| A new type of hobby that is increasing in popularity | | | | This scale has been dominated by Herpa Wings, but |
| these days is collecting model airplanes based on | | | | other companies such as Aeroclassics and Starjets |
| commercial airlines (Airliners). These are usually | | | | have introduced models as of late. The details are |
| die-cast models of commercial airliners such as Pan | | | | good, but not as nice in comparison to the other two |
| Am, Eastern, Delta, American, etc. | | | | scales. A couple of years ago Herpa increased the |
| The newest models are extremely well made, and | | | | quality and details on their models, making them now |
| because they are painted and do not use decals, the | | | | first class. |
| quality is very high. There are three scales that have | | | | Where to buy |
| become the most popular for these models: 1:200, | | | | Usually you have to buy these models via mail, internet |
| 1:400 and 1:500. What this means is that, for example, a | | | | or eBay. Very few hobby shops carry inventory on |
| plane that is 1:200 scale is 200 times smaller than the | | | | these models. One way to collect these planes is by |
| original plane, but it keeps all the proportions exactly. | | | | airline liveries. Airline will change their liveries (colors and |
| 1:200 Scale | | | | logos) throughout their life. For example, United Airlines |
| This scale is relatively new, and it is currently being | | | | has changed its livery four times since it started flying. |
| supplied by companies such as Gemini Jets, Hogan, | | | | Another type of collection could be planes or airlines |
| Herpa Wings, Phoenix, Skymarks, Aviation 200, and | | | | that have disappeared. For example, Eastern, TWA, |
| Inflight. The details on these models are outstanding. | | | | Concorde, etc. |
| They usually have rotating wheels, and some have | | | | A third collection (my personal favorite) is to collect |
| rotating fans inside the engine nacelles. They are a bit | | | | special liveries, especially those from foreign airlines. |
| pricey, but they are the nicest of the three. | | | | Sometimes airlines will paint their planes to celebrate a |
| 1:400 Scale | | | | special occasion, or just for fun to look different. |
| This scale has been around for a while. It is currently | | | | Collecting these liveries is great because they usually |
| supplied by companies such as Gemini Jets, Dragon | | | | will add a lot of color and diversity to your collection. |
| Wings, Aeroclassics, Phoenix, Herpa Wings, JC Wings, | | | | Due to the fact that these type of models are usually |
| and Jet-X. The two most dominant companies on this | | | | produced in limited quantities, the value of your |
| scale are Gemini Jets and Dragon Wings. They have | | | | collection will increase with time. |
| the most models available. These models are also | | | | Model airplane collecting is a hobby for both young and |
| very detailed, and about half the price compared to the | | | | old, men or women, and it will give you a lifetime of |
| 1:200 scale. | | | | happiness and joy. |
| 1:500 Scale | | | | |