NG & AeroPolaris A350 cockpit window printing too high (comparison)

[Battlecry]

Recent NG Model A350 releases have been plagued with cockpit printing errors that ruin the distinctive look of the A350's nose. The cockpit window is painted too high up on the fuselage, giving the aircraft the appearance of a long, pointed nose. Some recent model releases with this issue in my collection include the latest A350-1000 Virigin Atlantic (G-VNVR), A350-900 Emirates, A350-1000 Japan Air Lines, and the recent A350-900 Swiss release. Years prior, NG's original A350 releases didn't suffer this issue; I've had the SAS Scandinavian Airlines, Aeroflot, Virgin Atlantic (G-VEVE) and Singapore Airlines in my collection.

Looking at release photos, the recent Cathay Pacific 80th anniversary suffers the same issue, so I decided to give AeroPolaris a try since they reportedly use a very similar mould to NG & Panda. Unfortunately, to my disappointment, AeroPolaris suffers the exact same cockpit printing issue.

AeroPolaris Cathay Pacific vs. Old NG Model A350 Aeroflot (2021 release):



NG A350 Virgin Atlantic G-VEVE (2021 release) vs. NG A350 Virgin Atlantic G-VNVR (2026 release):



NG A350 Virgin G-VNVR (2026 release) vs. Aviation400 A350 Etihad Airways (2019 release):

 

[777-300ER]

They also print too low sometimes

 

[Battlecry]

They also print too low sometimes

I am curious to ask which specific models had this issue, and if you have any pictures to share. I don't think I've had one with the cockpit printed too low yet.

 

[Timmy186GTR]

I am curious to ask which specific models had this issue, and if you have any pictures to share. I don't think I've had one with the cockpit printed too low yet.

The recent Philippines A350-1000 from NG has it printed way too low.

 

[777-300ER]

AeroPolaris Cathay Pacific vs. Old NG Model A350 Aeroflot (2021 release):

View attachment 71595

NG A350 Virgin Atlantic G-VEVE (2021 release) vs. NG A350 Virgin Atlantic G-VNVR (2026 release):

View attachment 71600

I have the 2021 and 2026 versions of the Virgin Atlantic A350 from NG and the 2026 version is more accurate. Also, the CX 80th cockpit looks more realistic than the Aeroflot from this picture.

I found the newer NG A350 more accurate than what they used to do. I don’t think this is a right thing to encourage them to make lower cockpit windows They better focus on a consistant accurate shape and size

 

[Battlecry]

I have the 2021 and 2026 versions of the Virgin Atlantic A350 from NG and the 2026 version is more accurate. Also, the CX 80th cockpit looks more realistic than the Aeroflot from this picture.

I found the newer NG A350 more accurate than what they used to do. I don’t think this is a right thing to encourage them to make lower cockpit windows They better focus on a consistant accurate shape and size

After looking at more pictures of the real thing, you might be right to some extent. I'm noticing the cockpit window scale differs on some models, which could account for the perception of it being too high or too low compared to the real thing. Another issue might actually be with the NG / AP mould having a too-pronounced indent under the cockpit, giving it a more pointed appearance. The indent below the cockpit is more subtle on the real thing.

The AP A350 CX door and cabin windows also appear to be printed too high.

 

[airlinestrategist]

Indeed the AeroPolaris CX A350-900 has its window line & cockpit printed higher than before.

But I’m not complaining AP nor NG Models after taking a look at CX’s “official” 1/400 models set:

https://lifestyle.asiamiles.com/en/HK/p/CXB_0737_50001/80th-anniversary-special-livery-model-aircraft-set-1:400

Then zoom in & take a look at the shoddy quality…

No photos copied here, otherwise legal action may ensue [chuckle].

Have a laugh at least.

 

[planes_on_a_shelf]

I have the 2021 and 2026 versions of the Virgin Atlantic A350 from NG and the 2026 version is more accurate. Also, the CX 80th cockpit looks more realistic than the Aeroflot from this picture.

