Highlights of 2022

[Planeoldwill]

It might be a little bit early for highlights but I’m curious to see what everyone’s favourite buys have been this year so far. Personally for me, I’ve acquired a lot of models this year (think it’s got to be around 30 in total) I’d say my top 5 highlights are as follows:

NG Models Jet2 Holidays 757- G-LSAJ - I’ve been waiting on NG to release a jet2 Holidays 757 since they started and the wait was certainly worth it. The model is pretty much perfect, the colours are spot on, the mould is great and it’s nice to have a model of an aircraft that you see almost everytime you go spotting at Manchester!

GeminI Jets Emirates a380 (Blue Expo) A6-EEU - This model was actually revealed as a future release in 2021 for Gemini but wasn’t actually released until early 2022 but what a livery! the colours are fantastic on this model and is on what I would consider quite a good mould (albeit a bit of a funny shaped nose) overall solid release and one of the better Gemini models this year.

Panda Models Aviastar Tu-204 (Russian Post) RA-75949 - Russia is a bit of a sore subject this year (for obvious reasons) and everyone has their opinions on them (just go to twitter) but nevertheless, I was pleasantly surprised to see Panda announce a pair of Aviastar tu-204s in the Striking blue russian post livery. Panda certainly did the model justice on their fantastic TU-204 mould and they certainly stand out in my collection!

Aviation 400 Cathay Pacific 777-300ER Spirit of Hong Kong - This year was my first time picking up AV400s 777s and I certainly was not disappointed! Their 777 mould is the best in 1/400 and I am amazed at all the detail on it. They also chose quite a complex livery in the form of the Cathay Pacific's spirit of hong Kong 777 which has a lot of detailings and colours to get right and I’m pleased to say they nailed it!

Winglux Models TAP Portugal a321neo (Retro Livery) CS-TJR - This one was quite an unexpected release from a very small sub brand of Panda but I absolutely love it. The details on it are impeccable and the mould is the standard panda a321neo mould which is already very good.

So that’s my top 5 for this year, it’s. been a very good year for collecting with alot of new moulds, loads of fantastic liveries and a lot of potential for 2023.

so what are yours? im looking forward to seeing your favourite models you’ve bought this year!

 

[OscarBravo992]

Mine would probably have to be my set of three NG QF 787s, been on the hunt for those for a while.



Also the BT400 (JC) Cathay Pacific 777-300ER, very nice model.




And finally, the NG Singapore Airlines A350-900 10,000th Airbus Aircraft Livery. I had been hunting this one down since it was released, finally found one at a cheap price.

 

[B767Avia]

I acquired 13 models throughout the year. All NGs except two from JC, one from each Panda and Gemini. With the majority being NGs the quality of these models have all been outstanding, and the miscellaneous brands did not disappoint either. With that being said it was quite difficult to deduce the highlights in terms of quality, although one definitely stood out. Here is my podium:

1) NG Models Delta B757-200 N704X; I've always had a good history with communicating with NG, whether that be model feedback or future requests. Two requests done in a row though? It sure was incredible. I've flown on N704X and N702TW on a transcontinental round-trip a few years ago, and now they mark my 3rd and 4th requests fulfilled. N704X arrived in perfect condition, too, and if anything this deserves the first place.

2) NG Models Delta B757-200 N702TW; Same reason, it's just that this model had some slight issues. No biggie, still a solid runner-up.

3) NG Models United B737-700 N16732; I can be a very "harsh grader" in terms of model quality... but this was an exception again, becoming another perfect model. Top three for 2022 are all awarded to standard liveries if you haven't noticed already, and this just shows that a model doesn't always have to be colorful and vibrant.

4) Gemini Jets American B767-300ER N361AA; It was one lucky day that I somehow came across a listing for this just in time. Before this, all of my Geminis were from 2016 or newer (ie post-downfall era), and wow did this change my perceptions towards Gemini. Aside from a few outdated features it is a stunning piece.

