It is a challenge to get smaller types made in 400 scale by the mainstream diecast brands and even more of a challenge when they are propliners. The Saab 340 obviously falls into both categories so despite selling an impressive 459 units and being operated globally production has been limited in 400 scale. If it hadn’t been for JC Wings dalliance with regionals when it first started in the scale back in 2008 it seems highly unlikely a 400-scale diecast version would ever have gotten made at all. Nowadays 3D printing offers a potential new avenue for small regionals but they are still very welcome in diecast too.
Each review is to split into three key areas:
- The model mould
- The paint and livery reproduction
- Printing and quality control
Each section can get a maximum score of 10 for a maximum combined score of 30
This review is sponsored by Northeast Diecast. Check out their store for an excellent range of hard to find 200 and 400 scale collection sale models and get 15% off!
MOULD
The diminutive Saab 340 has had something of a mini renaissance in 400 scale recently. In 2026 alone there have been 6 releases (1 for Gemini Jets and 5 for JC Wings), although admittedly they weren’t all announced in this calendar year.
Given the mould dates all the way back from 2009 and there have only been 28 releases using it at all – 6 in one year is surprising. The Saab after all does represent one of the smallest, if not the smallest, die-cast moulds in the scale – as I discussed already at the site here:
Interestingly there has also been a British Midland version of the Shorts 360, itself one of the three smallest diecast moulds, but that looks positively chunky compared to the Saab. Such a small mould introduces challenges to production, but overall, the little Saab, alongside several other early JC Wings regional moulds, is superb.
I should mention there is one other mould for the Saab in 400 scale and that is the DeAgostini JAL Collection / Jet Hut mould. That has recently been used for some China Southern examples but as is the case with most Jet Hut models the printing, especially of the cockpit isn’t great. Given their limited range and availability in the West they are unlikely to compete for your dollar anytime soon.
The Jet Hut Saabs have also had rather large nosegear tyres at times, but that is also something that has afflicted the JC / Gemini releases, with the worst example being the 2022 Loganair example. This release, and other recent Saabs, actually have a much better sized nosegear tyre that works well. Macro photography tends to over accentuate small details like the tyre, but the Mk1 eyeball suggests it fits the aircraft well.
The shape of the fuselage and wings is excellent. Details such as the rear ventral strakes are present and wonderfully thin. The horizontal stabilisers correctly have a strong dihedral to them. This mould is a cradle-fit with the fuselage sitting atop the wings and fairing, which is one piece. This doesn’t detract from the mould and the seam is tiny, follows the fairing join and has a tight fit.
Somehow, they have also managed to fit a standhole in underneath, although quite why you’d put such a small model on a stand is beyond me. When on the stand the model looks even tinier than usual.
There is nice design work on the engine nacelles and props. No aerial has been fitted but given the size of the mould I think that is understandable. For such a small aircraft in the scale the mould works beautifully and there is little that I’d want to change.
SCORE – 9
PAINT & LIVERY
This aircraft was one of 12 flown by Business Air, which was the former name of British Midland Commuter. The name change occurred in 1998 when British Midland acquired the regional airline. British Midland had changed its livery in 1985 to adopt a diamond themed darker blue version. It was further modified around 1997 to adopt a much darker grey belly and control surfaces and that is the version sported by this model.
The scheme certainly shouted 1990s businessman, which was exactly what the airline was aiming for. The deep blues, red pinstripe and dark grey all present well. The grey is unusually replicated on all the control surfaces and engine nacelles. The model gets that right too.
Positioning of the smaller livery elements, down to the last two letters of the rego on the nosegear doors, is excellent and I have no real complaints with the livery at all.
SCORE – 10
PRINTING & QUALITY CONTROL
JC Wings printwork can be among the best in the scale but admittedly can also be rather inconsistent. Fortunately, this model showcases some of the former and not the latter. Even at macro the print fidelity is very good.
The only area where print could be better is the Union Jack on the portside of the lower fuselage, although the complexity of the flag’s design and small size do make this very challenging to print. You also can’t see that level of detail with the naked eye anyway. An area that stands out well are the silver prop-spinners and the painted tips to the prop blades themselves.
Whereas the recent Gemini Jets Business Express Saab had the horizontal stabilisers attached in reverse this model and the accompanying Aer Lingus Commuter versions have no such problems. The model is well built with the only criticisms being that the vertical stabiliser leans a little to the right and the tyrehub on the left nosegear osn’t the same grey as the others.
SCORE – 8
CONCLUSION
It has been pleasing to see so many Saabs being made in 400 scale as the type was an important one in the regional revolution of the 1980s and 90s. JC Wings also has a 200 scale Saab 340 mould, which has been used more regularly than the 400 scale one. Several of the recent 400 scale versions (Business Express, DHL, Colgan Air, British Midland, Polet and Aer Lingus) reuse artwork made for the 200 scale variant so hopefully we will see some others made in the larger scale appearing in the smaller too (such as Estonian and Air Nelson). Although the models themselves are very small they are brilliantly executed and a 400 scale collection devoid of regionals is definitely lacking in my opinion.
FINAL SCORE – 27/30
