make a Landor BA 744 yet? (A thread here indicated that no one does yet?) I would go for BB since they look awesome and because GJ's engine struts on RR engines are wrong.

Does anyone make a United 747SP in grey?

Is 1/400 the best scale to collect for excellent accuracy (on a budget)?
(I read that the $300 1/250s are all wrong- but I can't afford that anyway!

)

It looks like Dragon Wings aren't so great?

Thanks for answering any of these questions!!! (If you read this far!)

Oh, and the rest of my list of airplanes to buy over time (not all at once)...

SW733 or 737
UA722
UA752
AA752 (haven't checked to see if the struts look right yet)
UA772
UA744

hkgdave · 06-20-2005, 06:16 AM

PeeWee: This guy's in Seattle. I think he needs to talk to you! Maybe he'll buy you a coffee or something.
Strat: Take a browse through the Model DataBase on this site and visit Brinkley's site to see what's around and to familiarise yourself with the different products. A visit to a model shop to talk to the staff and to get a close look at the various lines on offer would be a good use of your time. Some of the product manufacturers sites have a list of retailers. There HAS to be some in Seattle, and I know of a good one on the boundary of Vancouver, BC, airport. Fly yourself up there one sunny day.
I collect 1:400 though I've been unable to say 'no' to a few 1:500 models. The choice, I believe, is just about personal preference. Any argument for one can be countered by an argument for the other. Your storage/display space, your budget, product availability can all affect your choice of scales.
Don't be put off by comments on this site about Dragon Wings. Again, it's a personal preference thing. Whilst they are not my favourite, some of their models that I've got are my favourites. I think their moulds of some types are acclaimed as being superior. They just use Plastic for wings and tail empenage etc. Some people loath that; others, like me, can live with it until something better shows up. Unfortunately, quite a few of your desires are only available with plastic wings.
Dave

planemark · 06-20-2005, 11:08 AM

Wow, you have a lot of questions. I can give you a few opinions, there are many well-qualified "experts" on the forums. On the UA 747SP in gray, it appears Gemini in reworking their mould and will release a gray version, but I don't know when. Their website gives clues.

Some of the plastic wing DW's are terrific. I think you end up with more detail when the wings are plastic. The 744 mould by DW is really good, and Jet-X will offer interesting liveries.

On the subject of "absolute accuracy," it may not exist except in 1:1. I love detail and such, but some who work in the actual industry are so focused on perfection, it amazes me they buy anything. I think the GJ 757 mould is terrific. I especially like it with GE engines.

Regarding retailers, several are good but Jetcollector.com reigns supreme and Dave and Pam are great to work with. Their pricing is competitive and they offer a Customer Appreciate Program that allows you to get discounts on purchases. Mark at Aerojets.com is great to work with as well and I have used eztoyz.com and a few others too. There are some high volume collectors/dealers on Ebay that are great.

TWALOVER · 06-20-2005, 01:49 PM

Jetcollector.com is the best... but sadly, they sell out of the hot models very quickly.

StratMatt777 · 06-22-2005, 04:05 AM

Thanks for the responses!

The GeminiJets site only lists 2 or 3 dealers for washington state and none of them are in Seattle! I think there must be some who aren't listed on their site.

My comments about Dragon Wings were just based on looking at pictures of their 747s. They appear to have a chronic problem with the livery and windows being applied too high up on the model. Like this: http://400scalehangar.net/database/v...el.php?id=1390
Also the bottom of the entry doors look like they are cut off- which makes it look like the windows are too low in the door, but actually the door is too short. And there is a dent in the underside of the nose- probably one of those round dimples where the liquid metal was injected.

I can't understand why anyone would have a problem with plastic wings because, as DW's wings show, it enables them to make a very accurate molding. It's disappointing that the printing on the fuselage appears to be innaccurate on a regular basis!
The wings and winglets, engines and struts look perfect, unlike BB and GJ which have problems with engine struts and with engines pointing up or down.

I was just about to post when I ran across this- a DW 747 that looks perfect! The printing is not too high. http://www.400scalehangar.net/databa...el.php?id=1604

The doors are screwed up in the way I describe above, but I'm going to look for a local DW dealer so I can look in the box to see if the printing is correct.

I may have to get one of these BB BA744s I think: http://www.delftblue.de/400_scale/40...44_BA-BNLC.htm because I love that livery on a 744 and BB does really good paint. Even though the winglets look wrong!

Am I picky enough?

Since it's easier to keep track of replies on just use one forum instead of on two different forums about 1/400 scale I'm going to hang out at www.400scalehargar.net since they have that easy to use model directory (pictures are easier to look through than on the one here).

