quanng
Well-known member
As 2025 is coming to an end within a few hours - it is also a good time to look back to the best models released this year. I couldn't join the thread Model of the Year 2024 arranged by @abdulmohiuddin but I will try to makeup by creating the thread this year. Unlike 2023 which the Cathay Pacific L-1011 Lettuce Green tops out the list for the best release made that year, I don’t have a specific one for 2025 (and hopefully things will change next year). Instead I choose the best models made this year from each manufacturer, which I own at least 4 models made in 2025. This means AV400 and JC are disqualified as I own 3 and 2 models respectively. Despite being legacy large manufacturer, I do not have any 2025-release from
GJ or AC, particularly due to the unmatched release scope to my collecting scope. Rising price is also a big drawback making models from those brand unappealing to me. To be fair, AC release choice is rather unique as well. A side note is that roughly 35% of the models being inducted into my collection was made this year as some older releases are nice to add. Without further ado, let’s get into each brand and their top releases.
Starting with NG - a brand which accounts for 1/3 of the total models released in 2025 coming into my collection. I am grateful that the brand offers the CRP (Collector Reward Program), in which I could source half of these models released this year there. Spoiler’s alert: the PSA L-1011 could had won this title for the chromed livery and underbelly failing - but the packaging cradle design failed to protect the exhaust prong of the tail-mount RB211s. That leaves the Northrop Grumman Lockheed L-1011-100 N140SC “Stargazer” with the old title to hold the crown for NG’s best release - a model features underbelly rocket mount with a modelled rocket. Kudos to NG for trying their best to replicate this beautiful airframe. Hopefully in 2026 we can see the updated current title release of the only active Tristar at the moment.
Slightly less than 1/3 of 2025-released models in my collection comes from PHX. The brand release spectrum is wide geographically - from South American A332 to African latest Dreamliner operator. A new mould is also introduced - the IL-62 with both original variant with NK-8 and improved M version with D-30. However to me, their best release of the year goes to Russian Air Force Ilyushin IL96-400VVIP RA-96102 - an airframe that was converted from the original cargo layout into passenger-carrying. This airframe is also distinctive by an array of antennas and special communication equipment, which requires a mould modification for it. I am glad that PHX takes one step further to make the model as realistic as one could for the scale. Like other manufacturers, they might not produce 100%-flawless models but good enough representation.
2025 is a year that PM was busy as an OEM producing models for other brands. I got 5 out of 31 releases they made for themselves and all of them are good. My take on PM’s strength is their antennas - so delicate and well-sized. Their moulds are almost flawless but I would wish they use all of their mould in the catalouge more often. In the respect, the Bahrain Royal Flight Boeing 767-4SF/ER A9C-HMH stood out. The model was initially available exclusively at a trade fair but soon made its way across the world.
HX/YY has had a busy year with a big jump in the number of releases (indeed due to multiple versions made for one model). The MachBirdz release is so far the most interesting - Qantas Boeing 747-438 VH-OJS with 5th pod, which I have featured in a photoshoot thread. The FD version made the model even more stunning. My only small critic is the choice of the stand for this model, which is the plastic ones found on YY's product. It would have been nicer had the regular metal HX stand comes with it.
PT - Patriot deserves their own attention despite not being a “regular” manufacturer in 1:400 with their own mould - that will change soon as they introduce the An-12. So far they have heavily customized models made by HX or PM for their releases, with i.e: extra fuel boom in IIAF releases or Space Shuttle. However their latest available model - U.S Army (operated by Boeing) Boeing 767-200 N767BA AOA - Airborne Optical Adjunct is to me the most interesting with the large blister on top of the fuselage and two fins below it. A dedicated photoshoot thread would be available soon.
It would be interesting that you could all share:
- Your favorite 2025 release
- Your favorite purchase of the year (for which could be models made in any year).
As 2026 is nearby (or already is now), I would like to wish you all a Happy New Year and may 2026 a year full of interesting releases.
GJ or AC, particularly due to the unmatched release scope to my collecting scope. Rising price is also a big drawback making models from those brand unappealing to me. To be fair, AC release choice is rather unique as well. A side note is that roughly 35% of the models being inducted into my collection was made this year as some older releases are nice to add. Without further ado, let’s get into each brand and their top releases.
Starting with NG - a brand which accounts for 1/3 of the total models released in 2025 coming into my collection. I am grateful that the brand offers the CRP (Collector Reward Program), in which I could source half of these models released this year there. Spoiler’s alert: the PSA L-1011 could had won this title for the chromed livery and underbelly failing - but the packaging cradle design failed to protect the exhaust prong of the tail-mount RB211s. That leaves the Northrop Grumman Lockheed L-1011-100 N140SC “Stargazer” with the old title to hold the crown for NG’s best release - a model features underbelly rocket mount with a modelled rocket. Kudos to NG for trying their best to replicate this beautiful airframe. Hopefully in 2026 we can see the updated current title release of the only active Tristar at the moment.
Slightly less than 1/3 of 2025-released models in my collection comes from PHX. The brand release spectrum is wide geographically - from South American A332 to African latest Dreamliner operator. A new mould is also introduced - the IL-62 with both original variant with NK-8 and improved M version with D-30. However to me, their best release of the year goes to Russian Air Force Ilyushin IL96-400VVIP RA-96102 - an airframe that was converted from the original cargo layout into passenger-carrying. This airframe is also distinctive by an array of antennas and special communication equipment, which requires a mould modification for it. I am glad that PHX takes one step further to make the model as realistic as one could for the scale. Like other manufacturers, they might not produce 100%-flawless models but good enough representation.
2025 is a year that PM was busy as an OEM producing models for other brands. I got 5 out of 31 releases they made for themselves and all of them are good. My take on PM’s strength is their antennas - so delicate and well-sized. Their moulds are almost flawless but I would wish they use all of their mould in the catalouge more often. In the respect, the Bahrain Royal Flight Boeing 767-4SF/ER A9C-HMH stood out. The model was initially available exclusively at a trade fair but soon made its way across the world.
HX/YY has had a busy year with a big jump in the number of releases (indeed due to multiple versions made for one model). The MachBirdz release is so far the most interesting - Qantas Boeing 747-438 VH-OJS with 5th pod, which I have featured in a photoshoot thread. The FD version made the model even more stunning. My only small critic is the choice of the stand for this model, which is the plastic ones found on YY's product. It would have been nicer had the regular metal HX stand comes with it.
PT - Patriot deserves their own attention despite not being a “regular” manufacturer in 1:400 with their own mould - that will change soon as they introduce the An-12. So far they have heavily customized models made by HX or PM for their releases, with i.e: extra fuel boom in IIAF releases or Space Shuttle. However their latest available model - U.S Army (operated by Boeing) Boeing 767-200 N767BA AOA - Airborne Optical Adjunct is to me the most interesting with the large blister on top of the fuselage and two fins below it. A dedicated photoshoot thread would be available soon.
It would be interesting that you could all share:
- Your favorite 2025 release
- Your favorite purchase of the year (for which could be models made in any year).
As 2026 is nearby (or already is now), I would like to wish you all a Happy New Year and may 2026 a year full of interesting releases.
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I’m really happy that we have some sort of special livery on the Superjumbo, so finally getting one of these was such a great feeling. If I ever go to Honolulu or Tokyo and see the other colors, I’ll be delighted to add those as well when/if I can find them!
