Model Review - China Eastern MD-11 Interactive by HX Models

[YesterAirlines]

The MD-11 has been getting a lot more attention in 400 scale recently than it has for nearly twenty years, with two new moulds. In today's review I take a look at the HX Models version, which is arguably better than even the Panda. The interactive version is also the first in 400 scale to feature magnetic cargo doors. Just a shame that to date the range of releases has been low and mostly Asian:

China Eastern Cargo | McDonnell Douglas MD-11F | B-2170 | HX Models

As the old saying goes 'you wait ages for a bus and then two come along at once'. That saying could certainly be applied to the MD-11, which having arguably not had a proper new mould since 2003 has gained two in the past two years. Unfortunately, the imp

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Also interesting the different design philosophies from Panda and HX with this type, which sees more print and control surface detail on the HX, but potentially at the cost of some accuracy.

 

[qweyrhgf]

I also have one HX MD-11F, but it's an LH . I really like it, but also same problem is the the rear belly hold door is difficult to completely into the gap. Of course, you can tuck it in with some force... But! Taking it out is extremely difficult. It took me 10 minutes to get it out.

 

[YesterAirlines]

I also have one HX MD-11F, but it's an LH . I really like it, but also same problem is the the rear belly hold door is difficult to completely into the gap. Of course, you can tuck it in with some force... But! Taking it out is extremely difficult. It took me 10 minutes to get it out.
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Yes exactly the same issue I had with this one. I wasn't willing to force it all the way in. I thought it would snap if I tried

 

[LeoMuse747]

HX mould is really wonderful and i'd love to see more liveries.
I know KLM, Martinair Cargo and Thai are in the pipeline. Hope to see these soon.

 

[TrijetTrilogy]

What do you think about the slight difference in landing gear? I would say Panda wins that category by a touch.

 

[YesterAirlines]

What do you think about the slight difference in landing gear? I would say Panda wins that category by a touch.

Maybe. It's barely noticeable in hand to be honest, but you're probably right

 

[BubblesAviation]

Is it possible that the interior main cargo hold is hollow enough to put some 1:400 cargo pallets in it for an airport?

 

[YesterAirlines]

Is it possible that the interior main cargo hold is hollow enough to put some 1:400 cargo pallets in it for an airport?

Yeah you could

 

[Aircrafter93]

Is it possible that the interior main cargo hold is hollow enough to put some 1:400 cargo pallets in it for an airport?

One cargo pallet I would say haha, but would definitely add some realism!

 

[LeoMuse747]

One criticism I have with these interactive models: would be much better if manufacturers painted the interior of the cargo holds in dark grey! In white, it looks unfinished and unrealistic. It's a small detail but would look better IMO

 

[CPHL1011]

How is the cockpit printing on the HX model?

From some of the pictures -especially from the side- it looks a bit inaccurate?

 

[bakejobb_23]

One criticism I have with these interactive models: would be much better if manufacturers painted the interior of the cargo holds in dark grey! In white, it looks unfinished and unrealistic. It's a small detail but would look better IMO

It would be one step greater to have the floor have details for the ULD rollers but that might be a tough ask with the current technology. I’ll bet that probably in 10 years that will be standard and we’ll look back on these wondering how we put up with the blank interiors

 

[planes_on_a_shelf]

How is the cockpit printing on the HX model?

From some of the pictures -especially from the side- it looks a bit inaccurate?

Both PM & HX md-11 cockpits I'd say
The trailing windows are too small, for one

 

[YesterAirlines]

How is the cockpit printing on the HX model?

From some of the pictures -especially from the side- it looks a bit inaccurate?

It's fine. The whole thing is slightly angled upwards but we're talking a tiny amount here. It's better on the Panda