NG Models March 2019

It took NG Models a little while to roll out their Models from March... they arrived in May. But no matter because in typical NG fashion, they are phenomenal. The highlight for me is the Royal Nepal Combi. I choose 4 of the 14 choices this month and I've rated them based on my over all personal satisfaction. Read more here about my over all rankings for this month.

​Largely, it was thanks to the Chinese New Year that resulted in a significant lag between this release and the last one for NG. Other manufactures were not immune to this either as it took until almost the final day in April to get an order in from Aeroclassics. This has been my largest pre-order to date from the emerging 1/400 model manufacturer called NG Models. I was slightly nervous about my pre-order when it took models announced in March until mid-May to arrive. However, I'm happy to report, the NG magic continues.

At a price point of roughly 45 U.S. dollars, ordering just a few of these models can add up quickly even for those of us with a decent amount of cash to burn. However, for the quality and attention to detail, you get some decent bang for your buck so long as everything arrives in good order. I think that the average 1/400 consumer can have the greatest impact in changing the hobby for the better by sending their money in the direction of those manufacturers who make the best models, and no question that right now, it's NG.

These are my initial selections from this group. I'll likely be on the hunt for several more.

​I decided on 4 of these for the month. As I've said many times before, I don't have a strict criteria. I used to try to stay within one, but I've quickly learned to collect what I find interesting and what I like (and can reasonably afford).

The purpose of this commentary is to provide other collectors with my refections on the group I purchased as well as a short ranking based solely on my opinion of the models I've decided to purchase. I will simply be ranking them on a non-numerical scale. That scale is based on a number of factors, such as the model accuracy, neatness, how well it's been assembled and its overall "wow" factor.

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​4th Place- Air Greenland 757-200, OY-GRL
When the quality is this good, it takes certain things to rank one 757 above or below the other when they are on the same mould. Beside a sole 787 that I have received from NG, that had a few minor printing imperfections, everything NG touches seems to turn to gold. This however marks my first ever construction based disappointment. I am sad to say OY-GRL arrived with a wheel, and a wheel-and-axel sitting at the bottom of the container. I am glad however that NG has put some tape across the bottom to prevent these tiny pieces from slipping away forever. After some careful work I was able to repair the model. Besides this fact I'm very happy with the model. Anytime you have a model with a base coat other than white, the overlaying features can either be very well done, or they can look downright dreadful. Safe to say, upon first inspection, this is superb.

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​3rd Place- Iceland Air CARGO 757-200F, TF-FIG
I'm not a lover of freighters. I have a fear few in my collection to represent the major freighter airlines and representatives of aircraft I've seen personally, but it's not an area where I spend much time or money. However, I do admire Icelandic aviation and I do fleet build Icelandair, therefore, this was a fairly easy selection. I may one day pick up the second version that has the special "Absolutely Fresh" titles, but having the standard version is good enough for me. Overall a stunning model.  

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​2nd Place- United Airlines 757-200WL, N532UA
When most if not all 1/400 model aircraft are made in China, by mainly Chinese companies, it makes sense that many manufacturers focus primarily on Chinese or Asian aircraft. The fact that NG is all over the map with each release is incredibly exciting, especially for American collectors like myself. The United Airways "blue tulip" is my favorite of all UA schemes. I've never seen this one in person, but I used to love seeing these UA 757's when I lived in Buffalo, NY. My own photo, there.

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​1st Place- Royal Nepal Airlines 757-2F8C, 9N-ACB
It was tricky ranking the others, but I knew ahead of time which one would be first. Passenger/Freight combination aircraft I find particularly interesting mostly because for such a layout to be created on an airplane it must be serving a very unique and sometimes isolated location. They are not common and in fact, this may be the only 757 combination ever to have been made. It has been in service for over 30 years so it's truly surprising no one has made it until this time. "Gandaki" appears to be out of normal use and I believe sits in storage and for sale by Nepal Airlines. The model is stunning. It is simple in color but the details couldn't possibly be better. I'm amazed you can still see some for sale.