Golden Age of Model Collecting!
- Thread starter CM Aviation
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BubblesAviation
Well-known member
Yes… but no.
While I didn’t collect back then, I personally think that the golden age of collecting was when it was simple and cheaper (2010-2017). Gemini had the best quality and from videos I’ve seen, people were happy about their quality a not just comparing it to saying it could be better. Releases were solid, and they remained cheap. I’m losing track with all these new Chinese brands using the panda moulds, and many brands just rereleasing stuff in an infinite loop. Feel free to disagree with me, but I think golden age has passed. Yes, it’s good now, but models are so expensive, and I’m starting to think they’re actually not worth the price. I personally am very fond GeminiJets. They’re my favorite company through all their QC issues because they release stuff that’s popular, and gets people exited. they release new stuff, and for the most part, only rerelease when it’s really needed. I can’t say the same for NG. But $50+ for almost, if not every single model (except regionals, at $48) is getting to be too high. And as of now, NG’s peak is well past and the quality pf their releases haven’t been up to the Gemini standards for a while.
That’s just my opinion. It’s great now! The quality has improved, but I just think simpler is much better for a niche hobby.
Let me fix that for you:
"They’re my favorite company through all their QC issues because they release stuff that’s popular among US collectors, and gets US collectors excited."
BubblesAviation
Well-known member
Yes! Perfect. But it’s not only in the U.S., they do release some European stuff, more then a lot of other manufacturers.
swagninja84
Well-known member
More than who?
Just looked at 2025, GJ did less than, AC, JC, PHX and NG
BubblesAviation
Well-known member
I might have my facts wrong, but I feel they did do a lot of solid European stuff, more then NG.
OlliesCove
Member
I don't have an overly strong opinion on whether now or ten years ago was the best time to collect because it's entirely dependent on what you collect, but I'm not so sure why you're so adamant that Gemini had the best quality between 2010-2017. Even back in 2013-2014 when I started collecting as a kid, it was well established that Phoenix in general had better moulds than Gemini in for example the 777, 787, A330 and A380, that's pretty much the entire modern widebody line-up. Putting aside the fact that Gemini was and mostly continues to be hopeless in capturing the right nose shape, the bulk of their models were cradle wing moulds and wings suffered from being overly thick. In fact, among the very first videos I watched within this hobby in 2014 was by AusAviation who did a great video on comparing the Phoenix 777 to Gemini 777 mould leading me to drop Gemini altogether to collect predominantly from Phoenix.
Personally I value mould accuracy above all else and despite Gemini's larger European offering, I've only collected SAS, Finnair and BA models only until NG started producing them. I also have no problem whatsoever about all the new Chinese brands using Panda moulds because they're good moulds so I'd probably have to disagree and say that there has been no other time like now to collect. However I'd probably acknowledge that for American collectors, this probably isn't the best time to collect. But it's also pretty wildly US-centric to imply that current releases that are Asian dominated are unpopular because I can be pretty certain that NG isn't producing models for the purpose of collecting dust in their warehouse. This sounds more like a case of insulation and not realising that there is a substantial demand for Chinese models in the Chinese market and I think YesterAirlines has hammered that point home pretty consistently.
Yes you have your facts wrong and most of what you've said is clearly not accurate
The Golden Age of Gemini was 2000-2008 when competition was limited.
I simply think that, for me, the "Golden Age of Collection (and Collectors)" is when the models announced meets some requirements:
1) airlines i want and i wish
2) liveries i need (regular before special)
3) nice moulds
4) no quality issues
5) a regular production of current European charter/leisure/ACMI/low cost airlines
6) a regular production of widebodies arriving at Rome FCO and main European hubs
7) Constant replenishment of airlines, airliners, liveries wanted and needed to avoid withdrawal from desired models
8) Indestructible landing gears
Of course all this is impossible so i continue to collect hoping to draw the winning card from the deck of cards in the meantime.
Actually just Gemini and Phoenix sometimes meets my desires, NG rarely. Abandoned Aeroclassics because no more produces current airlines.
