Boeing 727-200 Moulds - Gemini vs Dragon vs Aeroclassics vs Apollo / Witty
In early 2013 I received my first Witty Wings 727-200 example and here I
compare the 4 moulds I have for the type. These are:
This thread won't compare printing which is very much model specific. We'll start with a look at the real thing:
- Gemini Jets (Static gears)
- Aeroclassics
- Dragon Wings / Jet-X
- Witty Wings / Apollo
This thread won't compare printing which is very much model specific. We'll start with a look at the real thing:
|
|
|
|
Onto the models comparing each mould to the Witty Pan Am Billboard.
Gemini Jets Vs Witty Wings / Apollo
Nose - The nose on both is good but the Gemini isn't perhaps a nicely rounded and its sits a bit high on its wheels. The seam at the wingroot on the Gemini compared to the seamless Witty is where the Witty really wins.
Tail - There is better detailing on all three engine exhausts with the Witty, however a major failing of the Witty is that the tail chord on the horizontal stabiliser is incorrect so that both the front and rear edges are at the same angle, which they ought not to be.
Under - The Witty here has much better detailing on the wings and its seamless wing connection looks miles better.
I like the Gemini mould but the Witty is clearly better except for the not insignificant tail issue.
Gemini Jets Vs Witty Wings / Apollo
Nose - The nose on both is good but the Gemini isn't perhaps a nicely rounded and its sits a bit high on its wheels. The seam at the wingroot on the Gemini compared to the seamless Witty is where the Witty really wins.
Tail - There is better detailing on all three engine exhausts with the Witty, however a major failing of the Witty is that the tail chord on the horizontal stabiliser is incorrect so that both the front and rear edges are at the same angle, which they ought not to be.
Under - The Witty here has much better detailing on the wings and its seamless wing connection looks miles better.
I like the Gemini mould but the Witty is clearly better except for the not insignificant tail issue.
Aeroclassics Vs Witty Wings / Apollo
Nose -The Aeroclassics shares all the features / failings of the Gemini though the wingroot seam is better.
Tail - The Aeroclassics mould has been heavily criticised for its no2 exhaust - and rightly so. It does however beat the Witty mould on the shape and detailing of the side engines and rudder plus it doesn't have the tail width issues. The AC mould however isn't blessed with a perfect tail either, with two notches in the top and what appears to be a slumping look.
Under - Underneath I think the Aeroclassics mould is better. Adding the extra maingear doors is a really nice look and the wings and other features are just as good as the Witty.
Again I am fine with the AC mould but again I think the Witty looks better as longas you can ignore its tail problem.
Nose -The Aeroclassics shares all the features / failings of the Gemini though the wingroot seam is better.
Tail - The Aeroclassics mould has been heavily criticised for its no2 exhaust - and rightly so. It does however beat the Witty mould on the shape and detailing of the side engines and rudder plus it doesn't have the tail width issues. The AC mould however isn't blessed with a perfect tail either, with two notches in the top and what appears to be a slumping look.
Under - Underneath I think the Aeroclassics mould is better. Adding the extra maingear doors is a really nice look and the wings and other features are just as good as the Witty.
Again I am fine with the AC mould but again I think the Witty looks better as longas you can ignore its tail problem.
Witty Wings / Apollo Vs Dragon Wings / Jet-X
Nose - Nose to nose I think both these models match each other. If only the wheels would stay on these Dragon 727s!
Tail - Tail to tail the Dragon has a more detailed rudder but fails on the tail top. Also the seam between the tail and fuselage is obvious (a common feature of Dragon models in general). The Dragon seems to sit high but that might just be the main gear which is a ***** to install and get to sit right.
Under - Underneath the usual dragon seam doesn't help the models look but for me it is the maingear that really makes a mess of Dragon 727s. it never sits in right and looks way too high plus it falls out easily. The Dragon does have better wing details but you have to get over the plastic.
Another good mould but I really dislike the Dragon gears.
Nose - Nose to nose I think both these models match each other. If only the wheels would stay on these Dragon 727s!
Tail - Tail to tail the Dragon has a more detailed rudder but fails on the tail top. Also the seam between the tail and fuselage is obvious (a common feature of Dragon models in general). The Dragon seems to sit high but that might just be the main gear which is a ***** to install and get to sit right.
Under - Underneath the usual dragon seam doesn't help the models look but for me it is the maingear that really makes a mess of Dragon 727s. it never sits in right and looks way too high plus it falls out easily. The Dragon does have better wing details but you have to get over the plastic.
Another good mould but I really dislike the Dragon gears.
Personally
I like all four moulds and the only one I avoid is the Dragon (for the
gear issues). However I think that overall in this comparison the
Witty Wings would the best
of the four if it weren't for its tail problem which is not minor. That means the definitive 727-200 still is yet to be made.