Aegean Airlines A320-200WL '2020's Livery' By NG ModelsNG Models Part Number: NG15040
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Manufacturer: NG Models
Released: Aug. 2023 Registration: SX-DNB Added: 6/24/24 |
First Impressions:
Aegean Airlines has remained largely off of the radar in 1/400 scale. In fact, it's been so rarely thought of, that up until 2019, only one solitary 1/400 scale model has represented the airline. (An Aegean A321 reg. SX-DNH, made by Phoenix Models). Gladly NG has realized the potential with this airline. Aegean Airlines, which was founded in 1999, currently fields a fleet of strictly Airbus Aircraft. Of the 65 active airframes that Aegean operates, 47 A320s with 22 being ceo's and 14 being neo's.
Aegean Airlines has remained largely off of the radar in 1/400 scale. In fact, it's been so rarely thought of, that up until 2019, only one solitary 1/400 scale model has represented the airline. (An Aegean A321 reg. SX-DNH, made by Phoenix Models). Gladly NG has realized the potential with this airline. Aegean Airlines, which was founded in 1999, currently fields a fleet of strictly Airbus Aircraft. Of the 65 active airframes that Aegean operates, 47 A320s with 22 being ceo's and 14 being neo's.
In November of 2015, Aegean Airlines took delivery of the 6,832n'd A320. The aircraft was registered as SX-DNB. Aegean Airlines continues to be the sole operator of the aircraft and it is primarily used on international routes connecting Greece with the rest of Europe.
Aegean airlines is the largest airline in the country, carrying more passengers, and providing access to more destinations than any other Greek airlines. The airline became a Star Alliance member in June of 2010. Aegean's focus city is predictably Athens, but the airline gains support from several other hubs around Greece. Aegean airlines bought out Olympic air in 2012, solidifying its position as the flag carrier for the southern European nation. Olympic Air still operates a variety of regional operations, but Aegean remains the parent company. Aegean continues to be in a growth and expansion mode. In April 2024, Aegean expanded their Post-Pandemic order for 30 Airbus ceos from 30 to 50 aircraft. They continue to eye regional competitors and chase opportunities for growth. |
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Stats provided by Planespotters.net
The real thing: SX-DNB in the brilliant blue colors taxing at Rhodes in Greece on September 5th, in 2021. Photograph by Johan Knijn, Airliners.net.
The Box:
The model comes in the standard NG Models 5x5x1.25 inch card-stock box. There is no flip-top feature. The box is nicely illustrated with a graphic design of the model in the center. Airbus titles, Aegean Airlines titles, and the NG logo among other details adorn the front of the packaging. On the back the graphic design is repeated and there is also a barcode, along with the NG models product number.
The box which opens on either side encases a typical 1/400 scale models plastic carton which is designed to perfectly incase the model. The carton is made of clear plastic. As is the case with most other recent NG Models, there is also a collectors card which has a code that can be used on the NG Models mobile app. It can be redeemed for points that can be used for free models or to submit 'wishes' or votes for proposed future NG Models projects.
The packaging is more than good enough and meets/exceeds the industry standard. I do appreciate the smaller sized boxes that NG use compared to what you may find from brands like Gemini Jets. They take up less space, and are easier to transport. Most importantly however, the box showcases the premium product within.
The model comes in the standard NG Models 5x5x1.25 inch card-stock box. There is no flip-top feature. The box is nicely illustrated with a graphic design of the model in the center. Airbus titles, Aegean Airlines titles, and the NG logo among other details adorn the front of the packaging. On the back the graphic design is repeated and there is also a barcode, along with the NG models product number.
The box which opens on either side encases a typical 1/400 scale models plastic carton which is designed to perfectly incase the model. The carton is made of clear plastic. As is the case with most other recent NG Models, there is also a collectors card which has a code that can be used on the NG Models mobile app. It can be redeemed for points that can be used for free models or to submit 'wishes' or votes for proposed future NG Models projects.
The packaging is more than good enough and meets/exceeds the industry standard. I do appreciate the smaller sized boxes that NG use compared to what you may find from brands like Gemini Jets. They take up less space, and are easier to transport. Most importantly however, the box showcases the premium product within.