This year I shifted from fleet building as I was more or less done with my fleet for SBA ops, and the year has been outstanding in reference to the quality. Hats off to NG for providing me with all these models, as well as to the other companies and retailers. Thanks for a great year of collecting and hope to see some great releases for the upcoming month to end the year on a high note.

 

[Steinar]

My top 5 in 2022 are these (not in ranking order):


Norse Atlantic B787-9 LN-LNO from NG models.

SAS A319-131 OY-KBR from NG models

Icelandair B737 Max8 TF-ICE from Gemini Jets

PLAY A320-251 TF-PPA from NG models

United B777-224ER N77022 from NG models

 

[Purpleplane]

I'll go with mine:
Aeroclassics:
American Trans Air 727-2B7A N770AT:
I've waited a long time for an ATA 727-200 in this scheme, and Aeroclassics did not disappoint:

Continental 727-224A N66734:
This is another one I've been waiting for... Continental 727-200 in red meatball with large titles:

United 737-222 N9068U in Saul Bass large titles: This is one that I flew on in the late 1980s

Gemini Jets:
I just realized that I only purchased 2 new Gemini Jets so far in 2022.
Alaska 737-MAX 9 N932AK Orcas: This one is a beauty and worth the wait:


Another one that was well worth the wait.
Southwest 737-8H4 N500WR Freedom One:


Panda:
Southwest 727-3H4 N629SW Silver One:
This is one that I have had very high on my wish list for several years..in fact, I was getting ready to buy a blank bare metal 737-300 and find some way to get decals when Panda released this gem:

NG Models: It's hard to pick highlights.. (they're all excellent)
Delta L-1011-1 N725DA. What a beautiful model this one is:

United 737-824WL N36272 "Star Wars Rise of Skywalker" This one is an absolute beauty...would get my vote for 2022 model of the year.

Another one that was on my wish list for a long time.
Southwest 737-7H4 N280WN Missouri One:

Another favorite
TWA L-1011-1 N41012 in twin globe scheme:

 

[pons399]

Top 5 so far. Admittedly the JC 748 is only on this list because of personal bias; it's not a stellar model, and it'll get knocked off once I pick up the NG version. Delta L1011 will also go as soon as NG releases a Cathay.

 

[OscarBravo992]

Top 5 so far. Admittedly the JC 748 is only on this list because of personal bias; it's not a stellar model, and it'll get knocked off once I pick up the NG version. Delta L1011 will also go as soon as NG releases a Cathay.View attachment 5457

Those are some very nice models, I am also hoping for NG to show us the CX Tristar that has been dangled in front of our faces since September!

 

[EQ Planes]

I have a feeling that the best is yet to come. I would bet good money we see the the delta e175 heart livery 737-700 Disney livery 737 Westjet next month.
but we certainly have seen a number of amazing releases this year!

 

[OscarBravo992]

All of these models are so great! I love to see how everyone's collecting criteria affect the models they consider highlights. We have such a great diversity here on MAF, it's truly awesome to see!

 

[Purpleplane]

All of these models are so great! I love to see how everyone's collecting criteria affect the models they consider highlights. We have such a great diversity here on MAF, it's truly awesome to see!

You're right, it is truly great to see.

 

[Barison82]

Here are my bunch, all within my retro criteria of the 1970s-1980s. Aeroclassics knocked out some great classic 732’s, Olympic & Air Algerie, and an Eastern Bloc LOT TU-154M, while NG produced the classic Pan Am, TWA & SAA SP’s, alongside the Delta & TWA L-1011’s, popular favourites with many as we’ve seen!

 

[OscarBravo992]

Here are my bunch, all within my retro criteria of the 1970s-1980s. Aeroclassics knocked out some great classic 732’s, Olympic & Air Algerie, and an Eastern Bloc LOT TU-154M, while NG produced the classic Pan Am, TWA & SAA SP’s, alongside the Delta & TWA L-1011’s, popular favourites with many as we’ve seen!

