Plastic parts - is it still diecast?

[Arcturus]

Despite the conventional wisdom that people should generally enjoy the hobby itself, rather than let a few minor details get the best of them, I somewhat agree that a model definitely has a much more premium feel to it when utilizing specific materials as apart of their overall product. My go-to motto for model collecting is that the closer a model resembles the actual in-real-life aircraft, all the better — that could be mimicking the rubber wheels from a 1:1 aircraft (instead of plastic tires for the landing gears), to resembling similar metal/aluminum alloy from the 1:1 using die-cast metal, to stabilizers deriving from similar material, etc., all of which are used in similar tone for a 1:400 or 1:200 with some selective models out there. It is obviously not the same exact material used from an actual plane, no doubt. This is also acknowledging that composite materials are more increasingly common, but it gets the general point across. Hence, 1:200s are great in that aspect with the amount of increased detailing and much more precision + premium feel you get for the price you pay — understandably it comes at a common cost of space and budgeting. If such advocates welcome all levels of criticism (from the tiniest to the largest critics), then so be it - no one is holding you back. Just be weary of potentially injecting personal bias as that should be strayed away upon (quite a few examples in the past I’ve seen here before), as well as keeping it as respectful as possible. My two cents — as aforementioned before, we are all in this hobby to enjoy it together; let’s stray away from such hostility and unnecessarily jabbing at others on here.

 

[Clyde Puffer Pacific 3182]

Personally, I’m unopposed to diecast models utilising some plastic parts. As long as the model quality is still adequate, I believe it should be fine. I do understand that some will prefer full diecast parts, and I can understand that it does detract a little bit from the premise of a diecast model. However this isn’t a new thing for modelling. Dragon Wings always used plastic for anything that wasn’t the fuselage. Even though Dragon Wings doesn’t produce any 1:400 airliners anymore, plastic is still going to stay within this hobby. With the introduction of 3D Design Deck’s range of both 1:400 and 1:200 3D printed models, there is definitely a place for plastic within the hobby.

Additionally sometimes plastic can be necessary for certain aspects of a model. The Gemini Jets 737 mould is assembled with all diecast components, however it is a bit of a tail sitter if tilted back far enough. When unprompted the model sits fine. I have heard that some JC Wings 737s utilise plastic horizontal stabilisers. Considering that both Gemini and JC share moulds, I assume JC might utilise plastic stabilisers to combat the tail heaviness. I could be wrong, and if someone has the correct information on that subject, feel free to quote this post and correct me.

Overall I think the inclusion of plastic components is fine. It would be nice if it were disclosed though, but overall I don’t care that much. As long as I get my model intact and it’s of decent quality, then I’m happy. Obviously if you disagree with me, then that’s fine, you collect what you want to collect. It’s your collection. Enjoy the hobby, have fun collecting. I respect the opinions of other individuals, however I don’t necessarily agree with every remark that has been made in this thread. I’d advise we keep things civil in here.

Thanks for reading, lads.

 

[IndyJets]

Sometimes, plastic parts are necessary for weight and balance purposes (to avoid being tail heavy).

 

[MIAv8Diecast]

Sometimes, plastic parts are necessary for weight and balance purposes (to avoid being tail heavy).

One could argue that’s a problem then with a specific manufactures mold and the quality they put forward. Example NG’s 737-900 has die-cast horizontal stabs and isn’t tail heavy VS Gemini’s 737-900 that has plastic horizontal stabs because it is tail heavy. NG pulls off a better mold and uses only die cast parts for a better result.