2000 - 2015 was a Golden Age for me, latest 10 days are not so good.
1) airlines i want and i wish
2) liveries i need (regular before special)
3) nice moulds
4) no quality issues
5) a regular production of current European charter/leisure/ACMI/low cost airlines
6) a regular production of widebodies arriving at Rome FCO and main European hubs
7) Constant replenishment of airlines, airliners, liveries wanted and needed to avoid withdrawal from desired models
8) Indestructible landing gears
Of course all this is impossible so i continue to collect hoping to draw the winning card from the deck of cards in the meantime.
Actually just Gemini and Phoenix sometimes meets my desires, NG rarely. Abandoned Aeroclassics because no more produces current airlines.
2000 - 2015 was a Golden Age for me, latest 10 days are not so good.
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Jazajia
Well-known member
Connor and JJ's video was quite good, actually. Very well done, guys!
GJ 1:400 hasn't been doing it for me over the past decade. I don't have anything against them, and many of my holy grails come from their heyday, but I wish they used their 747-200 and 727 molds more often...
No mention of Aeroclassics? I understand they continue to lag, but for collectors of the less relevant regions of the world (South America and Africa), they continue to be a major player.
I think I need to re-evaluate Aviation400, haven't seen any of their current stuff in the flesh. Seems like they have improved their product beyond the flashy gimmicks they were using to put lipstick on pigs a few years ago.
Well-deserved ode to Phoenix and Panda. Phoenix continues to be grossly underrated. They are an excellent brand all around.
I think that definitely was the golden age of 1:400 scale as a whole. Times are good now, too, better than the 2010s, but I think for our generation, the 2000s were a unique decade.
GJ 1:400 hasn't been doing it for me over the past decade. I don't have anything against them, and many of my holy grails come from their heyday, but I wish they used their 747-200 and 727 molds more often...
No mention of Aeroclassics? I understand they continue to lag, but for collectors of the less relevant regions of the world (South America and Africa), they continue to be a major player.
I think I need to re-evaluate Aviation400, haven't seen any of their current stuff in the flesh. Seems like they have improved their product beyond the flashy gimmicks they were using to put lipstick on pigs a few years ago.
Well-deserved ode to Phoenix and Panda. Phoenix continues to be grossly underrated. They are an excellent brand all around.
I think that definitely was the golden age of 1:400 scale as a whole. Times are good now, too, better than the 2010s, but I think for our generation, the 2000s were a unique decade.
Phantom
Well-known member
I think everyone has his/her personal golden age of collecting - so this is pretty much an individual perception often linked to age.
If you ask me, it was the late 80's to early 90's and then again the early/mid 2000's with another slight peak when NG appeared on scene.
If you ask me, it was the late 80's to early 90's and then again the early/mid 2000's with another slight peak when NG appeared on scene.
I think that if you look at different brands they have had different periods where their products have been the best or they've been making a lot of high quality releases compared to their peers. As I said for Gemini that was 2000-2008. Aeroclassics best periods were in that 2005-2015 period (bolstered by the BabyBus and BigBus lines). Phoenix were producing a lot of new moulds, some of which were market leading from 2008-2015, NG obviously between 2018-2022 or so was above everyone else.
By most metrics 400 scale is in a good space. There are more models then ever and more high quality models than ever. Price complaints are valid to a degree but that is the same across life in general.
Incidentally if I look at my collection then the peak year was 2008. I own 235 models from that year still but recent years have been nearly as good, and in my opinion the high diversity of brands isn't a bad thing.
By most metrics 400 scale is in a good space. There are more models then ever and more high quality models than ever. Price complaints are valid to a degree but that is the same across life in general.
Incidentally if I look at my collection then the peak year was 2008. I own 235 models from that year still but recent years have been nearly as good, and in my opinion the high diversity of brands isn't a bad thing.
Critical Aviator
Well-known member
Saying we are in a golden age of collecting is a bit of a stretch if you ask me. Yes, the hobby is flourishing, new ideas are being brought to the table and new opportunities are showing up. If anything, we are seeing the foundations of a golden age but I think it is a bit early to say if we are in a gloden age or not. Time will tell.
