Model Review - United Airlines Boeing 727-200 by Gemini Jets

[YesterAirlines]

While it has been pleasing to see more 727s from Gemini recently this is the first one I've felt the need to acquire since the mould isn't really an upgrade on the Aeroclassics and somewhat ironically changes made to it have not necessarily been improvements. As is often the case with GJ models there's a sense of penny-pinching and lack of care about the model, all the more galling because GJ's 200 scale 727 is excellent.

United Airlines | Boeing 727-222 | N7620U | Gemini Jets

A detailed model review of a Gemini Jets United Airlines Boeing 727-200 in 400 scale

www.yesterdaysairlines.com

 

[Jazajia]

Good read overall.

I always liked the GJ mold better than the others. It is amazing how no one can gett the tail right on the 727 in 1:400. GJ had it, but they destroyed it when they got rid of the seam. Otherwise, I would have given GJ a vote over the Witty mold, but now that's not the case, and I look forward to those V1:400.

GJ still has a pretty good nose. You point out that it has been modified to look pointier, but I am not sure if the mold has been physically altered. I think the pointier look is the result of polishing, etc.

I have worked with Several GJ Planet Airways 722 for custom projects, and when you get close and personal, you can see variations in the nose shape (as well as other areas) among different units in the same production run. Again, on average, GJ 727s have very good noses.

One last observation I wanted to make is that I am pretty certain the same basic artwork was shared among the 1:200 and 1:400 versions. Some of the variations seen have to do with the different molds and scales, and some adjustments might have been made to make it fit. It's hard to tell if the colors changed based on online photos, but I have to think that the tampo printer can be loaded with a different color paint to apply the same artwork file.

 

[JJ Skippy]

Looking forward to picking this one up soon. Despite its woes I’m still excited about this one.

 

[YesterAirlines]

Good read overall.

I always liked the GJ mold better than the others. It is amazing how no one can gett the tail right on the 727 in 1:400. GJ had it, but they destroyed it when they got rid of the seam. Otherwise, I would have given GJ a vote over the Witty mold, but now that's not the case, and I look forward to those V1:400.

GJ still has a pretty good nose. You point out that it has been modified to look pointier, but I am not sure if the mold has been physically altered. I think the pointier look is the result of polishing, etc.

I have worked with Several GJ Planet Airways 722 for custom projects, and when you get close and personal, you can see variations in the nose shape (as well as other areas) among different units in the same production run. Again, on average, GJ 727s have very good noses.

Yeah I actually prefer the older Gemini 727s with the seamed tail and non-rolling gears. I'm certainly not saying the V1:400s Witty 727 mould is much better (or even better at all). It is in some ways and not in others. None of these old 727s are great by modern standards.

One last observation I wanted to make is that I am pretty certain the same basic artwork was shared among the 1:200 and 1:400 versions. Some of the variations seen have to do with the different molds and scales, and some adjustments might have been made to make it fit. It's hard to tell if the colors changed based on online photos, but I have to think that the tampo printer can be loaded with a different color paint to apply the same artwork file.

Indeed but the colours are clearly stated on the artwork so it shouldn't happen and on this one the antiglare region is definitely different too. I know United provide no assistance with colours of old liveries though.

 

[bakejobb_23]

While I didn’t get the United and probably won’t as it doesn’t fit my criteria, I did pick up the Pan Am and Delta Shuttle examples. Figured it may be relevant to post my photos for comparison sake for others I like how they turned out even though I do agree with your criticisms of the mould. It looks “close enough” to a real 727 unlike the 737s usually do from Gemini/JC…passes the quick “eyeball test” so to say.

I’m excited to see how the V1:400s finally turn out as I hope to get one of the 727s once they finally hit retailers!

 

[LeoMuse747]

I agree with the consensus above. I also like the GJ 727 mould, despite knowing it is far from perfect. The poor fitment of the number 2 engine exhaust hurts my eyes sometimes, though. I wish Gemini could take care of this issue but I guess it won't happen anytime soon. Despite this, it's great to see more 727s being released by them