I found the newer NG A350 more accurate than what they used to do. I don’t think this is a right thing to encourage them to make lower cockpit windows They better focus on a consistant accurate shape and size

Agree. They messed up the PAL & CZ Greater Bay, but it's close to perfect on the recent Starlux, JAL, CX 80, BAs & Virgin, to cite a few
Let's not fix what ain't broken

Look what's happened to their 777s

AP's is low - just like the early NGs

 

[mark4323]

Indeed the AeroPolaris CX A350-900 has its window line & cockpit printed higher than before.

But I’m not complaining AP nor NG Models after taking a look at CX’s “official” 1/400 models set:

https://lifestyle.asiamiles.com/en/HK/p/CXB_0737_50001/80th-anniversary-special-livery-model-aircraft-set-1:400

Then zoom in & take a look at the shoddy quality…

No photos copied here, otherwise legal action may ensue [chuckle].

Have a laugh at least.

It's like the person who is applying the tampo print runs past the model and throws it.

PS there hasn't been much info about the 3rd special livery 777-300ER B-KQU released yesterday. It will be a difficult livery to reproduce.

https://twitter.com/x/status/2030054915012247924

 

[airlinestrategist]

It's like the person who is applying the tampo print runs past the model and throws it.

PS there hasn't been much info about the 3rd special livery

https://twitter.com/x/status/2030054915012247924

The 3rd one is the new “Spirit of Hong Kong”, inspired by watercolours depicting mountains.

Some local spotters think it resembles moulds, however.

 

[planes_on_a_shelf]

The 3rd one is the new “Spirit of Hong Kong”, inspired by watercolours depicting mountains.

Some local spotters think it resembles moulds, however.

'made using AI' as they were proudly parading it a couple of days ago
LOL

 

[qweyrhgf]

The 3rd one is the new “Spirit of Hong Kong”, inspired by watercolours depicting mountains.

Some local spotters think it resembles moulds, however.

I only can say:What the hell do I know about art.
And this is supposed to be called "watercolors depicting mountains/HK natural landscape"? If you hadn't told me, I would have thought some kid drew it. It's absolutely awful!
Rather than calling it the Spirit of Hong Kong/80th anniversary, it's more like a promotional advertisement for the West Kowloon Cultural District.乛_乛

 

[qweyrhgf]

 

[planes_on_a_shelf]

Some local spotters think it resembles moulds, however.

Cordyceps Pacifispiritus
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
(channeling 'The Last of Us')

 

[Battlecry]

After looking at more pictures of the real thing, you might be right to some extent. I'm noticing the cockpit window scale differs on some models, which could account for the perception of it being too high or too low compared to the real thing. Another issue might actually be with the NG / AP mould having a too-pronounced indent under the cockpit, giving it a more pointed appearance. The indent below the cockpit is more subtle on the real thing.

The AP A350 CX door and cabin windows also appear to be printed too high.

The Aviation 400 (at least the older releases, as I don't have any current releases) mould has the best cockpit window height.
The new NGs (A350 Virgin as an example) are definitely too high, but some of the new ones do have them printed too low.

 

[777-300ER]

it's close to perfect on the recent Starlux, JAL, CX 80, BAs & Virgin, to cite a few
Let's not fix what ain't broken

This was perfect: B-LXA, B-LXB

 

[Battlecry]

The new AeroPolaris A350-1000 Virgin Atlantic has better cockpit placement than the recent NG releases. The issue is the front (windshield) windows being too narrow, giving it the impression the cockpit is printed too low on the fuselage.

As an aside, I like the matte paint AeroPolaris used for the base color. The paint NG uses looks too sparkly.

Aviation400 A350 G-VPOP vs AeroPolaris A350 G-VTEA


NG A350 Virgin G-VNVR (2026) vs AP A350 Virgin G-VTEA


AP A350 CX 80th vs AP A350 Virgin G-VTEA


Compared to a real A350:

 

[Battlecry]

Agree. They messed up the PAL & CZ Greater Bay, but it's close to perfect on the recent Starlux, JAL, CX 80, BAs & Virgin, to cite a few
Let's not fix what ain't broken

Look what's happened to their 777s

AP's is low - just like the early NGs

If you are talking about the StarLux Carbon Fiber release by NG, on the example I received the cockpit windows are the same height as my older NG A350s, which is considerably lower than the new NG Virgin Atlantic & British Airways releases.