The Tristar 500 is another of the classic moulds owned by NG Models they seem to have rather lost faith in, despite its excellence. Obviously the situation isn’t helped by the electroplating issues NG has had with its natural metal belly L-1011s but there remains quite a bit to be made and I am rather impatient to see more. Here’s an updated wishlist for the type taking into account production so far.
I was really hopeful in early 2019 that the new NG Models Tristar 500 would see a flood of great releases on it, but this hasn’t transpired. NG’s output has been limited to only 13 models across nearly 3 years. Here is what NG has produced to date:
You might think that the competing Aeroclassics / Lockness L-1011-500 has proven to be something of a spoiler for NG releases but actually looking at their production they have made only 16 models themselves, and their Tristar 500 mould really is very poor. Plus they have really only made 12 releases, when you take into account re-registered secondary releases, and of those NG has made half of them.
It seems that sales of the Tristar 500s has been ok, although some like the ATA pair do appear not to have sold well, so I’m not sure why they haven’t made more particularly when of the wishlist below the majority don’t have natural metal bellys.
I can only hope that NG look at this list and get producing some of these sought after models.
BA Trio
It is surprising that these 3 Negus 500s haven’t been made yet as although they have been made by Aeroclassics I am sure they would still sell well. Plus none have silver bellys.
BWIA
BWIA is another golden opportunity as none of these schemes have been made recently and only one of the four has a silver belly. Plus they are all gorgeous!
Alia
NG has made one of the 4 possible Alia liveries, which I admit they didn’t get 100% correct, but have shown little interest in the rest. I’d especially like the last charcoal scheme.
Silver Bellies
These 3 are presumably stalled by their natural metal bellies but the demand is definitely there for all of them.
African Delights
Late Charters
The short Tristar did have a decent late career in small numbers with various charter outfits.
VIP & Military
For me the least important 500s to be made I admit but nonetheless as with the 747Sp the Tristar 500 found a niche in government and military service.
Summary
Whilst admittedly not all of the above liveries are necessarily likely to sell in numbers (at least not some of the later charter ones) there appears no good reason not to get the majority of the BA, Jordanian and BWIA versions released. Once the electroplating issue is resolved then I would also like to see the United hybrid, LTU, TAAG and LAM examples follow those.
