Questions about PacMin Models- REPOST

Concorde F-BVFA · 09-30-2012, 06:15 PM

For some reason, myself as well as several other members could not scroll down past the second or third reply on the other identical page. If you made a post in the other thread, I'd appreciate it if you could copy and paste it here. Thanks.

I've only been involved with die-cast aircraft for about three months. In this short amount of time, I've been lucky enough to pick up a few very desirable models. However, the reason I began collecting was because I was intrigued by a few PacMin models at Boeing's Future of Flight gallery in Mukilteo, WA. I plan on purchasing a few PacMin models in the near future but have a few questions.

-Are PacMin models really worth their astronomical prices? Some 1/100 PacMin models sell for upwards of $500 from my research. I'm a little weary to lay out that kind of cash for a resin model.

-Do PacMin models have a quality feel to them? When you pick one up, does it have some weight to it?

-How many of each model does PacMin produce? If I buy a model, what is the likelihood of me seeing another identical model for sale?

I know that some of these may not seem like very intelligent questions, but I have never actually handled a PacMin model before. The ones I saw at Boeing were on very high shelves.

I'd also be interested in seeing some collections of PacMin models.

Thanks.

MSR777 · 10-01-2012, 03:48 AM

Good quality models. Somewhat overpriced and under detailed. Pacmins, and models like them, are not intended to be collectors masterpieces, but are an integral part of the marketing/customer relations processes of both airliner manufacturers and the airlines themselves. This means that Pacmin are not really interested in dealing with collectors like us. Some Pacmins do have enhanced details, if they have been ordered by the customer concerned, but these are not common. To sum up, I think that if you take all this into account in your collecting of Pacmins, and similar models, then go for it. But if you're hoping to get the same level of detailing seen on present day 1/200 airliner models, and increasingly on modern large scale ones, then I think you'll be disappointed. But for all that, they are beautiful, if expensive models, and there are many dedicated Pacmin fans out there who buy them.

mjabbasi · 10-01-2012, 05:41 AM

Oh no, I posted such a long and detailed reply and the bloody thread cannot even reach it. Can someone fix that please??

Concorde F-BVFA · 10-01-2012, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjabbasi

Oh no, I posted such a long and detailed reply and the bloody thread cannot even reach it. Can someone fix that please??

I knew that you posted but I couldn't reach it either. How is it that you cannot reach it? Can you not scroll down?

mjabbasi · 10-01-2012, 05:35 PM

No I can't either. Ok here we go....again:

-Are PacMin models really worth their astronomical prices? Some 1/100 PacMin models sell for upwards of $500 from my research. I'm a little weary to lay out that kind of cash for a resin model.

No not really. This hype and price war has been created by certain collectors with more money than sense who think nothing on shelling out $500-$1000 on a single 1/100 model and basically their fat wallets have ruined it for anyone else hoping to acquire one of these models for themselves and Pacmin seem to have given their blessing in this regard. Also as these models are made in USA, labor and production costs are higher as compared to say China. ANA has also not helped either. Their 1/100 models start from $1300 upwards simply because there are a few extra detail decals slapped on each model and as the Japanese appear to be plucking notes from trees, they have no issues with paying such prices.

-Do PacMin models have a quality feel to them? When you pick one up, does it have some weight to it?

Definitely. They are pretty heavy models as they are solid resin, yet you have to be very, very, very careful as they are as brittle as eggs and very easily breakable. Most of the models I have seen in the possession of airlines have broken engines, tails, wingtips etc. Each new model comes with care instructions with specifies handling, cleaning and display.

-How many of each model does PacMin produce? If I buy a model, what is the likelihood of me seeing another identical model for sale?

Depends on who orders them. Boeing/Airbus or an airline company store. The airline company stores i.e. Emirates, Delta, AA, ANA etc order is sufficient quantity to cater to demand and reorder when stocks dry out. Models ordered by Boeing Marketing for example are presented to an airline when they order planes from Boeing and the number can vary according to the recipients. For instance, PIA recently placed an order for an additional 5 B777-300ER's with purchase rights on an additional 5. Boeing ordered a lot of Pacmin PIA 773ER models to be made which were shipped to Boeing's field office in the UK from where each model was individually addressed and shipped via DHL to members of the airlines senior management, between 12-15 in total. I saw 2 such boxes with that persons name, designation and the airlines head office address on it. Some rich airlines like Saudia and Kuwait Airways order them for their own corporate use but with other manufacturers offering cheaper alternatives, airline orders are rare.

There is a Pacmin page on Facebook where you can see some interesting pics.

robertjon5 · 10-01-2012, 06:25 PM

well, this pacmin sold for less than less than a $100!!!! a pia 777 for $250!! strangely from same seller who was selling these for $1000+ a while back.

