Southwest Airlines 737-7H4WL 'Illinois One' By Gemini JetsGemini Jets Part Number: GJSWA1952
|
Manufacturer: Gemini Jets
Released: Dec. 2020 Registration: N918WN Added: 5/29/25 |
First Impressions:
When I started collecting 1/400 scale model airplanes around 2008 or so, there were far fewer manufacturers back then, and they weren't nearly as active as the many OEMs that are in operation today. They also weren't producing models at the same rate that the likes of NG, JC, or Panda Models are right now. Gemini Jets were still making somewhere between 6 and 12 models a month in 1/400, they've been consistent in that regard for many years. But they also were at the time the central manufacturer of North American 1/400 airplanes. Especially in the waning days of Dragon Wings, and Herpa, there weren't very many options when it came to finding small or medium sized airliners. So that meant that, as a younger collector without much disposable income, finding Southwest 737s of any kind was exciting. It also meant that second-hand models were expensive, and new models also sold quickly at retail stores.
When I started collecting 1/400 scale model airplanes around 2008 or so, there were far fewer manufacturers back then, and they weren't nearly as active as the many OEMs that are in operation today. They also weren't producing models at the same rate that the likes of NG, JC, or Panda Models are right now. Gemini Jets were still making somewhere between 6 and 12 models a month in 1/400, they've been consistent in that regard for many years. But they also were at the time the central manufacturer of North American 1/400 airplanes. Especially in the waning days of Dragon Wings, and Herpa, there weren't very many options when it came to finding small or medium sized airliners. So that meant that, as a younger collector without much disposable income, finding Southwest 737s of any kind was exciting. It also meant that second-hand models were expensive, and new models also sold quickly at retail stores.
|
|
But these days, everyone seems to have 737 NG moulds, and 737 MAX moulds as well. Newcomers like NG Models, and Panda Models have gotten these casting online quickly and were also wise to understand the potential return on flooding the market with the many variable liveries that Southwest Airlines has to offer. When you couple the Southwest's popularity with a strong U.S. dollar, it's no surprise that the businessmen of the 1/400 scale world were ready to take advantage of a market that was ripe for the taking. To that end, it means that with the added competition, it's still somewhat difficult to find high quality Southwest models because of lower quality models like this one. There's a lot to unpack here, but right off the bat, this model is sub-par.
As of June 2025, N918WN is one of one hundred and seventy seven 737-7s that are now part of the historic Southwest fleet. The airplane was completed in 2008, and was immediately delivered to Southwest wearing her new special scheme in April of that year. She stayed with the fleet up until just a few years ago when in 2022 she was sold to Avelo Air. She's had a rather uneventful career. She was only parked for an extended time during a livery refresh, and the Covid 19 Pandemic. The airplane is now middle aged and is one of eight 737-7s in Avelo's fleet.
|
|
Stats provided by Planespotters.net
The real thing: N918SW at Tampa International in October of 2018. (Photograph courtesy of Ozell Stephens Jr., Airliners.net). Note, the vertical stabilizer was repainted with the current tail colors. This was completed on this particular aircraft in 2015.
The Box:
Likely, at the request of the licensor, the Gemini Jets 1/400 scale cartons for Southwest models have been simplified from what you normally get when purchasing a model from the Nevada based company. For starters, the box itself is white instead of the usual blue. It also is lacking the normal flip-top feature which usually allows you to look at the model in the clamshell case before opening it up. Instead, each model is sold in this simpler packaging with no way to view the model without opening the box.
Likely, at the request of the licensor, the Gemini Jets 1/400 scale cartons for Southwest models have been simplified from what you normally get when purchasing a model from the Nevada based company. For starters, the box itself is white instead of the usual blue. It also is lacking the normal flip-top feature which usually allows you to look at the model in the clamshell case before opening it up. Instead, each model is sold in this simpler packaging with no way to view the model without opening the box.
|
The box does have the usual Gemini Jets branding however. On the front of the box, you get Gemini logo, as well as the Gemini slogan. It also has a nice rendering of the model. Present as well is the Southwest logo, and some text indicating what type of airplane is in the container.
Upon opening the box, the only contents are the model which is nicely secured in the plastic cradle and a few small strips of plastic for added protection. The box and cradle are, too large. I'd like to see smaller containers for the sake of storage, and the larger boxes seem to have no bearing on providing any kind of superior protection for the model. The packaging does a nice job of presenting the model. The involvement that Southwest apparently has in the production is evident, so it's surprising that they'd be seemingly unbothered by a inferior product. |
|
|
|
Construction:
The model was brought to market in December of 2020. It was also one of the first 737-700s that were produced on an all new mould that was likely a joint development between Gemini Jets and JC Wings. The new tooling brought some great features to Gemini's 737-700, but cost cutting is also evident. On the positive side, the new setup allows for slot-in wings and winglets. It also allows the main fuselage to be modified incase the model needs to be outfitted with antennas, or a wifi dome. The chassis also sees an upgrade with the landing gear. Each of these upgrades are visable when comparing this model to a predecessor. See below.