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Construction:
While the reliability of NG Models has dipped on occasion in recent months, the assembly of the 24, or so, individual parts has been nearly perfectly done. The model sits correctly on a flat surface and the mainframe is level. The slot-in wings are installed correctly and show no looseness. Neither do the horizontal or vertical stabilizers. The model's four antenna are all neatly placed on the fuselage, and are facing in the right direction.
While the reliability of NG Models has dipped on occasion in recent months, the assembly of the 24, or so, individual parts has been nearly perfectly done. The model sits correctly on a flat surface and the mainframe is level. The slot-in wings are installed correctly and show no looseness. Neither do the horizontal or vertical stabilizers. The model's four antenna are all neatly placed on the fuselage, and are facing in the right direction.
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The debate over rolling gear in 1/400 scale is as old as the hobby itself, but I'd argue almost no one else crafts and instals landing gear of this quality except perhaps Panda Models. There are no tire tabs present, and all of the wheels spin perfectly. The gears are sturdy, are almost all situated at zero degrees. The starboard side main is perhaps off by two to three degrees.
The most important detail here is that NG Models continue to make reliable models on really good castings. In the last year I've only experienced disappointment in the form of poor construction twice from NG. That issue presented on two NG 777-200 models and the focal point was the landing gear. That issue aside, their A320 mould has shown its durability and if NG continues to build them well, the casting can be trusted.
The most important detail here is that NG Models continue to make reliable models on really good castings. In the last year I've only experienced disappointment in the form of poor construction twice from NG. That issue presented on two NG 777-200 models and the focal point was the landing gear. That issue aside, their A320 mould has shown its durability and if NG continues to build them well, the casting can be trusted.
Accuracy:
NG Models gained a reputation in their early years for the development of top-tier castings that were more accurate than anything seen in 1/400 scale prior to their existence. Their 757, 737-800, A350, and L-1011 castings represent a run of production and accuracy that we have not seen. There have been, in my opinion, a few misses since then that have been discussed. The 747SP (window line/cockpit printing), the, 767 (cockpit printing/winglet shape), and issues with the 777 (engine size and ground clearance) all represent a fall-off from the initial accuracy that NG has demonstrated possible. Gladly, the A320 casting is not one of those moulds.
NG Models gained a reputation in their early years for the development of top-tier castings that were more accurate than anything seen in 1/400 scale prior to their existence. Their 757, 737-800, A350, and L-1011 castings represent a run of production and accuracy that we have not seen. There have been, in my opinion, a few misses since then that have been discussed. The 747SP (window line/cockpit printing), the, 767 (cockpit printing/winglet shape), and issues with the 777 (engine size and ground clearance) all represent a fall-off from the initial accuracy that NG has demonstrated possible. Gladly, the A320 casting is not one of those moulds.
The European workhorse has been replicated in stunning detail. The accuracy of the mould is fantastic. From head on, the airplane looks great. All of the diecast components have been replicated to properly portray the A320. The cockpit windows are well applied and level, but the static ports are not level, and that has a poor effect when looking at the aircraft directly from the nose. The shape of the nose and the forward section of the model are really good though, and that's the end of it.
The real life version of the subject was outfitted with two IAE engines. The detailing on the engines is sublime. The cowlings are a rich navy blue and the inlets are shiny and well defined. The engines are neatly hung on accurately detailed pylons. The wings are beautifully crafted and accurately display all flaps, tracks, and fairings. There aren't many A320s with IEA engines that also have the more recently installed 'sharklet' winglets. It's nice to have an example of this modification in my collection. I only have one other aircraft with the same specifications, a Tigerair Taiwan example produced for Dream Jets on the Panda mould, which is perhaps this casting's closest rival.
