Model Aviation Guide
If you’re an aviation enthusiast, there’s a good chance you’ll enjoy having a collection of diecast model aircraft. Collecting diecast aircraft is a hobby enjoyed by many Avgeeks, including myself! Basically, the hobby consists of buying diecast replicas of real life aircraft and building up a collection. It also includes other aspects as well, like building model airports and creating unique dioramas. The hobby is complex and may seem overwhelming when first getting into it, so here are some things to know before starting your collection.
Different Scales
Diecast model aircraft come in many different shapes and sizes. The most popular scales are 1:400 and 1:200; I collect 1:400 scale models. Of the two scales, 1:400 is the smaller one, and in my opinion, the most popular for enthusiasts. The aircraft aren’t too large and they look more realistic due to the high amount of detail showcased on a smaller aircraft. There are also other scales such as 1:500, 1:100, and even 1:600!
Brands
In terms of brands, there are many to choose from. These include: Gemini Jets, NG Models, Phoenix Models, Aviation400, JC Wings, AeroClassics, Dragon Wings, Herpa and Panda Models. All the companies listed above specialize in 1:400 scale. For 1:200 scale models, the two big companies are Gemini200 and Inflight200. Both produce great quality products.
My personal favorite companies are NG Models, Gemini Jets, and Aviation 400. Each company has its pros and cons of course, which need to be considered. Gemini Jets for example, the largest and most popular company, has a reputation for QC issues. They make up for this though, by producing a huge variety of 1:400 and 1:200 scale models. The detail is good, but it doesn’t quite match the standards of NG or Aviation400. On some aircraft, the landing gear tilt, which makes a really cool landing effect.
NG Models is one of the younger companies, and are known for high quality models. It’s rare that you’ll receive a broken NG Model. Their molds are some of the best to exist. The detail on their aircraft are extremely well done as well. Unfortunately, none of the molds currently have tilting landing gear, which I personally don’t mind. Due to the non-tilting landing gear, NG have been able to add more detail to the bogies and make them less susceptible to damage.
Another company that deserves recognition is Aviation400. They only produce 777s, 787s, A350s, and A330s, but they do it WELL. The detail on their models is impeccable and include 3D beacons, painted red stripes on antennas, spinning fan blades, etc. All the landing gear tilt, adding to the realism. I myself, have a United 777-300ER (N2251U) from Aviation400 and I love it. The only issue with it is the nose shape is slightly inaccurate, but it’s no major problem.
Price $$$
Naturally, larger models will cost more. For reference, a 1:400 scale 777-300ER will cost around $55.00 dollars and a 1:200 scale 777-300ER diecast model will cost around $125.00. In terms of narrow-body aircraft, things get cheaper. A 1:400 scale 737-800 will cost around $40.00 and a 1:200 scale 737-800 will cost around $70.00. Prices vary from brand to brand, but generally, they’re all in the same price range.
What to Collect
When choosing aircraft to purchase, I suggest you choose ones that connect to you in a special way, that you’ve flown on, or aircraft you’ve seen. A lot of collectors also collect aircraft that fly to certain airports, allowing them to create airport replicas. In my case, I mainly purchase models that connect to me in a special way. For example, I purchased a JC Wings Cathay Pacific 777-300ER because I flew on one from Hong Kong to New York JFK back in 2019. I also chose the aircraft because I have a special connection with Hong Kong International Airport and Chek Lap Kok is a Cathay Pacific hub.