The model was brought to market in December of 2020. It was also one of the first 737-700s that were produced on an all new mould that was likely a joint development between Gemini Jets and JC Wings. The new tooling brought some great features to Gemini's 737-700, but cost cutting is also evident. On the positive side, the new setup allows for slot-in wings and winglets. It also allows the main fuselage to be modified incase the model needs to be outfitted with antennas, or a wifi dome. The chassis also sees an upgrade with the landing gear. Each of these upgrades are visable when comparing this model to a predecessor. See below.
A careful and experienced eye should be able to pick out each of the mould upgrades if you can call them that. But therein lies the main issues with the model. You can't really call them upgrades if they make the model worse, right?
Without spending too much time on it, aside from the fuselage, the other components of the airplane are all downsized. The main wings, landing gear, and especially the vertical stabilizer are all noticeably smaller than the same features of the older Gemini mould. When you take a look at each of these added components, you can see that Gemini have actually elected to go with several plastic components over zinc. Another example of the downsizing can be seen when you look at the leading edge of the wing join. The wing is supposed to lead out from the fuselage at the second stripe of the shield. It does this correctly on the older version. But on this newer version, the skinnier wing means that the leading edge doesn't begin until well after that second red stripe.
Without spending too much time on it, aside from the fuselage, the other components of the airplane are all downsized. The main wings, landing gear, and especially the vertical stabilizer are all noticeably smaller than the same features of the older Gemini mould. When you take a look at each of these added components, you can see that Gemini have actually elected to go with several plastic components over zinc. Another example of the downsizing can be seen when you look at the leading edge of the wing join. The wing is supposed to lead out from the fuselage at the second stripe of the shield. It does this correctly on the older version. But on this newer version, the skinnier wing means that the leading edge doesn't begin until well after that second red stripe.
|
|
The model itself is well built at least, and there weren't any loose pieces floating around in the box. To that end, if you're going to go through the trouble of creating a new mould that allows for rolling gear, it should, you know, roll. Instead all six of the rubber tires are steadfast, and the nose gear has been installed crookedly which means only the port side tire is actually making contact with the ground. The wings, and stabilizers have been installed correctly and at the appropriate angles, but the plastic wings give this 737 a bit of odd wing flex. Finally, the airplane has two antenna, and one wifi dome. The real version has four antenna and one dome, so, close anyways. Gladly the antenna that are present are not crooked, and the dome itself is smooth and mostly flush with the fuselage.
Accuracy:
Since I've already gone into lambasting the paint scheme's accuracy, I'll continue here by saying the nose gear doors are too big, and not long enough. The engines also sit too high off of the ground. Gemini have also done a poor job printing the cockpit windows on. The rear windows should angel up, but instead they angle down which gives the front of the airplane a droopy appearance.
Since I've already gone into lambasting the paint scheme's accuracy, I'll continue here by saying the nose gear doors are too big, and not long enough. The engines also sit too high off of the ground. Gemini have also done a poor job printing the cockpit windows on. The rear windows should angel up, but instead they angle down which gives the front of the airplane a droopy appearance.
If there's much good to say about the model, it has to be the recreation of the dramatic paint scheme that replicates the dynamic details of the state flag of Illinois. To an extent, that's the most important thing about this model. And while the mould and workmanship has some serious shortcomings, Gemini have done a nice job of getting the important things correct.
There are essentially just five elements to the state flag. An eagle, a red ribbon, a shield, a rock, and a rising sun. The paint scheme captures each of these elements except for the rock, and the state's name to a degree which were omitted from the design. Whether or not that was intentional, I do not know. So, before we inspect the art work, let's investigate the state flag of Illinois.
There are essentially just five elements to the state flag. An eagle, a red ribbon, a shield, a rock, and a rising sun. The paint scheme captures each of these elements except for the rock, and the state's name to a degree which were omitted from the design. Whether or not that was intentional, I do not know. So, before we inspect the art work, let's investigate the state flag of Illinois.
|
The state flag of Illinois features a white background with the state seal prominently displayed in the center. The Bald Eagle makes up the centerpiece and represents the United States. In the eagle's beak is a red ribbon with the state motto: 'State Sovereignty, National, Union.' The motto reflects the tension between state and federal authority. The word 'Sovereignty' is slightly lower, indicating support for national unity after the American Civil War. The eagle is perched on a rock, with a shield bearing 13 stripes and stars, symbolizing the original 13 colonies. On the rock '1818' (the year of statehood), and '1868' (the year the current seal was redesigned) are present. The name of the state was added in 1970 in order to help better identify the flag.
|
|
Perhaps you can tell, no thanks to my mediocre macrophotography skills, that indeed, Gemini have made sure to print each of the key words that appear on the red ribbon. They are all spelled correctly from what I can tell, although 'Sovereignty' is a bit jumbled. The ribbon itself is very nice looking. The Bald Eagle is the triumph of the design, and Gemini have captured the rendition of the majestic bird on the fuselage of the airplane beautifully.