The real life version of the subject was outfitted with two IAE engines. The detailing on the engines is sublime. The cowlings are a rich navy blue and the inlets are shiny and well defined. The engines are neatly hung on accurately detailed pylons. The wings are beautifully crafted and accurately display all flaps, tracks, and fairings. There aren't many A320s with IEA engines that also have the more recently installed 'sharklet' winglets. It's nice to have an example of this modification in my collection. I only have one other aircraft with the same specifications, a Tigerair Taiwan example produced for Dream Jets on the Panda mould, which is perhaps this casting's closest rival.
In the photograph below, it is easier to identify the slight crookedness of the main landing gear, at this scale, the impact is minimal. Looking down on the airplane, the model's accuracy continues. The horizontal and vertical stabilizers are both very well cast, and perfectly installed on the fuselage. Finally, the APU outlet is well detailed, and concludes the model perfectly. There are a few accuracy issues as it pertains to the paint and printing, but the mould is my favorite A320 mould in this scale.
Paint and Printing:
NG Models has some of the best paint and printing capabilities. The base coats are applied dependably, with little to no blemishes, or stray smudges. The livery details, and fonts are rich and the aircraft features are crisp and well defined. All of that is true while looking at this model.
One area that has been a challenge for NG Models on all of their A320 & A330 models has been a combination off the window line and the airline titles. That is, to my eye, a bit of an issue here. I believe the 'Aegean' titles are just a smidge too flat. I think the window line however is fine.
NG Models has some of the best paint and printing capabilities. The base coats are applied dependably, with little to no blemishes, or stray smudges. The livery details, and fonts are rich and the aircraft features are crisp and well defined. All of that is true while looking at this model.
One area that has been a challenge for NG Models on all of their A320 & A330 models has been a combination off the window line and the airline titles. That is, to my eye, a bit of an issue here. I believe the 'Aegean' titles are just a smidge too flat. I think the window line however is fine.
In the year 2020, Aegean refreshed their image with a new livery. The former cheatline from the previous livery was removed, and the typical 'Euro-white' styling took its place. The the Aegean Airlines livery is designed to emulate the 'Greek sky and seas, historical architecture, and the design heritage...' of Greece.
These details were well replicated on the model and the colors seem to be very close if not perfect. Other printed features like doors, windows, cargo bay doors, escape hatches, pitot tubes, safety lights and Airbus, and Star Alliance logos are all present, and very neat. The airplanes registration markings, and the Greek and European Union flag are also present and well placed.
These details were well replicated on the model and the colors seem to be very close if not perfect. Other printed features like doors, windows, cargo bay doors, escape hatches, pitot tubes, safety lights and Airbus, and Star Alliance logos are all present, and very neat. The airplanes registration markings, and the Greek and European Union flag are also present and well placed.
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Conclusion:
Next to major legacy carriers, like British Airways, Air France, Alitalia, Lufthansa, and KLM, flag carriers like Aegean tend to sit quietly. Models like this allow the modern collectors who are interested in flag carriers from all over the world to have representation in their collections. NG Models, who are sometimes willing to take up lesser known subjects have been a saving grace in this scale. It used to be that only Aeroclassics could be depended upon for releases like this, but with limited quality and accuracy. Now, NG Models is providing a boom in 1/400 with selections like this Aegean A320. With minimal issues, and great production quality examples like this will be staying in my collection for a long time to come, and I can't recommend this model, or this casting enough.
Next to major legacy carriers, like British Airways, Air France, Alitalia, Lufthansa, and KLM, flag carriers like Aegean tend to sit quietly. Models like this allow the modern collectors who are interested in flag carriers from all over the world to have representation in their collections. NG Models, who are sometimes willing to take up lesser known subjects have been a saving grace in this scale. It used to be that only Aeroclassics could be depended upon for releases like this, but with limited quality and accuracy. Now, NG Models is providing a boom in 1/400 with selections like this Aegean A320. With minimal issues, and great production quality examples like this will be staying in my collection for a long time to come, and I can't recommend this model, or this casting enough.
Sources:
Aegeanair.com (Airline information)
Airliners.net (Airframe photographs)
Planespotters.net (Fleet information, and airframe information)
Aegeanair.com (Airline information)
Airliners.net (Airframe photographs)
Planespotters.net (Fleet information, and airframe information)