Model of the Year 2025

[Helmut]

Aeroclassics 9Q-CLV

 

[LeoMuse747]

Aeroclassics 9Q-CLV

Lovely model... in a great scene with some other models!
Could you share more pics of your diorama, please?

 

[pons399]

Panda’s Garuda MD-11. A solid little model with impeccable details and build quality. It’s a 1:200 in all but size, which is what the best 1:400s should strive to be these days. This also being a retailer exclusive makes me proud to own one.
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Predictably, my choice has changed to NG’s SQ A359. Quality-wise it’s equal to Panda’s GA, but it “wins” out because SQ’s the best airline in the world, something GA very much isn’t. And nostalgia.

 

[AJC]

2025 has been a great year, and I will definitely say I had my fun collecting with some of the new releases we've had. I will list a couple of standout models released in this year(For the sake of ease, I will consider models that made it to market in 2025 as 2025 releases)

Model Highlights of 2025
1) Pan Am 747-100 N747PA "Juan T. Trippe" by HX Models:
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2025 saw HX Models really start releasing 747 Classics. HX would annouce a set of five Pan Am 747-100's, four of which in the 1970's delivery scheme, and one in the 1984 Bill Board scheme. Given that the last Pan Am 747's were released almost a decade prior by Gemini Jets, Pan Am 747's were scarcely found on the market within reason. A Pan Am 747 is a holy grail to me, and for that I would like to say that this, and the other variants HX released are definitely Model of the Year contenders!

2) Northrop Grumman L-1011-1 N140SC "StarGazer" NG Models:
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A testament to the strength of the NG L-1011 mould, it has consistently been some of the finest models ever produced in this scale. Mated with the Pegasus rocket, NG have made an impressive model even more so, worthy of representing the final flying TriStar.

3) Emirates A380-800 A6-EVS "Last A380" AV400:
View attachment 65146
Perhaps not the most unique subject, Emirates A380's have been commonplace in this scale owing to Gemini Jets relationship with Emirates. However, the Gemini A380 mould has its limits, so when AV400 released it under the radar on their class leading A380 mould, I was compelled to purchase it. What Emirates is to the A380 is what Pan Am was to the 747.

Honorable Mentions:
Kuwait Airways 727-200 and Air Algerie 727-200 by Aeroclassics:
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I remember bashing the Aeroclassics 727-200 mould last year, I will admit I was too rash in saying such and that these releases from October 2025 are gems, ones that I would recommend buying.

Iberia MD-88 EC-FOZ NG Models:
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NG's underused MD-80 mould, wonderful little model but suffers from its engines being mounted at an angle, making the titles on the engine too high.

Phoenix Il-62 Mould:
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Phoenix Models came out with its Il-62 mould, modeling both a Il-62 and the IL-62M. Given the limited nature of the Gemini Il-62's, this was well needed, and perhaps my favorite new mould of 2025. I look forward to seeing more releases with this!

AV400 Updated A350 Mould:View attachment 65158
AV400 updated its A350 mould to include removable landing gear. The long gestation period was worth it, my personal highlight is the Aeroflot A350-900 RA-73154!

With 2026 upcoming, I look forward to seeing what new developments come in the scale, hopefully seeing more classic models released! I wish you all the best for 2026!

I’m looking at buying the Delta 100 A350 and unfortunately I can’t find the NG available (my usual choice) at a reasonable price. I can find the Panda, which by all reports is an excellent option, but you mention the new AV400. In your opinion does it surpass the Panda model? I can’t see a review from @YesterAirlines specifically after the AV400 update so interested in opinions! I do like the idea of magnetic gear, less to damage in mailing to me!

 

[YesterAirlines]

I’m looking at buying the Delta 100 A350 and unfortunately I can’t find the NG available (my usual choice) at a reasonable price. I can find the Panda, which by all reports is an excellent option, but you mention the new AV400. In your opinion does it surpass the Panda model? I can’t see a review from @YesterAirlines specifically after the AV400 update so interested in opinions! I do like the idea of magnetic gear, less to damage in mailing to me!

I'd argue the Panda is still a better mould than the AV400. The magnetic gear didn't change the mould aside from that aspect.

 

[AJC]

I'd argue the Panda is still a better mould than the AV400. The magnetic gear didn't change the mould aside from that aspect.

Thank you

 

[abdulmohiuddin]

I’m looking at buying the Delta 100 A350 and unfortunately I can’t find the NG available (my usual choice) at a reasonable price. I can find the Panda, which by all reports is an excellent option, but you mention the new AV400. In your opinion does it surpass the Panda model? I can’t see a review from @YesterAirlines specifically after the AV400 update so interested in opinions! I do like the idea of magnetic gear, less to damage in mailing to me!

My personal opinion would be towards the AV400 version, but I'd say that the Panda A350 is just as good as the NG and AV400 mould.

The AV400 A350 has incorrect smaller wingtips but has the magnetic landing gear so there is a small trade off of accuracy for interactive features.

I can't speak for the Panda Delta 100 Years A350, but Panda does have the correct larger wingtips modeled on their A350(or have access to a wing with the later PIP larger wingtips). Panda gives you a very accurate model but does not have the removable landing gear.

Both are good moulds, now it is up to you to decide if you want the accuracy of the Panda version, or the removable landing gear of the AV400. You will be happy with either model as both are strong renditions of the A350.

 

[AJC]

My personal opinion would be towards the AV400 version, but I'd say that the Panda A350 is just as good as the NG and AV400 mould.

The AV400 A350 has incorrect smaller wingtips but has the magnetic landing gear so there is a small trade off of accuracy for interactive features.

I can't speak for the Panda Delta 100 Years A350, but Panda does have the correct larger wingtips modeled on their A350(or have access to a wing with the later PIP larger wingtips). Panda gives you a very accurate model but does not have the removable landing gear.

Both are good moulds, now it is up to you to decide if you want the accuracy of the Panda version, or the removable landing gear of the AV400. You will be happy with either model as both are strong renditions of the A350.

Thank you for such a considered response. I think I may go with Panda as that’s in stock and not on preorder like the AV400. Much appreciated.