BPanio

Hey everyone,

So When I first got into this hobby, my parents bought me a Herpa airport starter set (the cargo one). I was into 500's for a while but was majorly disappointed at the lack of Canadian stuff. Anyways, so I went to 400 scale but there is a major lack of interesting aircraft there especially since Gemini and Pheonix are copying each other a lot these days.

So I am going to come back here to less of a degree than my 400's and have a small diorama in my bedroom. Today I bought an old Herpa Cathay 744F (with the clunky rolling gears) and I also plan on buying all the Tupolev TU204's that I can find.

I will post pictures when the diorama is set up. Oh, and the airport is located in eastern Germany (a few hours east of Frankfurt basically on the border with the Czech republic) and is set during 2004 as I have an ACA 74M and 345 in their older colours

Bangkok Lady La

Wow its a brave man who ventures back into 1/500. Seems like the general trend is now for 1/200.
I personally love the 1/500 scale - and it was the fashion for many years before 1/400 took over - which in turn as dropped away considerably of late - just an observation.

It would be nice to see some retro fitted landing gear that we could attach to the first generation herpa's to bring them into line with current models.

And I remember that CX 744F old colours fetching very high prices on ebay many years ago.....how things have changed.

BusMaxx

I have been purchasing some 1:500 (OG) and have over 10 models now. Sometimes, it doesn't hurt to make the switch. I have a few European models that may be a fit for you, if you're interested.

(and if you're possibly parting with some of your 1:400's, do let me know ;-) )

SADman

500 scale has come a long way and there are many really good models and it still amazes me what they can do with such a small scale. Plus, creating dioramas is much easier with size constraints. I collect 200 scale as well, but the 500 has a place in my heart always.

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BPanio

That's exactly it SADman. My 400 scale airport is massive and takes up a lot of room. While I do like it (and the fact there is more Canadiana in that scale) it sometimes feels like it is too much you know? Right now my brother occupies the space where my airport is and is usually there when he isn't working (basically all the time when I am not working lol).

My main aviation store recently received 500 or so Herpa models (ALL 1/500!) and some of the pieces they got are old and classic (I have just picked up an Air Koryo Il62 and have an Ice Air 753 on hold) and the best part is the collector consigned all of them for 24.95 each So for 2 400 scale models I can basically get 4 500 scale models.

And then there is the fact that Herpa is so damn adventerous. They have a TU204 mould, a TU134 mould, and have done airlines Gemini never would. But another good thing about doing an airport based in late 2004? I can have Northwest Airlines flying to it. YAY lol. Got a DC10 in their new colours with the more detailed gear.

Let's just say I am very excited about this transition and I have already began boxing up my 400 scale one (so my brother can have the pooltable under it haha.) I'll be selling probably a good third of my models but keeping the ones I like (my Canadian stuff, my freighters and my 747-8's)

BPanio

Here is a list of the models I have from when I used to collect 500 and a few recently acquired ones

old

Air Canada 74M (NG series)
Cathay Pacific 744 (broken elevators)
Ukraine International 732 &733
Antonov Design Bereau AN225 (NC)
Aeroflot AN124 (broken nose wheels)
Volga-Dnepr AN124
Lufthansa Cityline ATR42-500 (one missing prop)

'New'
Air Canada A345 (OC)
NWA DC10 (NC)
Air Madagascar 763
Cathay Cargo 74F
KMV Tupolev TU204
DHL A300
Iceland Air 753
Air Koryo IL62

BusMaxx

I'm assuming the store you're speaking of is the one on the right (if looking at the two from the road).... Do they still have a good amount of 1:500 there? I was hoping to get up that way in the next few weeks after we move closer to work

richie894

1/500 is good for dioramas. But there is no real significant difference in price between 1/400 and 1/500. So my preference is 1/400.

As people have said above, the trend right now is 1/200. But that is a lot of money for the average person to pay for each model.

lollomz

Welcome back to the 1:500 scale, you'll find also a lot of good custom makers for your "must have" who will never be produced by anyone...

Lollo

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24r

Herpa has just announced an Air Canada A-319

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Your Canadian Alternative Choice For Airline Diecast Models.

richie894

Yep, not due out until April though.

LH B747-430

Very nice additions, but you need to take more care of your new additions, that list above reads like a grave yard..

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B747-400 - 230ft in length
A380-800 - 240ft in length
B747-8I - 250ft in length
A380-900 - 260ft in length

Who bids more... ?
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