GeminiJets marketing and QC issues

[MIAv8Diecast]

While the discussion seems to be mostly negative in that people are getting models broken (especially from GJ), I’ve had less models come with detached pieces in my experience. I’ve only gotten one broken Gemini in the last three years, and that was an easy fix. Overall I’ve only had two, maybe three, broken models in that same timespan accounting for all the brands I’ve bought.

I will say that while the criticism is justified, especially on paint and decal applications, I don’t think 100% of the blame should go on the manufacturer for the broken pieces. Shipping is very cruel to these models so pieces can get dislodged and sometimes it’s pretty severe, for example the Qatar A380 with the paint chip on the wing. Of course it’s hard to verify whether shipping is *the* reason for broken models, but given the distance they travel from China to anywhere the world I’d say it’s likely.

I’m not trying to defend broken pieces by the way (though if there was no paint chipping I say apply some glue and it’s good as new), just trying to provide a different perspective to the discussion.

I do agree all brands have their issues and I have had some issues with NG and Panda in the past as well, so no manufacturer is perfect. If we're talking about both Gemini & JC, I have had north of a dozen broken / defective models come from them in the span of the last 3 years which is far more than I have ever gotten from any other manufacturer which also ships from China. If all else is equal, I think people have a legitimate reason to be dissuaded given how much we pay for them and how they're marketed to us.

 

[JJ Skippy]

If we're talking about both Gemini & JC, I have had north of a dozen broken / defective models come from them in the span of the last 3 years which is far more than I have ever gotten from any other manufacturer which also ships from China.

Where have you bought your models from? Granted there's no evidence that certain retailers stocking GJ get more defective ones, but that's always the concern when you only have online retailers to buy models from (myself included) as you can't inspect them before buying.

If all else is equal, I think people have a legitimate reason to be dissuaded given how much we pay for them and how they're marketed to us.

I fully support the complaints when there's permanent damage to the model, but I struggle with those who get the simple wing detached issue and have the same complaints. Sure it's an inconvenience to glue pieces together but I don't see a reason to complain when it's something that can be fixed in 5 minutes.

 

[MIAv8Diecast]

Where have you bought your models from? Granted there's no evidence that certain retailers stocking GJ get more defective ones, but that's always the concern when you only have online retailers to buy models from (myself included) as you can't inspect them before buying.


I fully support the complaints when there's permanent damage to the model, but I struggle with those who get the simple wing detached issue and have the same complaints. Sure it's an inconvenience to glue pieces together but I don't see a reason to complain when it's something that can be fixed in 5 minutes.

I have always gone through authorized dealers over the years and I always select the one who is offering the releases I need at the price point with shipping expense. So there is no singular culprit I can name. I can agree that glueing wings back on if there is no paint chipping is an easy fix and may not be worth returning a model. The example I provided of the JC UAL 777-200 had paint chipping and I had to return it three times before I received one without paint chipping due to detached wings and both photos are separate models. The third one I got still had detached wings but without paint chipping. The JC UAL Saul Bass 747-400 I had to return twice before I received one that didn’t look like it was thrown across a room with missing engines. broken gear, and scratching. Even the third one I received still has a scratch on the belly. All of that said comparing all brands, non have been so unreliable and it makes me less impatient to deal with simply putting on glued wings. I feel like it shows when you look at older releases whether it be 1:400 or 1:200.. They always seem to be better built and have better attention to details. I want Gemini/JC to be better as they were the brands that got me into the hobby but I have learned to become very objective.

 

[Gazontipede]

The flight deck windows are inaccurate. The engines cowlings are incorrect. Aside from that it's a nice model

Oof. Yeah. It amazes me that it is still, effectively, the only mould choice for this type in 1/400.