DELTA AIRLINES 1/100 BOEING 767-300 DESK TOP DISPLAY MODEL JET AIRCRAFT AIRPLANE | eBay

PACMIN PIA PAKISTAN INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES B777-200ER BOEING MODEL 1/100 NEW | eBay

hpennell · 10-01-2012, 07:54 PM

I pretty much agree with what Moin is saying. They are an excellent company that make excellent products, continually improving their products.
If you decide to purchase Pacmin's, do a little research first if you can and ask questions, there are people here and on e-bay that will rip you off in a heartbeat.

Concorde F-BVFA · 10-01-2012, 09:18 PM

Thank you Moin, for such a comprehensive explanation.

From the looks of things, airline stores seem to be adding fuel to the already outrageous PacMin prices.

I once saw an American Airlines 1/100 that went for $50 because the seller placed it on the stand backwards. Wish I would have snapped that one up.

PacMin Fan · 10-02-2012, 06:02 PM

I think the eBay problem got worse when you couldn't see who'd won. I'm convinced people were bidding on their own stuff with other user names and then when they didn't sell, the models would appear a few months later.

I've seen a few PacMin 'seconds' appear in the last few months. You've got to ask why someone in California / Florida / Georgia or wherever would be selling some of the very rare models unless they were samples, imperfect, test models, etc.

There was a time when PacMins went for $200. Now $500 seems to be the norm.

Here's a few secrets i'll share

1) If you want a 1/200 United PacMin for $65 go here:

http://unitedshop.summitmg.com/unite..._id=UAL000730R

2) If you want a PacMin 1/100 oneworld American 777 for $375 go here:

PM 777 OneWorld 1:100 Scale - American Airlines C.R. Smith Museum Online Store

3) Want a Boeing 747-8 sunrise model that eBayers claim is 'rare' - get it here:

http://www.boeingstore.com/747-8-Int...&searchSize=12

Then, compare to what people are selling them on eBay for.

For example:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/PACMIN-1-100-AMERICAN-AIRLINES-BOEING-777-ONEWORLD-DESK-DISPLAY-MODEL-AIRPLANE-/350581817065?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item51a04dfee9

and for the UAL 1.200 (but it didn't sell):

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pacmin-United-Airlines-Boeing-747-400-1-200-Desk-Display-Model-Brand-New-/300786547211?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4608467a0b

and the Boeing sunrise (save yourself $200 by buying it from Boeing in the above link) - see below from eBay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-100-Rare-NIB-Pacmin-Boeing-747-8-Intercontinental-Sunrise-Livery-Huge-Model-/271014585898?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f19ba662a

Some people must think we are idiots...!

Concorde F-BVFA · 10-02-2012, 06:39 PM

Thanks PacMin Fan

Just months ago, it wasn't uncommon for a 1/100 PacMin to sell for $150-$200. Now, you'd be hard pressed to find a good one under $300.

I wanted to bid on this one, but found it to be to much money. Then reality set in and I couldn't even find one for double the price. I also laugh when sellers display their models like this.

American Airlines 767-300 Luxury Liner Desktop Resin Model 1:100 PACMIN PACIFIC | eBay

PacMin prices seem to fluctuate quickly. I hope they come down again so I can buy some models!

Could you please describe what a 'second' model is?

crownvic · 10-02-2012, 06:41 PM

I have been collecting PacMin models for over 25 years and have amassed over 60 pieces...At one time they and Atlantic were the best... the competition is heating up and getting better...the Skymarks 1/100 A380 blows anything away that Pacmin makes as long as you leave the gears off..Much more in the way of details too...

the same company that makes that A380 for Skymarks an offshoot of Long Prosper also makes an incredible 747 (see below)too..these models feature much more detailed rotating engines and weigh about 20% more then the PacMin..I just came back from their factory in China and was amazed at the quality and price too....I picked up an EL 744F, Jordanian A340 and TAM A330..having them shipped back now will post pics later

here is my KLM 747 1/100 scale..absolutley gorgeous..

crownvic · 10-02-2012, 06:49 PM

here is my Delta PacMin Olympic fleet!

MSR777 · 10-03-2012, 06:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Concorde F-BVFA

Could you please describe what a 'second' model is?

It's normally an item, in this case a model aircraft, that will have have failed to totally meet the manufacturers quality control standards. In the case of display models, this may mean incorrect/missing graphics, paint finish or mould flaws etc. In the main, the prestige manufacturers ensure that these models never leave the factory, thus ensuring that any sub standard model bearing their name, never gets to their customers. Sometimes however, these models do make it to collectors by various means, and are sold as 'seconds', well at least by reputable sellers anyway. This term 'seconds' highlights the fact to a potential buyer, that there is some degree of defect with the model. The asking price should reflect that.

