AV400 vs Phoenix A380 Quick Comparison in 1:400 Scale
Modified: June 2024
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Quite a few Aviation400 A380s have just arrived at the hangar and one in particular gives me the opportunity to undertake a quick photo comparison between it and the Phoenix Models A380 since both illustrate the same aircraft, F-WWDD, in the same 'More personal space' livery.
The Competing JC Wings / Gemini version
I think it is recognised that both the Phoenix and Aviation400 Airbus A380 are very good moulds and well ahead of the JC Wings / Gemini Jets version, but I don't see many shots looking at the two together. JC Wings have also made this model but I don't own it, however here is one of the official photos of their version:
Typically it is the noseform that gets the most criticism on the JC Wings / Gemini mould, although the curve of the wings and solid core engines are also not great. Even though it has been updated with aerials and rolling gear there's no getting away from the fact that the base mould dates from 2006, only about a year after the type's first flight and well before the first delivery. I have reviewed a JC Wings A380 here at the site previously. See:
I won't include the JC Wings / Gemini mould here, partly because I don't own a matching model for it and partly because it is clearly inferior by some distance.
Models Being Compared Here
This isn't intended as a detailed comparison, but hopefully it does illustrate some of the differences and similarities between the AV400 and Phoenix moulds. One thing to bear in mind, however is that the AV400 version is a 2024 release while the Phoenix model dates from 2017. That doesn't make a massive difference but I admit I haven't seen a later Phoenix release on the mould.
Comparison Photos
In hand the first thing that strikes you about the moulds is how much heavier the Aviation400 version is and how light the Phoenix is. I believe this is due to the fact the Phoenix is hollow and made of Aluminium rather than Zinc. Put them on the scales and the disparity is clear. The Phoenix weighs 223g and the AV400 weighs 376g.
That doesn't have a big impact on the quality of the mould although the Phoenix does have a tendency to sit with the nosegear off the ground. It doesn't affect all models but you can see in the photos the natural pose. In the shot below I am holding it down so it sits level.
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They both look good from a mould perspective. AV400 has the edge when it comes to cockpit printing but the nosecone radome lines are too close to the tip making the nosecone too small.
From the rear they both looks excellent. The point of difference, ignoring the colours used, is that the AV400 horizontal stabilisers angle slightly more upwards.
The wings, nacelles and pylons are all topnotch. There is some extra detail on the AV400 wing such as the fuel dump pipe detailing in the rear of the 2nd most outer flap track fairing. The AV400 has much superior hollow core fan detailing, while the Phoenix has solid core fans, with inferior detail. Not a surprise given the Phoenix mould's age.
From above both models look good again. The AV400 has their trademark red jewel lights and also moulds in the two small ADF bumps on the amidships roofline.
The other big difference between the two is obviously that the AV400 mould has detachable landing gear held on by magnets. This works a treat and is much more than a gimmick. I really like the feature myself.
Summary
Overall these are two fine moulds. The Phoenix is definitely showing its age a little, but it is still competitive. However, personally for me the AV400 mould is a thing of beauty. The extra features it has work really on the big Airbus and I'm building my A380 fleet around it.