Southwest 737 Max 8

Southwest 737-8 Max

First Impressions:
Gemini Jets has taken a beating lately over a variety of issues. From its problems with quality control, bad printing, bad painting, and a rash of other problems, it's nice to see the model plane maker get a little redemption.

I was hesitant when I saw the mock-ups for Gemini's new scale model. The last 1/400 737 I bought from the Gemini line (Alaskan 737, 1000th aircraft) was the first in years and when I took it out, I was so disappointed to see all the plastic. I thought for sure, I'd get more plastic pieces with all the details needed to make this Max 8 correctly. Surprised I was when the stabilizers returned to metal. Surprised I was when I saw the detail in the finish, the detail on the turbine cowlings, the detail, and excellent construction from one end of the model to the other. While other moulds in the Gemini stable continue to struggle, this new Max 8 mould gives others something to strive for.

Construction:
A few weeks before this 737 arrived in mail, I procured a Gemini brand A350. That particular model suffered substantial chipping of the paint as a result of no traceable amount of glue being applied to the wing joints. No such problems were found here. This was to my knowledge only the second Max 8 released by Gemini. I have to believe a little extra effort was put into these first few releases to make sure we consumers felt like we could depend on the quality. I can at least confirm that the effort was consistent. I bought a second copy of the model before you and just as the first was quite flawless in construction, so was the second. Well done and thank you Gemini!

Photograph Credit: Mark Harris

Accuracy:
Up front, there's no need for nit picking. This is a good model. As I eye ball the model and then the real thing, time after time, things add up. It's not perfect however, here are a few things.

If you ignore the difference in the angle of each picture, you can still see the front wheels are too big. There are some limitations when you get down to it but a little less chunky in this area would be nice.

My only other major critique is the difference in recessed edges on the back of the cowling. On the 1/400 model, the "teeth" if you will are too far recessed. Overall I don't mind though for the reason that the cowling is truly the physical feature that separates the Max 8 from the rest of its species.

Paint and Printing:
Things went mostly well here. I think the detail, especially on the top of the airplane is really nice. The white antenna and the rim around the satnav dome look really good. It's also finished much more nicely than the new Aeroclassics Max 8.

Another usual point of contention is how level the cockpit windows are. I'm happy to report they look pretty good.

The one other argument I'd like to make is that the base coat up close is a little grainy and that its a little darker than it should be. When I take out my older Southwest models, the canyon blue just pops, it's smooth and overall lovely. This new livery for Southwest is darker than that canyon blue, but too dark overall on the model.

Printing on the belly of aircraft nowadays is becoming more common. To me, it still feels like bonus to get it well done on a model. I love the Southwest heart on the bottom. Main gear bay storage area is good too.

Conclusion:
Everything about this plane, including the model, is brand new as far as airplanes go. This particular frame first flew in March 2017, just over a year ago. It will be interesting to follow this awesome aircraft on its sure to be stored and impressive carer. Gemini's only competition in this aircraft right now is with Aeroclassics which doesn't put up much of a fight at all. It's nice to see Gemini show some initiative and some growth. Keep up the good work!

Manufacturer: Gemini Jets
Registation: N8705Q
Released: 2017
Added: 5/22/18

The Box:
It's always interesting to see what Gemini does when boxing up Southwest jets. The boxes are almost always unique from the normal primarily navy flip cover boxes. Like many Southwest boxes Gemini has made over the years, this one has no window and is set up more like Phoenix box. No masking what's inside though, this is clearly a commissioned Southwest product with the plane ant titles clearly and neatly printed.