Milos · 10-03-2012, 06:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crownvic

..I just came back from their factory in China and was amazed at the quality and price too....I picked up Jordanian A340

Russell, how much for one 1/100 Royal Jordanian A342 direct from the factory?

crownvic · 10-03-2012, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Milos

Russell, how much for one 1/100 Royal Jordanian A342 direct from the factory?

They don't do mailout you have to pick them up at their warehouse... I may sell mine I'll let u know...

Milos · 10-03-2012, 08:08 AM

I appreciate if you could PM very soon your asking price incl.shipping, because I have an offer same model from ex-RJ staff in London, and I can pick-up at Heathrow...
However this model has:
- too big tail crown logo (as it was before revised livery),
- wings should be white, not light grey, and
- horizontal stabilizers should be dark grey (as upper fuselage colour), not light grey.
I don't need landing gears, you can keep them. Anyway, thanks!

Concorde F-BVFA · 03-28-2013, 03:28 PM

I had a quick question and didn't want to start a whole new thread.

As stupid as this sounds, do the wings on a PacMin 767 come off? Are there such things as one-piece PacMins?

Thanks.

airlineguy · 03-28-2013, 04:44 PM

Hello,

The older PacMin models were usually a solid one (1) piece model and the wings, stabilizers and tail section did not disconnect from the fuselage.

The newer PacMin models from today, you'll find that the wings disconnect, the stabilizers disconnect and sometimes even the tail section disconnects from the fuselage

A few exceptions are some of the "T" tail McDonnell Douglas, Boeing, Embraer, Raytheon, Cessna, Beechcraft, Bombardier, Dassault, Hawker, Gulfstream, Learjet, Piper private aircraft type designed models.

Hope that this info helps.

Regards, Robert

Concorde F-BVFA · 03-28-2013, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by airlineguy

Hello,

The older PacMin models were usually a solid one (1) piece model and the wings, stabilizers and tail section did not disconnect from the fuselage.

The newer PacMin models from today, you'll find that the wings disconnect, the stabilizers disconnect and sometimes even the tail section disconnects from the fuselage

A few exceptions are some of the "T" tail McDonnell Douglas, Boeing, Embraer, Raytheon, Cessna, Beechcraft, Bombardier, Dassault, Hawker, Gulfstream, Learjet, Piper private aircraft type designed models.

Hope that this info helps.

Regards, Robert

Thanks!

mjabbasi · 03-28-2013, 05:32 PM

Yes and one issue these models still have which all Pacmin owners need to be wary of is loose fitting wings and stabs. On many models you'll find the wings/stabs loosely slide into the fuselage and wobble slightly up and down meaning its not a firm fit. You have to be VERY careful in this situation because if you inadvertently tilt the model sideways for some reason i.e. fitting the other wing on the other side of the fuselage or moving it from one room to another through a narrow doorway hoping to avoid knocking the wingtips or screwing the model onto the stand, the wing on that side of the model which is tilting down will literally drop out of the fuselage and fall to the floor and if its not carpeted (or even is) the engines and probably even part of the wing will break off. There will be serious damage for sure. The stabs aern't likely to suffer any damage but why take the chance. Its not happened with me as I realized the serious potential of this scenario and took some preventive measures against this ever happening.

Firstly, if I found the fitting of the wings was loose, I cut off a small strip of masking tape to match the exact size of the wing stab that slides into the fuselage and stuck it on the bottom side of the stab. This made the wing stab just that slightly bit thicker than it originally was and made the fitting much more tight and snug holding the wings firmly in place with no chances of them even falling out no matter how much the model is tilted for whatever reason. The addition of the masking tape strip might make pushing the wings in a bit harder but with a bit of gentle prodding and patience they snap into position and mate perfectly with the fuselage. Make sure you do not apply pressure on the engines or touch them when doing this.

Secondly, when unboxing and assembling any of these models, do it standing over a soft surface i.e. on a bed or a couch because if anything such as the wings fall out of the fuselage, they will not get damaged. Alternatively, first screw the fuselage to the stand tightly, then while holding the fuselage with one hand with the model on its stand resting on a firm surface, push in one wing, then the other and finally the stabs.

These little care tips can help save alot of damage, distress and disappointment.

