Sun Country Airlines 737-800 '2019s Colors' by NG ModelsNG Modes Part Number: 58047
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Manufacturer: NG Models
Released: 2020 Registration: N830SY Added: 3/29/2021 |
First Impressions:
Sun Country Airlines was born from the ashes of Braniff International Airlines. In 1983, Sun Country commenced operations. It was first led by husband and wife duo, Jim and Joan Olsen. Jim operated as Chief Pilot and Joan ran all inflight operations. They began operations with a single 727 flying out of Minneapolis-St. Paul and steadily grew through the 80's acquiring more 727s and and their first DC-10 along the way.
Since that time, Sun Country has been the metaphorical 'little engine that could.' The brand has been passed from one investor to another most recently (2017) being acquired by Apollo Global Management which has not only helped to evolve the brand but it has diversified how Sun Country operates. It now is a partner with Amazon's cargo division and provides shipping services to the Amazon network. By passenger volume, it is the smallest major airline in the U.S. (1.7 million in 2020). Sun Country still boasts an impressive route map and a solid group of employees. They themselves, according to this article from June 5th 2018 selected the new scheme found on this delightful NG Model. For even more information on Sun Country's cooperate history, I'd invite you to check this link.
Sun Country Airlines was born from the ashes of Braniff International Airlines. In 1983, Sun Country commenced operations. It was first led by husband and wife duo, Jim and Joan Olsen. Jim operated as Chief Pilot and Joan ran all inflight operations. They began operations with a single 727 flying out of Minneapolis-St. Paul and steadily grew through the 80's acquiring more 727s and and their first DC-10 along the way.
Since that time, Sun Country has been the metaphorical 'little engine that could.' The brand has been passed from one investor to another most recently (2017) being acquired by Apollo Global Management which has not only helped to evolve the brand but it has diversified how Sun Country operates. It now is a partner with Amazon's cargo division and provides shipping services to the Amazon network. By passenger volume, it is the smallest major airline in the U.S. (1.7 million in 2020). Sun Country still boasts an impressive route map and a solid group of employees. They themselves, according to this article from June 5th 2018 selected the new scheme found on this delightful NG Model. For even more information on Sun Country's cooperate history, I'd invite you to check this link.
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Right off the bat, this is a stunning livery. Rarely do we see topographical elements included in paint schemes. I'm thrilled about what Sun Country has committed to and it's been exciting to see this particular aircraft flying overhead. Lots of good things these days from Sun Country Airlines and none of that boring 'Euro-white nonsense.
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Photograph by Maarten Dols, Las Vegas, 2020; Planespotters.net.
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The Box:
NG Models always brings its 'A' Game when it comes to style and presentation. The topographical elements utilized in the new Sun Country scheme are also incorporated into the design of the box. Another feature that I really love is the size of the box. For some reason, some companies package their 1/400 737s in boxes that are much larger than what's necessary. NG efficiently packages and protects their 737s and it really helps on the storage side of things as I'm sure with most collectors, the 737-800 is a very high volume airframe in collections. This box is once again an example of the NG Model's value of attention to details. |
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Construction:
As always, the state in which a model arrives into the hands of the collector is when the primary assessment of construction quality takes place. For me, that is of course a crucial check point. I am a big fan of the styrofoam cradles that NG models has been using, but I'm also very accepting of the traditional plastic shell that is standard with NG Models' 737NGs.
I'm happy to report that my Sun Country 737 arrived in perfect condition. After combing over the model, there are no loose or missing pieces. All components of the model are well attached. I think NG are often under appreciated for how well the model's assembly alone is handled. As a result of many of their model components being machined to a much finer degree, the precision needed to make a well constructed model is noteworthy and appreciated. In other words, their quality is done at a greater risk of defect.
As always, the state in which a model arrives into the hands of the collector is when the primary assessment of construction quality takes place. For me, that is of course a crucial check point. I am a big fan of the styrofoam cradles that NG models has been using, but I'm also very accepting of the traditional plastic shell that is standard with NG Models' 737NGs.
I'm happy to report that my Sun Country 737 arrived in perfect condition. After combing over the model, there are no loose or missing pieces. All components of the model are well attached. I think NG are often under appreciated for how well the model's assembly alone is handled. As a result of many of their model components being machined to a much finer degree, the precision needed to make a well constructed model is noteworthy and appreciated. In other words, their quality is done at a greater risk of defect.
If I had any qualms with the construction at all it would be that the engines don't seem to be as snug to the cowlings as they could be or normally are but this runs into 'splitting hairs' territory and I don't wish to do that when the model largely is up to anyone's satisfaction.
As NG ages there have been more frequent rumors and examples of shortcomings in the category of construction but I see no evidence needed to perpetuate such claims and I can give the model full marks for all components of construction. All other fitted components are neatly snapped together and are free of unsightly gaps or crookedness. |
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Accuracy:
This portion of the review is simply dedicated to the quality of the mould and how well the model proves itself to be what it claims to be. So is this a proper 1/400 scale 737-800? A jury wouldn't have to take much time stating that it is. NG has developed this mould (as they have with most of their moulds) from the ground up. So to see that they have such a competitive and handsome 737-800 after just a few years of R&D and minuscule adjustments is fascinating comparing it to the moulds of competitors. Gemini for example are still occasionally using a -800 mould from nearly 2o years ago. Gemini have made adjustments since then, but long periods of time have passed and only the emergence of this new NG mould has challenged Gemini to make further adjustments to keep its dinosaur relevant.