I can't find any significant inconsistencies with the eagle itself or its positioning on the model. The shield on the other hand is a bit more problematic. Not just regarding the issues with the wing join, but the 13 stars are too small. Gemini should receive some praise however because the engine cowlings must have been a real chore to produce, and they themselves do help to make up for some of the other issues with the mould. Great job there.
I can't find any significant inconsistencies with the eagle itself or its positioning on the model. The shield on the other hand is a bit more problematic. Not just regarding the issues with the wing join, but the 13 stars are too small. Gemini should receive some praise however because the engine cowlings must have been a real chore to produce, and they themselves do help to make up for some of the other issues with the mould. Great job there.
Finally, the rising sun on the aft of the fuselage is the final main component of this special scheme. Like the Bald Eagle, I can't find any fault with Gemini's rendition or placement of the detail. While this example is actually near perfect and it has some real charm. With the good and the bad the model is a classifiably accurate, yet still by today's standards, antiquated replica of Southwest's 'Illinois One.'
Paint and Printing:
After reviewing the general accuracy of the special scheme, there isn't a lot left to cover aside from any noticeable QC issues. This is an area that I alluded to earlier, and so I did want to highlight a few things. First, in the picture below, it's apparent that this model at some point either sustained some minor damage to the nose cone, or it just didn't receive a proper coat of paint. There's a dent!
After reviewing the general accuracy of the special scheme, there isn't a lot left to cover aside from any noticeable QC issues. This is an area that I alluded to earlier, and so I did want to highlight a few things. First, in the picture below, it's apparent that this model at some point either sustained some minor damage to the nose cone, or it just didn't receive a proper coat of paint. There's a dent!
One of the main pitfalls of using plastic pieces, is that if you want to disguise them as diecast, they need to be painted well. There are blemishes on both of the starboard side wings where some silver base coat hasn't been completely covered by the glossy gray. You might also notice that the silver paint making up the leading edge of the port side wing, in the space between the fuselage and the engine pylon, is pretty rough. At least the emergency exit indicators over the top of the wing look good.
A final nitpick would be the printing quality on the vertical stabilizer. It's hard to really show without the model infront of you, but the colors used on the tail, especially the golden yellow do not standout in person the way they would if the real 1/1 version of the airplane were before you, or if they has just used metal components. Gemini continue to use this version of the 737-7 to this day, and the plastic parts steal the opportunity to replicate the subject properly.
Conclusion:
'Illinois One' by Gemini Jets is only a model you should be in hurry to find if you're collecting all of the special state flag liveries that Southwest Airlines have flown. I was surprised to find out that this is the only 737-7 'Illinois One' that's been made in 1/400 scale with the current Southwest tail colors. Even though this airplane has officially left the fleet, the 'Illinois One' livery lives on and has been applied to N1796B, a 737-800 that's been in the Southwest fleet since 2013. That airplane has been made by NG Models. It was produced in 2022. If you're only looking to add state flags, and you don't mind the aircraft type or registration number, that's certainly the one you'll want to look for. If you are looking for this registration specifically, perhaps it's one you've flown on or seen in person, I can't tell you that I love what Gemini has made overall, but I can at least tell you it exists.
'Illinois One' by Gemini Jets is only a model you should be in hurry to find if you're collecting all of the special state flag liveries that Southwest Airlines have flown. I was surprised to find out that this is the only 737-7 'Illinois One' that's been made in 1/400 scale with the current Southwest tail colors. Even though this airplane has officially left the fleet, the 'Illinois One' livery lives on and has been applied to N1796B, a 737-800 that's been in the Southwest fleet since 2013. That airplane has been made by NG Models. It was produced in 2022. If you're only looking to add state flags, and you don't mind the aircraft type or registration number, that's certainly the one you'll want to look for. If you are looking for this registration specifically, perhaps it's one you've flown on or seen in person, I can't tell you that I love what Gemini has made overall, but I can at least tell you it exists.
Sources:
-Airliners.net
-Gemimijets.com
-Ilsos.gov
-Modelaircraftdatabase.com
-Planespotters.net
-Soutwest.com
-Airliners.net
-Gemimijets.com
-Ilsos.gov
-Modelaircraftdatabase.com
-Planespotters.net
-Soutwest.com