Concorde F-BVFA · 03-28-2013, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjabbasi

Yes and one issue these models still have which all Pacmin owners need to be wary of is loose fitting wings and stabs. On many models you'll find the wings/stabs loosely slide into the fuselage and wobble slightly up and down meaning its not a firm fit. You have to be VERY careful in this situation because if you inadvertently tilt the model sideways for some reason i.e. fitting the other wing on the other side of the fuselage or moving it from one room to another through a narrow doorway hoping to avoid knocking the wingtips or screwing the model onto the stand, the wing on that side of the model which is tilting down will literally drop out of the fuselage and fall to the floor and if its not carpeted (or even is) the engines and probably even part of the wing will break off. There will be serious damage for sure. The stabs aern't likely to suffer any damage but why take the chance. Its not happened with me as I realized the serious potential of this scenario and took some preventive measures against this ever happening.

Firstly, if I found the fitting of the wings was loose, I cut off a small strip of masking tape to match the exact size of the wing stab that slides into the fuselage and stuck it on the bottom side of the stab. This made the wing stab just that slightly bit thicker than it originally was and made the fitting much more tight and snug holding the wings firmly in place with no chances of them even falling out no matter how much the model is tilted for whatever reason. The addition of the masking tape strip might make pushing the wings in a bit harder but with a bit of gentle prodding and patience they snap into position and mate perfectly with the fuselage. Make sure you do not apply pressure on the engines or touch them when doing this.

Secondly, when unboxing and assembling any of these models, do it standing over a soft surface i.e. on a bed or a couch because if anything such as the wings fall out of the fuselage, they will not get damaged. Alternatively, first screw the fuselage to the stand tightly, then while holding the fuselage with one hand with the model on its stand resting on a firm surface, push in one wing, then the other and finally the stabs.

These little care tips can help save alot of damage, distress and disappointment.

Thanks for the information! It's never occurred to me that these PacMin parts could fall out, but now that I think of it, it's a real possibility.

hpennell · 03-28-2013, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjabbasi

Yes and one issue these models still have which all Pacmin owners need to be wary of is loose fitting wings and stabs. On many models you'll find the wings/stabs loosely slide into the fuselage and wobble slightly up and down meaning its not a firm fit. You have to be VERY careful in this situation because if you inadvertently tilt the model sideways for some reason i.e. fitting the other wing on the other side of the fuselage or moving it from one room to another through a narrow doorway hoping to avoid knocking the wingtips or screwing the model onto the stand, the wing on that side of the model which is tilting down will literally drop out of the fuselage and fall to the floor and if its not carpeted (or even is) the engines and probably even part of the wing will break off. There will be serious damage for sure. The stabs aern't likely to suffer any damage but why take the chance. Its not happened with me as I realized the serious potential of this scenario and took some preventive measures against this ever happening.

Firstly, if I found the fitting of the wings was loose, I cut off a small strip of masking tape to match the exact size of the wing stab that slides into the fuselage and stuck it on the bottom side of the stab. This made the wing stab just that slightly bit thicker than it originally was and made the fitting much more tight and snug holding the wings firmly in place with no chances of them even falling out no matter how much the model is tilted for whatever reason. The addition of the masking tape strip might make pushing the wings in a bit harder but with a bit of gentle prodding and patience they snap into position and mate perfectly with the fuselage. Make sure you do not apply pressure on the engines or touch them when doing this.

Secondly, when unboxing and assembling any of these models, do it standing over a soft surface i.e. on a bed or a couch because if anything such as the wings fall out of the fuselage, they will not get damaged. Alternatively, first screw the fuselage to the stand tightly, then while holding the fuselage with one hand with the model on its stand resting on a firm surface, push in one wing, then the other and finally the stabs.

These little care tips can help save alot of damage, distress and disappointment.

If I may interject here, a more permant fix to the loose fit of the wing/stabilzer problem, is to run a bead of thicker CA glue on each side of the wing plug, let it set and then sand to fit. This will also fix any minor problems with wing dihedral angles if done right....just a thought.

mjabbasi · 03-29-2013, 04:40 AM

Hans that type of glue would be very hard to find here where I am, hence the masking tape fix. Its quicker and not permanent. If someone wants to remove it for whatever reason they just have to strip it off. You know how I got the masking tape idea? From Pacmin themselves. I was examining one of my 777 models when I noticed a small gap in the silver engine intake lip so I pulled at it with my fingernail and the whole engine lip came out and it was completely wrapped in masking tape from the inside to ensure a tight fit. I checked the other engine and the same was applied there. I pushed it back in to sit flush with the rest of the engine and that is what gave me the idea for the wing stabs.

Regulator · 04-02-2013, 11:00 PM

To answer your question on how many units of each model PacMin produces really depends on the aircraft type and livery. There are a couple of other factors to consider; as others have mentioned PacMin does not generally sell to the public and their pricing varies depending on the number of models making up an order. What that means is a one of a kind model will cost significantly more per unit than a batch order of 10. That translates into higher likelihood that multiple models will be made.

To each their own. I’ve always had a fondness for PacMins because of the accuracy of their moulds.