DIECAST CURIO - 1/400 Collections and Reviews

Etihad Airways: Fleet Update (2025)

7/12/2025

I never intended to build an Etihad fleet, but after deciding I needed this model, or that model, all of a sudden, I've found myself chipping away at the other flag carrier of the United Arab Emirates. The fleet is made up of four different models from three different 1/400 scale manufactures, and only one of the models is actually wearing the regular scheme. For a closer look at the fleet, read on...

Kuwait Airways: Fleet Update (2025)

6/24/2025

I've been putting a greater focus on collecting flag carriers lately, and the small Middle Eastern country of Kuwait hasn't had any representation in my collection, until just recently. Kuwait Airways has been getting a lot of attention in 1/400 lately with over 20 models being made in the last five years. I've picked up a couple of them and so it's time for a fleet update. Read on.

New Arrival: June '25 Various OEMs

6/17/2025

I've taken the month off from Day-1 buying from Aeroclassics in June. Recent QC issues have dissuaded me, but I've been able to find some nice models on the second-hand market for a fraction of the recent price hikes Aeroclassics has been asking for. For under $100 USD, I've found these four models, three Boeings, and an Airbus, one of which I've been searching for, for a very long time. For a closer look at this month's latest additions, read on...

Southwest Airlines 737-7WL 'Illinois One' by Gemini Jets

5/30/2025

Southwest models were at one time unicorns in the hobby. Difficult to find, seldom produced, and always commanding high prices on the second-hand market. Those days are gone now as the airline has seen mass representation in 1/400 scale. The cream always rises to the top however, and this little example from 2020 will not compare well to some of the best being offered by the likes of NG and Panda. For a closer look at N918WN, 'Illinois One,' read on...

New Arrival: April '25 Aeroclassics

5/20/2025

April of 2025 was another interesting month for Aeroclassics. There were nine models featured this month, and all of them were true classics. There were three different casting used, and the 727-200 tooling received a slight upgrade. I selected four models from this month's batch. I chose the Trans Brazil 767s, the American A300, and the Air Jamaica 727-2. There were notable pros and cons to each of these models. For a closer look at this month's additions, read on.

VARIG: Fleet Update (2025)

4/21/2025

I acquired my first Varig model, an MD-11 reg. PP-VOQ back in 2009. The model was already six years old at the time, and I was just getting into collecting. I bought the plane more because it was cheap not because I had an interest in Varig. Recent releases by Aeroclassics have compelled me to fleet build the airline. In 2025, I've added three more airframes. For an update on the collection, read on...

New Arrival: March '25 Aeroclassics

4/21/2025

Aeroclassics has had great momentum lately that goes back to November of 2024. I've been compelled to take a chance on at least 3-4 models per month from the unique model company. March of 2025 was no different, I've picked up four of the eight offerings, and I have another tag along scheduled to arrive in the coming days with April's allotment. Aeroclassics continues to offer interesting liveries on several unique castings. For a closer look at the models from March, read on...

New Arrival: February '25 Aeroclassics

2/21/2025

It's always an exciting time when new 1/400 scale model airplanes arrive. Like crisp, freshly printed dollar bills, each of these new models add depth to the collection, and tell some very interesting and historical tales. This month, four models made the cut, and each one is very good. There are a few QC issues, but discussing those is for another time. Only North American, and South American representatives this month, for more, read on...