Gemini Jets June 2022 Announcements

We are shockingly at the halfway point of 2022 and with the fast passing of the month arrives the most recent spread of upcoming Gemini Jets releases. As the arrival of May's models have been largely underwhelming due to the usually factory issues, so too are the list of upcoming models. While there are 12 models on the list, you can essentially chop it down by three as that's how many are 'flaps/slats extended' duplicates. With that being said there are 6 countries on 8 moulds. Let's take a closer look...

​American Airlines 777-300ER: N736AT
For starters this month, there's good news. Gemini must be aware that they are the main show in town that focuses on American Airlines. The new livery looks great in person and in 1/400 scale. Many of the recent hits from Gemini have been American Airlines in the updated colors. With this model being offered in two configurations, it signals the use of the superb JC Wings 777-300 mould. Interestingly, no one besides Gemini has made an attempt at the American 777-300. That is until now. Phoenix models has shown some recent life lately, and they are scheduled to bring one to market in the coming weeks. It should be at least a notable contender to what Gemini has planned.  

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Emirates 777-300ER: A6-END
A ten-year-old Emirates 777 gets its first 1/400 treatment and once again, the alternative flap settings illustrate the likelihood of the JC Wings mould. It has also been sometime since a standard Emirates scheme has been made on a 777 and that actually grabs my attention as none of the other twenty three-300s that have been made are on such a high quality chassis. 

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Frontier Convair CV-580: N73117

The Convair CV-240 was developed as a  modernized answer to aging DC-3s. The CV-240 boasted several modernizations, most noteworthy of all were pressurized cabins. Over a thousand CVs were made by Convair and this one operated by the old Frontier, different then the one you are familiar with that is in operation today, will be a welcome addition for many classic collectors. 

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LATAM 787-9: CC-BGM

This isn't a first in 1/400 scale. Phoenix has twice released this Chilean 787,  but considering LATAM operates seventeen 787-9s, it's a little surprising other's haven't already produced one. Gemini is certainly setting themselves up for something good if they are planning on using the JC mould. CC-BGM is one of the younger ones in the fleet and is currently parked. The air frame is leased and was derived five years ago.

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Lufthansa Cargo 777-200F: D-ALFA
As has been pointed out by many, this is the first 777 Cargo Luffty that's been made. The issue I have, is that this model isn't currently wearing the new livery. It's understandable why Gemini chose this particular registration, the aircraft's company name is "Good Day, USA." It is sadly however a missed detail that once again begs the question, who is doing the homework for Gemini?! The upside is that this model will be for sure on the dynamite JC mould and perhaps could end up being accurate if the 1/1 version of this airplane is repainted to look like the 1/400. Until that happens though, this is essentially a fantasy model and won't be joining my collection unless someone gave it to me!

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Qantas A380-842: VH-OQB

At the peak period of their A380 fleet, Qantas operated twelve of these mega machines. Then Covid arrived. A scant three or four have trundled their way back in to service, But the fourteen year old "Hudson Fysh" so named after the Qantas co-founder still sits idle in the Southern California sun. The current iteration of the Qantas livery is my favorite so far, and has only been put on a Gemini A380 once before in 2018. This re-release comes around in time for Gemini to remind others of their presence in the new A380 war. 

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Transavia 737-800: PH-HZV

Once again, Gemini is caught, panting, trying to catch up to the competition. NG models have beat both the mould and the model to the market. This sloppy second choice was probably made in smaller quantities as there aren't many American collectors that want a Transavia 737. If they do, they probably want the hybrid Sun Country version (which NG has also made). There's not a lot to love about this 20 year old tourist chauffeur that's been swapped between Transavia and Sun Country. 

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United Airlines 737-300: N21723

Of the forty 737-700s in the United fleet, this is one of the older ones. Almost all of them joined the fleet in 2010 during the Continental merger. Again, there's nothing too special about this aircraft. It seems to have served in some capacity in Japan between 2016 and 2019, but the details of that aren't immediately available. The mould at this point is unessential to everyone except Gemini. Both Panda and NG have made better versions of this airplane. 

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MACs: Luftwaffe C-130 Super Hercules: 5501

Rounding out this month's fare is a sharp looking C-130 outfitted with a refueling pipe. These types of add-ons are really nice and I'm sure this one will resonate with MACs collectors. I can't tell from the rending if the yellow tips are on the propellers, but I hope GJ doesn't miss that bit. This is the first C-130 Super Hercules for the German Airforce. 

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Conclusion: 
We've certainly seen better from Gemini Jets, but we've seen worse as well. As is usually the case in the early 2020's for Gemini, it really comes down to two things. Which wide body moulds will be used, and can the factory stay free of mistakes. Of course, you need to give your production team good information to work with, and the incorrectly liveried Lufthansa 777 is a bigger issue. I am most looking forward to the AA triple seven. The Frontier is promising, and the LATAM, and Emirates have some promise as well.