Thanks for the responses!!!
The same night I found this site I found scalehargar and posted a pretty similar post to this one at:
http://www.400scalehangar.net/forum/...?p=65580#65580

hkgdave · 06-22-2005, 06:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StratMatt777

I'm going to hang out at www.400scalehargar.net

Bye!........

StratMatt777 · 06-22-2005, 07:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hkgdave

Bye!........

It's just easier to choose one to check for replies!
That's all!!! It's nothing personal at all!!!!!

Actually I don't think I'm going to be posting much more since I was just posting once to try to figure out who makes the best models.

I don't actually have the money to be buying numerous models so I'm not going to become some big-time collector!

Actually I think I'm going to try building a 747-400 from scratch out of aluminum... it will probably have to be no smaller than 1/100 just for me to be able to build it!

I can do it, but the question is " Will it ever get finished?"

... probably not since it is going to have moveable flight controls and landing gear!

It might happen. I could do it!!

I'm just too picky about accuracy!

Actually I could use a plastic model kit for the fuselage because that is the hard part and then build the center wing box and the landing gear bay and the rest of the wing out of aluminum.

Sounds fun actually.
I know it sounds crazy though!

Lai Ming · 06-24-2005, 06:18 AM

Just ignore the other type, I have no comment on it. However the mould of the Gj B777, the point of nose & cockpit accuracy that you said is not what your expected.
According to most people known, compare with DW, Jet-X, Phoenix, Herpa, GJ.
I will rate the first is Jet-X, Phoenix, GJ, DW and the last is Herpa because I have all B777 of those brand!

06-20-2005, 05:23 AM	#1
StratMatt777 Cessna172 pilot Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Seattle, WA (aka Jet City) Posts: 4	So GeminiJets is the best? Are these available anywhere?HP752 StdLvry, UA747SP etc.. I'm looking to buy a few models and the most important thing to me is accuracy. Particularly the nose shape and cockpit window shape and placement. I have 2 Herpa 1/500 (UA772 and AS734) that I bought several years ago and I am happy to see how much quality has improved! I also have 9 1/200 airliners that I bought back in '98. I had to go through all the boxes to find the ones with accurate looking cockpit window printing/placement... yes, I am crazy! So I have been looking at the pictures at some online retailers and it looks like GJ is the best (except for RR equipped aircraft which have messed up looking engine struts). But you can only see the planes from the one angle the picture is shot at so here are my questions (since I will probably be buying online unless someone knows of a GJ dealer in the seattle area): - Does the nose shape on the GJ 757 look absolutely accurate? - I saw a picture of one particular AA757 and also a 777 where it looked like the printing of the cockpit windows had been applied low (looks like it is rare though)... how consistent is the printing? When you mail order do they accept returns if you happen to get one of the few lemons with cockpit windows that don't look right? - Who do you guys buy from online? I don't plan on buying tons and tons of models because I am spending my money on flight training instead (and I don't care about collector value or boxes), but there are a few I want to get... I haven't looked yet to see if GJ makes an Alaska Airlines MD-80 (fingers crossed). Alaska Airlines 734, 737, 738, 739 Does anyone make an Alaska Airlines 737-400 in NON Disney colors? Does anyone make an Alaska Airlines 737-900? (I know there is a 1/500- StarJets I think)? Does anyone make a 757 in America West STANDARD colors? All I see available are those special liverie (DiamondBacks etc..) HP757s on the internet. Does anyone make a Landor BA 744 yet? (A thread here indicated that no one does yet?) I would go for BB since they look awesome and because GJ's engine struts on RR engines are wrong. Does anyone make a United 747SP in grey? Is 1/400 the best scale to collect for excellent accuracy (on a budget)? (I read that the $300 1/250s are all wrong- but I can't afford that anyway! ) It looks like Dragon Wings aren't so great? Thanks for answering any of these questions!!! (If you read this far!) Oh, and the rest of my list of airplanes to buy over time (not all at once)... SW733 or 737 UA722 UA752 AA752 (haven't checked to see if the struts look right yet) UA772 UA744 Last edited by StratMatt777; 06-20-2005 at 06:07 AM. Reason: GJ RR struts are no good

