Updated Aeroclassics 727-200 Tailcone

[YesterAirlines]

Last week I received the first of the modified 727-200s from Aeroclassics. I'd seen some calling this a new mould, which it isn't really. The only difference I can see is at the tailcone. Here's a comparison of the old, new and real. I'm not sure what to think about this change to be honest.

 

[LeoMuse747]

In my opinion, it's a big improvement, although the true shape still isn't there
That old design looked like a big wine cork shoved up at the tail.

 

[Phantom]

Defilitely improves the looks, I'd say from "bad" to "sub-standard"

 

[Purpleplane]

I think it looks better...but the tailpipe went from too big to too small.

 

[YesterAirlines]

I'm really not sure about it. The original was definitely a bit chunky, but did try and replicate the correct shape where the exhaust meets the tail and lower fuselage. The new one completely lacks the detail in that area and looks a little too long with a too small exhaust nozzle. I can't decide which I prefer.

I also find it interesting that there is so little discussion of these kind of changes when changes to an NG mould get huge coverage and criticism. Is it just that so few people care about classics nowadays, or is it there's a general expectation that when you buy this brand you're getting what you're getting or is it that people are too scared to discuss this for fear of upsetting certain individuals?

 

[LeoMuse747]

I'm really not sure about it. The original was definitely a bit chunky, but did try and replicate the correct shape where the exhaust meets the tail and lower fuselage. The new one completely lacks the detail in that area and looks a little too long with a too small exhaust nozzle. I can't decide which I prefer.

I also find it interesting that there is so little discussion of these kind of changes when changes to an NG mould get huge coverage and criticism. Is it just that so few people care about classics nowadays, or is it there's a general expectation that when you buy this brand you're getting what you're getting or is it that people are too scared to discuss this for fear of upsetting certain individuals?

I'd say it's because NG is overhyped and people tend to trust in them way too much.

 

[JJ Skippy]

I think it’s the expectation that you get what you pay for with Aeroclassics.

 

[boeing737sjcboy]

I think it's a big improvement but not a true representation, but way better imo

 

[planes_on_a_shelf]

I also find it interesting that there is so little discussion of these kind of changes when changes to an NG mould get huge coverage and criticism. Is it just that so few people care about classics nowadays, or is it there's a general expectation that when you buy this brand you're getting what you're getting or is it that people are too scared to discuss this for fear of upsetting certain individuals?

This is pertinent.
I'd say it's what you mention - you get what you get - and the collector has no other option, and no real say in terms of the mould.

Since they're the sole manufacturer of these sought after types - and there's no possibility of any preview before purchase due to specific demand and limited numbers.

While the new cast is definitely cleaner and sleeker - as you point out, the top and bottom 'processes' or 'bumps' would have added so much more - the earlier one looked blotchy and messy most of the time

 

[Purpleplane]

Ideally, the #2 tailpipe should look just like the #1 and #3 tailpipes....The #2 engine is just turned 90 degrees when mounted in the #2 position.

 

[MIAv8Diecast]

I'm really not sure about it. The original was definitely a bit chunky, but did try and replicate the correct shape where the exhaust meets the tail and lower fuselage. The new one completely lacks the detail in that area and looks a little too long with a too small exhaust nozzle. I can't decide which I prefer.

I also find it interesting that there is so little discussion of these kind of changes when changes to an NG mould get huge coverage and criticism. Is it just that so few people care about classics nowadays, or is it there's a general expectation that when you buy this brand you're getting what you're getting or is it that people are too scared to discuss this for fear of upsetting certain individuals?

I think there is just a certain expectation in the air when it comes to Aeroclassics… Just observing what the community says about them and their methodology.. To me it screams “We upgraded the mold so if you have any issues with it, you can pound sand”. I’m basing this off of the attitudes I have observed. This basically leaves the collector in the position of just settling on what they’re given and unfortunately nobody has stepped up to the plate and provided a better 727 mold that we all deserve. If that’s the attitude Aeroclassics wants to carry, I am more than happy to see a competitor eat away at their market share if a new mold came to market.

 

[MIAv8Diecast]

I would say that’s pretty far fetched to call it an upgrade.. Even if before the nozzle was to large, at least it carried more detail. Call it a pig with lipstick I suppose.

 

[planes_on_a_shelf]

Ideally, the #2 tailpipe should look just like the #1 and #3 tailpipes....The #2 engine is just turned 90 degrees when mounted in the #2 position.

Perhaps a new cast of that piece should have been made to satisfy both locations

 

[MIAv8Diecast]

Perhaps a new cast of that piece should have been made to satisfy both locations

I know Aeroclassics mentioned that they have too many economic pressures to even think about making a new 727 cast given what’s going on with trade recently when I saw criticism of this upgrade. It’s not like they had the last 20 or so years to do it. That’s just an excuse to tell the collector to deal with it as they have no interest in updating anything.