Model Review: Thai VietJet Airbus A321 by Panda Models

[YesterAirlines]

Back in March I wrote about another retailer exclusive from Panda here. This one was for a new Thai store called CNX Model Store, who it turns out were very happy that I published on the topic and as a thank you sent me the finished model. Seems only fair to give it a review, especially as the last time I reviewed any A321 at the site was over 2 years ago:

Thai VietJet Air | Airbus A321-211 | HS-VKM | Panda Models / CNX Model Store

The past 5 years has seen an increase in the number of models being made for small brands and retailers with Panda Models being at the forefront of this OEM market. In 2025 so far Panda have made 14 models under their own brand, but 25 for others such as

www.yesterdaysairlines.com

 

[planes_on_a_shelf]

That livery sums up your pleasant surprise at receiving the model

 

[planes_on_a_shelf]

Another aspect of the PM A321 is its curious tail down posture - it's something that can be missed as it's very very marginal - but for me presents a real challenge (my visual OCD is too high LOL) - and I'm hoping they'll rectify this.
The landing gear detailing as well - you pointed out the main gears - even the nlg is chunkier than the NG version - and as such is something also distinguishable from the NG version when one looks closely.
PM's tyre fits are also often wonky.
Of course, for a regular PM release (ie. not a retailer exclusive), the prices are almost 10-15pc cheaper than a competing NG one - so perhaps one can overlook these
Maybe it's time for PM to update the landing gears!

 

[YesterAirlines]

Another aspect of the PM A321 is its curious tail down posture - it's something that can be missed as it's very very marginal - but for me presents a real challenge (my visual OCD is too high LOL) - and I'm hoping they'll rectify this.
The landing gear detailing as well - you pointed out the main gears - even the nlg is chunkier than the NG version - and as such is something also distinguishable from the NG version when one looks closely.
PM's tyre fits are also often wonky.
Of course, for a regular PM release (ie. not a retailer exclusive), the prices are almost 10-15pc cheaper than a competing NG one - so perhaps one can overlook these
Maybe it's time for PM to update the landing gears!

Yeah but you're arguing about shades of grey on the HX thread so you're OCD is definitely way too high . It is very very marginal as you say:

 

[planes_on_a_shelf]

Yeah but you're arguing about shades of grey on the HX thread so you're OCD is definitely way too high

Guilty As Charged

Imagine how much I need to control this with my AC models

 

[Phantom]

but for me presents a real challenge (my visual OCD is too high LOL)

You're not alone

Just for reference - for those who really need to see such things - the real thing sits slightly tail high at max. of 0.435° at typical OEW.

 

[Phantom]

Imagine how much I need to control this with my AC models

Way beyond my imagination

 

[YesterAirlines]

I've been doing more work on the YT channel recently and following yesterday's written review I thought I'd have a go at a vid version for that audience. Lovely model.