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06-20-2005, 06:16 AM	#2
hkgdave Back in the labour pool Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Sultanate of Oman Age: 58 Posts: 242	PeeWee: This guy's in Seattle. I think he needs to talk to you! Maybe he'll buy you a coffee or something. Strat: Take a browse through the Model DataBase on this site and visit Brinkley's site to see what's around and to familiarise yourself with the different products. A visit to a model shop to talk to the staff and to get a close look at the various lines on offer would be a good use of your time. Some of the product manufacturers sites have a list of retailers. There HAS to be some in Seattle, and I know of a good one on the boundary of Vancouver, BC, airport. Fly yourself up there one sunny day. I collect 1:400 though I've been unable to say 'no' to a few 1:500 models. The choice, I believe, is just about personal preference. Any argument for one can be countered by an argument for the other. Your storage/display space, your budget, product availability can all affect your choice of scales. Don't be put off by comments on this site about Dragon Wings. Again, it's a personal preference thing. Whilst they are not my favourite, some of their models that I've got are my favourites. I think their moulds of some types are acclaimed as being superior. They just use Plastic for wings and tail empenage etc. Some people loath that; others, like me, can live with it until something better shows up. Unfortunately, quite a few of your desires are only available with plastic wings. Dave

06-20-2005, 11:08 AM	#3
planemark Senior Collector Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 216	Wow, you have a lot of questions. I can give you a few opinions, there are many well-qualified "experts" on the forums. On the UA 747SP in gray, it appears Gemini in reworking their mould and will release a gray version, but I don't know when. Their website gives clues. Some of the plastic wing DW's are terrific. I think you end up with more detail when the wings are plastic. The 744 mould by DW is really good, and Jet-X will offer interesting liveries. On the subject of "absolute accuracy," it may not exist except in 1:1. I love detail and such, but some who work in the actual industry are so focused on perfection, it amazes me they buy anything. I think the GJ 757 mould is terrific. I especially like it with GE engines. Regarding retailers, several are good but Jetcollector.com reigns supreme and Dave and Pam are great to work with. Their pricing is competitive and they offer a Customer Appreciate Program that allows you to get discounts on purchases. Mark at Aerojets.com is great to work with as well and I have used eztoyz.com and a few others too. There are some high volume collectors/dealers on Ebay that are great.

06-20-2005, 01:49 PM	#4
TWALOVER space cadet Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Berkeley, CA Posts: 720	Jetcollector.com is the best... but sadly, they sell out of the hot models very quickly.

06-22-2005, 04:05 AM	#5
StratMatt777 Cessna172 pilot Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Seattle, WA (aka Jet City) Posts: 4	Thanks for the responses! The GeminiJets site only lists 2 or 3 dealers for washington state and none of them are in Seattle! I think there must be some who aren't listed on their site. My comments about Dragon Wings were just based on looking at pictures of their 747s. They appear to have a chronic problem with the livery and windows being applied too high up on the model. Like this: http://400scalehangar.net/database/v...el.php?id=1390 Also the bottom of the entry doors look like they are cut off- which makes it look like the windows are too low in the door, but actually the door is too short. And there is a dent in the underside of the nose- probably one of those round dimples where the liquid metal was injected. I can't understand why anyone would have a problem with plastic wings because, as DW's wings show, it enables them to make a very accurate molding. It's disappointing that the printing on the fuselage appears to be innaccurate on a regular basis! The wings and winglets, engines and struts look perfect, unlike BB and GJ which have problems with engine struts and with engines pointing up or down. I was just about to post when I ran across this- a DW 747 that looks perfect! The printing is not too high. http://www.400scalehangar.net/databa...el.php?id=1604 The doors are screwed up in the way I describe above, but I'm going to look for a local DW dealer so I can look in the box to see if the printing is correct. I may have to get one of these BB BA744s I think: http://www.delftblue.de/400_scale/40...44_BA-BNLC.htm because I love that livery on a 744 and BB does really good paint. Even though the winglets look wrong! Am I picky enough? Since it's easier to keep track of replies on just use one forum instead of on two different forums about 1/400 scale I'm going to hang out at www.400scalehargar.net since they have that easy to use model directory (pictures are easier to look through than on the one here). Thanks for the responses!!! The same night I found this site I found scalehargar and posted a pretty similar post to this one at: http://www.400scalehangar.net/forum/...?p=65580#65580

06-24-2005, 06:18 AM	#8
Lai Ming Master Collector Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Hong Kong Age: 37 Posts: 509	Just ignore the other type, I have no comment on it. However the mould of the Gj B777, the point of nose & cockpit accuracy that you said is not what your expected. According to most people known, compare with DW, Jet-X, Phoenix, Herpa, GJ. I will rate the first is Jet-X, Phoenix, GJ, DW and the last is Herpa because I have all B777 of those brand!