Very nice! Love the Tristars, you can't go wrong with them!

 

[Purpleplane]

Very nice! Love the Tristars, you can't go wrong with them!

True, NG has the best TriStar mould by far.

 

[pons399]

True, NG has the best TriStar mould by far.

The Tristar's really well represented in 1:200 and 1:400, especially for such a commercial failure. Both the NG and IF200 moulds are excellent.

 

[OscarBravo992]

The Tristar's really well represented in 1:200 and 1:400, especially for such a commercial failure. Both the NG and IF200 moulds are excellent.

We are lucky to have such great moulds... If it wasn't for NG's Tristars I doubt I would have any classics at all! Now I am a big classic collector, all thanks to NG and their excellent moulds! Now we need to see the 747 classics!

 

[pons399]

We are lucky to have such great moulds... If it wasn't for NG's Tristars I doubt I would have any classics at all! Now I am a big classic collector, all thanks to NG and their excellent moulds! Now we need to see the 747 classics!

Same, my criteria was initially limited to just 1:200 modern widebodies. NG's Tristar and 747SP were so impressive that 1:400 classics are now a huge part of my collection. I think NG's greatest appeal is how they pack 1:200-level details into a compact 1:400 package. Their upcoming 747-8i is probably my most anticipated mould ever, followed closely by the 747-200.

 

[OscarBravo992]

Same, my criteria was initially limited to just 1:200 modern widebodies. NG's Tristar and 747SP were so impressive that 1:400 classics are now a huge part of my collection. I think NG's greatest appeal is how they pack 1:200-level details into a compact 1:400 package. Their upcoming 747-8i is probably my most anticipated mould ever, followed closely by the 747-200.

It's funny how these things happen... I started off collecting modern Australian aircraft, and slowly started to collect the models I would need to build an airport display of MEL. Then NG released the Qantas 747SPs and it all changed. Classics now make up 30% of my collection and if it wasn't for NG, that would never have happened. My anticipation for NG's 747s is at boiling point, and after quite a few emails to NG my hype level is beyond imaginable. Hopefully we see them sometime in the coming months!

 

[pons399]

It's funny how these things happen... I started off collecting modern Australian aircraft, and slowly started to collect the models I would need to build an airport display of MEL. Then NG released the Qantas 747SPs and it all changed. Classics now make up 30% of my collection and if it wasn't for NG, that would never have happened. My anticipation for NG's 747s is at boiling point, and after quite a few emails to NG my hype level is beyond imaginable. Hopefully we see them sometime in the coming months!

Yep, about time we got some cutting-edge 747 moulds in 1:400. Fingers crossed we'll see them next month, when Richard reviews some new moulds from NG. A simultaneous release of the classics and -8 would blow the roof off this place.

 

[OscarBravo992]

Yep, about time we got some cutting-edge 747 moulds in 1:400. Fingers crossed we'll see them next month, when Richard reviews some new moulds from NG. A simultaneous release of the classics and -8 would blow the roof off this place.

Not only would it blow up this forum, but also our wallets! I doubt there are many collectors out there that would not be buying NG's 747 once they come out. I for one, want to see some QF, CX, ANZ, Ansett, SQ and BA 747s. If NG came out with those in the first few months I would actually go bankrupt!

 

[pons399]

Not only would it blow up this forum, but also our wallets! I doubt there are many collectors out there that would not be buying NG's 747 once they come out. I for one, want to see some QF, CX, ANZ, Ansett, SQ and BA 747s. If NG came out with those in the first few months I would actually go bankrupt!

Yeah, hopefully they space out the in-demand releases as mercy for our bank accounts. Must-haves for me are the KAL 748 and CX lettuce sandwich 743. I'll probably get two copies of each for redundancy lol. That's 240 bucks right there...