Plastic parts - is it still diecast?

[MacSergey]

The 787 by JC that I got today made me create this topic. I was quite surprised when I found out that all the stabilizers are made of plastic. I think it’s fine when small parts are made of plastic, like antennas and Wi-Fi domes, but not such large and significant parts as stabilizers. I actually consider it misleading, because when you buy a diecast model, you expect it to be fully made of metal. From now on, the JC 787 is on my blacklist, because this is not acceptable to me. However, it still looks fine, and I might consider buying it in the future if it’s a very unique model.

What do you think about using plastic parts in models? Is it acceptable to you?

 

[Starz10p Aviation]

The 787 by JC that I got today made me create this topic. I was quite surprised when I found out that all the stabilizers are made of plastic. I think it’s fine when small parts are made of plastic, like antennas and Wi-Fi domes, but not such large and significant parts as stabilizers. I actually consider it misleading, because when you buy a diecast model, you expect it to be fully made of metal. From now on, the JC 787 is on my blacklist, because this is not acceptable to me. However, it still looks fine, and I might consider buying it in the future if it’s a very unique model.

What do you think about using plastic parts in models? Is it acceptable to you?

I think it’s fine. My Dragon Wings models have plastic parts but I see them as diecast just like I would see my NG Models stuff.

 

[keji833]

I mostly agree on the JC 787 quality, it's a great mould, but just doesn't look as good as AV400 or NG (something is off). However, i think plastic stabilizers are fine. I mean in reality many models are made of that (e.g. NG Y-20), not just JC.

 

[YesterAirlines]

I think this is a non-issue myself. Plastic isn't really inferior to diecast and can allow for better detailing at times. To be honest it feels like snobbery to a degree to have an issue with it. After all there are significant plastic components on most 400 scale models nowadays in areas such as engines, pylons and undercarriage. I don't even keep track of which moulds use plastic for things like stabs but I'm sure that 787 isn't alone.

I own several JC 787s (I'd argue the mould is almost as good as the NG frankly - they look very similar) and hadn't even noticed the stabs were plastic.

As has been mentioned the plastic components on Dragon Wings models didn't make them inferior to other brands (at least it wasn't the plastic's fault) and I don't see why plastic parts on largely diecast models are an issue at all.

 

[Phantom]

What counts is true to scale accuracy regarless of material. Whether this is achieved via plastic injection moulding or diecasting, I don't care.
At least as long as plastic parts are primed and painted instead of using uncoated, pre-colored plastic granulate.

Keep in mind, the very best collectible models ever made were made of plastic - sadly using pre-colored granulate.

 

[1400_Aircraft_Models]

What about gears? The HX/YY/Patriot 747 gears are plastic too.

For me personally it's a mixed bag. I generally prefer diecast but if there's a good reason for plastic usage such as for example model balance, more detailing or to make the model less prone to damage then it works for me as long as the body and wings remain metal I guess... Also assuming the plastic quality is good - no one wants to have a yellowed plane a few years on

 

[JJ Skippy]

JC’s 737s also have plastic parts with the horizontal stabilizer. That one is a little interesting since NG is solid diecast but I don’t have an issue with the JC parts being plastic. It makes me wonder if JC’s mould has an issue with weight distribution, where if the horizontal stabilizers were diecast it would be tail heavy.

 

[LeoMuse747]

I don't mind plastic parts at all. I own several Dragon Wings models, which are quite famous for the plastic wings, and I don't mind. Well, I even own some 3D printed planes, which are made fully of resin!

However, I think a model should cost less if plastic is being used in significant parts.
For example: should a full diecast 787 model cost the same of a 787 with lots of plastic parts?

 

[MIAv8Diecast]

The 787 by JC that I got today made me create this topic. I was quite surprised when I found out that all the stabilizers are made of plastic. I think it’s fine when small parts are made of plastic, like antennas and Wi-Fi domes, but not such large and significant parts as stabilizers. I actually consider it misleading, because when you buy a diecast model, you expect it to be fully made of metal. From now on, the JC 787 is on my blacklist, because this is not acceptable to me. However, it still looks fine, and I might consider buying it in the future if it’s a very unique model.

What do you think about using plastic parts in models? Is it acceptable to you?

I wonder if anyone has noticed this on Gemini releases as well considering they’re the same.

 

[MIAv8Diecast]

Personally not a huge fan when plastic parts are used. Makes me feel production corners were cut with cheaper parts (Talking specifically of stabilizers and wings). That’s one reason I won’t buy the GJ/JC 737-900. If I’m buying die cast I want die cast at the end of the day.

 

[MacSergey]

What about gears? The HX/YY/Patriot 747 gears are plastic too.

For me personally it's a mixed bag. I generally prefer diecast but if there's a good reason for plastic usage such as for example model balance, more detailing or to make the model less prone to damage then it works for me as long as the body and wings remain metal I guess... Also assuming the plastic quality is good - no one wants to have a yellowed plane a few years on

Plastic parts give you none of this

 

[Tropicalista]

From my side is fine too.
And maybe with 787 have more flex xD can be more realistic model