Also, everyone has their own definition of what a golden age of collecting should be. In my case it would be:
- Diversity in aircraft types (each brand should maximize the use of moulds they have access to), geographical regions (balance between continents), time periods (balance between modern and retro releases), airlines and liveries
- Consistent quality (mould, print, QC...)
- Regular releases of popular subjects and rereleases of models that haven't been made in a while so it can be easier for newer collectors to get them
- Reasonable prices (good value for money)
- Easy access to accessories and ressources to help collectors, whether it be to know which model to buy or to have a better understanding the hobby...
In 400 scale, we do have some of those already although I think the hobby can do better.
Also, everyone has their own definition of what a golden age of collecting should be. In my case it would be:
- Diversity in aircraft types (each brand should maximize the use of moulds they have access to), geographical regions (balance between continents), time periods (balance between modern and retro releases), airlines and liveries
- Consistent quality (mould, print, QC...)
- Regular releases of popular subjects and rereleases of models that haven't been made in a while so it can be easier for newer collectors to get them
- Reasonable prices (good value for money)
- Easy access to accessories and ressources to help collectors, whether it be to know which model to buy or to have a better understanding the hobby...
In 400 scale, we do have some of those already although I think the hobby can do better.
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Macsergey
Active member
from my perspective GJ today is like Nokia was right before they closed their mobile phone business. They were great long time ago in the past, but did not evolve since that and cannot compete anymore with new more modern brands. Just look at what photos GJ post with their releases today, it one shitty photo the same they made 15 years ago when brands like NG and HX take 20 high quality photos of a model from different angles. I would not be surprised if GJ closes their business in few years and I personally would not be sad about it because 90% GJ models I have are below middle quality
JJ Skippy
Well-known member
We’ll discuss about doing a part 2 and give Aeroclassics their flowers.
Funny how you think we’ll talk about a golden age when our favorite models get released
but hey, I suppose if good quality KAL models were released constantly like you want, then you’d be deeming this period a golden age.If you look at the MADb numbers, there were 220 US models in 2025, which is a pretty good amount. It’s unfair to say the US had a bad year of releases when you look at other manufacturers. European collectors got slightly more at 251 but considering the diverse market over there it could definitely be (and I hope it will be) bumped higher.
aviation456
Member
Believe me when I say that is never going to happen. I would say that, unfortunately, a vast number of european and american collectors probably have no knowledge of any other brands (ie. NG, Panda or any small chinese brand) other than GJ. They will always have their core base...
MIAv8Diecast
Well-known member
I understand the point you’re making and I have similar qualms with GJ that you have mentioned. However they are still the largest brand in terms of market recognition for better or for worse. The area I don’t agree with is that they will be going out of business soon. Ironically they’re the only brand that has licensing rights on a mass scale and lean heavily into corporate orders for airlines which makes a lot of money for them. That licensing I believe at the end of the day is a huge safety net for them even if it doesn’t always benefit them.
JJ Skippy
Well-known member
I disagree with this sentiment. As much as they deserve criticism for some of their inferior products, they certainly aren’t going away. Hoping for a business to shut down isn’t exactly a great mindset to have either — like them or not, they have had a significant influence on the hobby. Even though they aren’t the juggernaut they once were, if they are to shut down, I bet the effects will be felt across the industry. As @aviation456 said, they have a core audience that is loyal to them. They may not know of the other brands out there, so if GJ does cease operations, where do they go? Some might quit the hobby entirely.
Despite that, I doubt you’re seeing them go away anytime soon. Even if their consumer operations were to cease, they would still make models for the airlines on a corporate-only basis. I’m sure that nets them a hefty profit every year.
The owners of Gemini / ADI are not young. I have heard rumours of a potential sale. Within the next 10 years or so I would expect a change in ownership at Gemini in the very least. The same goes for JC Wings, Phoenix and Aeroclassics. With the brands all 20+ years old and run by a figurehead leader approaching retirement age (Johan, Sanry, AK) you can expect some changes....
