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

 

[Lightsnack87]

I disagree that wanting an all-diecast models is snobbery (how dare a consumer expect anything to come as proclaimed). If a model is advertised as diecast, then it's primary components (fuselage, wings, and stabs) should absolutely be made of some sort of metal. Taking a model out of the box and being able to bend any of the aforementioned sections is less than acceptable for something that costs on average of $50. I agree that certain detailing that can be accomplished in 1/400 can sometimes be better when done in plastic, but that's a hybrid in my opinion.

Manufacturers certainly get away with false advertising in this area.

 

[DaveSoda]

I disagree that wanting an all-diecast models is snobbery (how dare a consumer expect anything to come as proclaimed). If a model is advertised as diecast, then it's primary components (fuselage, wings, and stabs) should absolutely be made of some sort of metal. Taking a model out of the box and being able to bend any of the aforementioned sections is less than acceptable for something that costs on average of $50. I agree that certain detailing that can be accomplished in 1/400 can sometimes be better when done in plastic, but that's a hybrid in my opinion.

Manufacturers certainly get away with false advertising in this area.

Mate, you need to be a lawyer, what total garbage. There is a way that you and the original poster can be satisfied...................leave the hobby. What a senseless waste of a post.

 

[MacSergey]

Mate, you need to be a lawyer, what total garbage. There is a way that you and the original poster can be satisfied...................leave the hobby. What a senseless waste of a post.

what about not tell people what to do? I explained my frustration as a customer that in my opinion it is misleading to use such big plastic parts and call it diecast model. next time they make plastic wings and after that entire model will be plastic, where is the edge what is acceptable and what not?
it is absolutelly fine that others dont care, but I do care. in other case someone wont buy a model becouse its nose shape is slightly off or a reg number has wrong font, but I would. all of us has different priorities

 

[JJ Skippy]

I guess this is another topic that has to have those bad apples pitch in and stronger disagreements follow as a result. Already on models, we have the wheels being made of rubber, some stabilizers are plastic, and we have entire lines of models that are solely plastic or resin in 3D printing! I think that's a great alternative since we can get aircraft types that are impossible to do in diecast, mainly due to their tiny dimensions. I love having a Beechcraft 1900D with full airline liveries, something I never expected to be reality a few years ago.

 

[Tropicalista]

As per chatpgt:

A model can be considered diecast when it is mainly made using a metal casting process called die casting.





In practical terms:

• Main material: it should be made primarily of metal (usually a zinc alloy like Zamak), not just plastic.
• Production method: molten metal is injected into a mold under high pressure.
• Weight and feel: it is typically heavier and more solid than plastic models.
• Details: often includes opening parts (doors, hood) and finer detailing, especially in car models.

Important:


A model is not truly diecast if:

• it is mostly plastic with only a few metal parts
• or it only looks metallic but wasn’t made using the die casting process

In short:





A model is diecast when its main body is formed by casting metal in a mold, not just because it appears to be metal.





At least a model can have plastic parts.

From my side I prefer the plastic wings, that are more flexible, like the real plane, and also the gear with “rubber” (I hope is the right word -like for the tyres)

 

[B767Avia]

I'd always pick a model with a better mould that has plastic components, than an all-diecast mould that doesn't look like the real thing. It would only matter to me when there are two equally accurate options and only one heavily uses plastic -- very unlikely to happen the last time I checked.

 

[Lightsnack87]

Mate, you need to be a lawyer, what total garbage. There is a way that you and the original poster can be satisfied...................leave the hobby. What a senseless waste of a post.

It's an opinion. One I'm entitled to. Leave the hobby, that's funny. By all means, continue to defend manufacturers that are willing to compromise because you're not interested in demanding a certain standard in what you buy. Lazy. If people buy a diecast model, expecting a diecast model, and get 'mostly' a diecast model and they aren't satisfied about it, they have the right to say so. And if other collectors agree with that, that's their prerogative too.

Calling people snobs is name calling, something I've never done on here. If you don't like my opinion, please by all means say so, but your dramatics are silly.

 

[GoLithuania]

Guys. People are entitled to opinions. Mods, please close this thread