This portion of the review is simply dedicated to the quality of the mould and how well the model proves itself to be what it claims to be. So is this a proper 1/400 scale 737-800? A jury wouldn't have to take much time stating that it is. NG has developed this mould (as they have with most of their moulds) from the ground up. So to see that they have such a competitive and handsome 737-800 after just a few years of R&D and minuscule adjustments is fascinating comparing it to the moulds of competitors. Gemini for example are still occasionally using a -800 mould from nearly 2o years ago. Gemini have made adjustments since then, but long periods of time have passed and only the emergence of this new NG mould has challenged Gemini to make further adjustments to keep its dinosaur relevant.
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The most key component of the 737 mould is the front quarter. Getting the nose, the nose gear, the gear door, the cockpit windows and the correct angles around the cockpit help differentiate this aircraft from any other. With those components combined and with the addition of antennas, a well placed gear housing and an almost perfect front gear hight you have in my opinion the best 737-800 nose in the 1/400 scale.
Going further down the aircraft other details like properly placed antenna (I love the offset belly antenna) and curvature of the fuselage as it makes way to the wing joint are flawless. The thickness of the wing and its main structural components seem to be perfectly to scale. Another of the best attributes of the NG -800 mould is the quality of the winglets. I have yet to come across one that disappoints. So often in 1/400 scale medium to narrow bodied aircraft that have winglets don't have good looking winglets. The issue is usually down to the scale, thickness and printing. Even on this tiny canvas, the Sun Country logo is easy to make out and it is in these tiny details that the 737-800 from NG pops. As the focus of the model goes from the midpoint to the rear, good printing shows the quality of the moulding. All stabilizers are very well shaped and snuggly fitted to the fuselage. |
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Almost every major component of the aircraft represents the best in the scale. From this perspective, by looking down the wing many features are highlighted. The flaps, and flap tracks, the slats, the over-wing components are all spot on and so is the paintwork.
The tail section to me is the only real area of the main body that could be improved. I wouldn't mind if the vertical stab was a hair thinner. When other parts of the model are so precise, this area feels a bit old fashioned as does the tail strike hump. The overall profile of the tail is good though and once again, the model clearly represents itself as a 737NG. Further, the model represents itself as the best option for buyers of 1/400 scale 737s, and the only option for a Sun Country 737 in this scheme.
The tail section to me is the only real area of the main body that could be improved. I wouldn't mind if the vertical stab was a hair thinner. When other parts of the model are so precise, this area feels a bit old fashioned as does the tail strike hump. The overall profile of the tail is good though and once again, the model clearly represents itself as a 737NG. Further, the model represents itself as the best option for buyers of 1/400 scale 737s, and the only option for a Sun Country 737 in this scheme.
Photograph by Hamza Hasnat, Calgary, Canada 2019. Airliners.net
Paint and Printing:
In reviewing the 1/1 version of this aircraft, it's not difficult to focus on areas that would be predictably problematic for creating a successful 1/400 clone. The first is obviously the topographical features that make up the rear underbelly portion of the aircraft. I honestly can't find fault with a single stripe. Not only is each line practically perfect in its placement, but each line perfectly bends and curves as it is meant to. Not to mention the blue field on which the topographical features sit is the right color and so are the light blue lines. There is no cheapening of the product here, I'd wager that if I really got to counting each line, they'd all be there. This is a stunning accomplishment and a one hit K-O to the likes of Gemini and Aeroclassics, they cannot compete with this kind of precision.
In reviewing the 1/1 version of this aircraft, it's not difficult to focus on areas that would be predictably problematic for creating a successful 1/400 clone. The first is obviously the topographical features that make up the rear underbelly portion of the aircraft. I honestly can't find fault with a single stripe. Not only is each line practically perfect in its placement, but each line perfectly bends and curves as it is meant to. Not to mention the blue field on which the topographical features sit is the right color and so are the light blue lines. There is no cheapening of the product here, I'd wager that if I really got to counting each line, they'd all be there. This is a stunning accomplishment and a one hit K-O to the likes of Gemini and Aeroclassics, they cannot compete with this kind of precision.
The next success is that the Sun Country titles are great. The font is matched perfectly and the placement is without flaw. Other titles are done well too. The gentle gray hue of the registration as well at the 'Boeing 737-800' titles are precisely placed and correctly sized according to my eye. Other details like over wing exits, engine cowling logos and passenger doors are all without flaw and more than adequately detailed for the scale. As usual, this serves as another example of NG Model's dedication to getting the details correct.
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In focusing on the high level of detail, there still is no fault to be found. Painted on illuminations, gear door detailing, full coating of gear wheel hubs and even the tiny surfaces of antennas are all executed without flaw. This is an example of why people DON'T mind paying almost 50 USD for a 1/400 scale model. In fact, on the open second hand market, it's likely that the model, only a few months old at this point will likely fetch quite a bit more. The monetary value of the model is of overall little importance to me, but the way in which it was made and how well it resembles the 1/1 version means a great deal.
It's hard to say if NGs mould, or paint and printing is better, but both are astoundingly good and beg the question, what is everyone else's excuse in 1/400 for not hitting this level of quality while still asking for the same amount of cash? A fair question asked by any collector in my opinion. |
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Conclusion:
Finally this is the only 1/400 737-800 wearing this scheme in 1/400. The final point to make here is that not only is the execution of NG Models superb, but so is their selection. A major part of this hobby isn't what you make necessarily, but WHEN you make it. Finding the gaps in the collections of 1/400 scale model airliners is what is spurring on NG models. Timing is everything and is a big reason why NG Models is currently, in my opinion, the #1 model maker. Buy with confidence.
Finally this is the only 1/400 737-800 wearing this scheme in 1/400. The final point to make here is that not only is the execution of NG Models superb, but so is their selection. A major part of this hobby isn't what you make necessarily, but WHEN you make it. Finding the gaps in the collections of 1/400 scale model airliners is what is spurring on NG models. Timing is everything and is a big reason why NG Models is currently, in my opinion, the #1 model maker. Buy with confidence.
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