​​There are many ways to characterize the ups and downs of collecting 1/400 scale aircraft. Most collectors have certainly experienced both amusement and disappointment upon unboxing one model compared the next due to a variety of reasons and expectations. My highest expectation though, is quality control and this month's arrivals had some real points of struggle and triumph...

As explained in the 1/400 News and Release area of the site, April's releases were about two weeks behind schedule this month. So it's just barely by the end of April that four examples I've selected have arrived.

This month I elected tp pick up the two VASP 727s, the Air Canada 727, and the Iberia Caravelle. Sadly, there are frustrations with all  four models. For a run down, read on...

With a more reserved approach to March as a result of some pretty sad quality control in both assembly and in paint/printing quality, I only picked up two of the releases this month. 

I've had a growing interest in classic and retro African carriers and Aeroclassics has been able to deliver on this monthly. This has been rather expensive, but it's a good problem to have when there is so much being made that each budgetary dollar used for model collecting has to be meticulously thought out. For more...

I have been working on these reviews for about 3 years now. Today I get to celebrate my 25th review by taking a look at the superb NG Models Sun Country Airlines in their new 2019 paint scheme. 

This model is quick becoming a favorite of collectors worldwide and after a good investigation, it is easy to understand why.

This particular aircraft has had a host of owners first beginning life with ATA in 2001, and also serving with Saga Airlines, Air Algeria, and Aeromexico, it still graces the American skies looking brand new . To read more about this Spring 2020 offering from NG, click here.

I've been quite high on Aeroclassics lately. They have really been on a roll and it's clear by how scarce some of the recent releases are that AC continues to show an impressive acuity for finding the right airline/airplane/paint scheme combos that collectors want.

Getting too optimistic and pragmatic on any one brand these days though seems to offer some pit falls. With quality a continuing issue in a landscape of increasing prices there's always the chance of disappointment and sadly, that's where I've landed with Aeroclassics this month. 

Right on time. The first arrivals of 2021 join my collection. I selected three models from the January offerings and I have a few initial thoughts on each one. Were you able to secure any of the models from January 2021?

To hear more of my thoughts on a select few of the models this month, keep reading.

Olympic Air quietly goes about its business around the Mediterranean Sea. Frequently it is overlooked as it is now a much smaller version of what it once was. For some reason though, it was not lost on JC Wings. The 1/400 model maker was allowed a very short lease on the Gemini Jets Dash 8Q-400 mould. They released a total of four different Q-400s, one of which is the feature of this article. SX-OBA has spent the last decade and then some with Olympic Air and has never served with anyone else. It  sports a very attractive scheme that harkens to its home country and heritage. JC Wings beautifully captures the details in this very limited release from 2011. Read more here.

As 2020 comes closer to an ending, I've finished up my latest review on this 2007 Monarch Airlines Boeing 757-200 by Gemini Jets. At the time of its collapse, Monarch was the largest airline to have ever failed but it had largely moved on from its 757s. While some were still in service Monarch was primarily utilizing a fleet of Airbus aircraft but was planning on phasing in 787s. These however were delayed and this, plus razor thing margins in the LCC market must have had a dramatic impact on the overall operational costs of the airline. While Monarch is gone, its standout schemes remain.