Diecast Model Airliners

This lens is dedicated to the insanely addictive hobby of 1:200, 1:250, 1:400 & 1:500 scale diecast model airliners and propliners. These models are considered Adult Collectible Models.

The main purpose of this lens is to promote awareness of this growing & highly addictive hobby sector to other collectors & buyers and also to drive potential hobbyists to Shows, Retailer & Manufacturer websites, and to provide current & relevant information for the budding enthusiast or the serious collector alike.

Most of the companies that are producing these models have websites and use Distributors and Retailers for the sale of these beautifully detailed scale models. Manufacturers are; Aeroclassics, Gemini Jets, Dragon Wings, Herpa, Jet-X, Phoenix Models, Inflight 200 and the list goes on. There are many Manufacturers that are defunct. The major scales are 1:200 & 1:400. *Herpa deals predominantly in the 1:500 scale however does produce some 1:400 scale models*

Static model aircraft (i.e those not intended to fly) are scale models built using plastic, wood, metal or paper. Some static models are scaled for use in wind tunnels, where the data acquired is used to aid the design of full scale aircraft.

Collectors can buy diecast models that have already been built and painted (referred to as the "tampo" printing process) as opposed to what we would put together as children at the kitchen table! Store bought plastic models that required, painting, gluing, toothpicks, cotton swabs, acetone, etc...Snap together models required construction and painstaking patience, but a high level of detail could be achieved if you were serious enough about it. Me, I used to pretend they were in combat and stuff them full of oily rags and pour gas...ohhh but that's another story for another day.

Today's diecast models, especially in the 1:100, 1:200, 1:250 and even in the 1:400 scale (my choice of scale), have magnificent detailing straight from the factory. We are focussing on diecast and tampo printed models only in this lens. Make no mistake, we are collectors not modellers. No assembly required, just pull out your wallet and start collecting! If you are an airplane modelling enthusiast (snap together) you are very welcome here too! In fact, some of us cross over from side to side and that's cool! We share the same love of aviation!

In static (snap together) models, the most popular scales are 1:72 and 1:48, followed closely by 1:32. 1:144 is popular for civil airliners, and there is a growing range of military subjects. More detailed models are available at 1:32 and 1:24. Some manufacturers introduced 1:50 scale and 1:30 scale. Japan offers 1:100. The French firm Heller SA is the only manufacturer to offer models in the scale of 1:125. Herpa, Gemini Jets, Aeroclassics, Dragon Wings, Jet-X, Phoenix, Inflight 200, Schabak and others produce promotional diecast models for airlines in scales including 1:200, 1:400, 1:500, 1:600, 1:1000 and more. A few First World War aircraft were offered at 1:28 by Aurora as well.

Other less popular scales are 1:64, 1:96, and 1:128; however, old molds are often revived in these scales. Many older plastic models, such as those built by Revell do not conform to any established scale. They are sized to fit inside standard sized boxes. These kits are often called "box-scale" and are often reissued in their original, unusual scales. Some helicopters used to be offered in 1:32 scale, similar to some fixed-wing aircraft models. The trend is to issue helicopters in 1:35 scale, similar to most land vehicle models.

There are also airport accessories in many scales for the serious enthusiast interested in designing their own airport dioramas much like the popular railroading hobbyists use for realistic effects.The 1:400 scale seems to me to be the most popular scale for this as you can set up almost an entire airport with runways, taxiways, aprons, freight hangars and associated FBO's (Fixed Base Operators) on a large table and have the most detailed static airport display. We welcome Airport diorama hobbyists as well. Usually a diecast enthusiast turns their love of these models into a love of building the airport to go along so they go hand in hand really!