Wings900 - Herpa JAL Boeing 777-300ER 1:400

Wings900 Model Review Reviewer: Jim Klug Model Photographs � Jim Klug Real Aircraft Photo Courtesy of JetPhotos.net
*Airline*	*Make/Model*	*Manufacturer*	*Scale*
	Boeing 777-300ER		1:400

*Introduction*
	JAL has decided in favor of the latest Boeing offering. The 777-300ER has a range of more than 13,000 kilometers, which means it can be operated on the classic longhaul routes of the 747 to America and Europe. JA732J is the second of a future total of eight jets of this type. Product ID: 561303

The Model

Ahhh a big twin in a bigger scale. I am admittedly not an expert in 1:400 scale planes, so I am not familiar with the planes and moulds of the other manufacturers. However, I was excited to see this model land on my desk for a review. My enthusiasm was well rewarded as I was blown away by the model when I opened the box and started inspecting the latest 1:400 777 from Herpa. Let me show you want I like (and dislike) about this fine bird.

The nose section is done very well and even if it might be a little bit too pointy, it does feel like a 777. The cockpit section is well done and the frames are the right thickness and are positioned at the correct angles. The front gear is positioned correctly and the detail is really good. The gear door looks good and the detail is also spot-on. And did you notice what I did on the nose? Yipee - even if they are a tad too long, finally the pitot probes. Just look at the detail.... the door looks fantastic with all that detail. The connectors, flag, probes, and other small fuselage details are everywhere on this model. The only minor problem is the red ramp positioning mark to the right of the front door - it should line up with the bottom of the door. Look at the plugged passenger windows - and the right ones are plugged too!

Moving on to the back of the plane. Here we can see the fantaastic metal wing with its crisp detail and all of the details you would expect. The raked wingtip is also done well. The details here are also fantastic - the doors, the registration and the UNICEF logo are all nicely done and look good. Although some diecast purists might not like it, the horizontal and vertical stabilizers are plastic. They are however, thick enough to avoid the translucent effect in Herpa's smaller 1:500 scale tails. The Vertical stabilizer looks good with the Rising Sun part of the livery nicely reproduced along with the leading edge. It would be nice if the mould would flatten out where the horizontal stabilizers meet the fueselage. And I think the tail section of the mould looks a little bit too fat The APU exhaust is the standard printed one and does the job well.

Now on to the wings and engine. Herpa gives us a three tone engine that has plenty of printed details. It is really nicely done and all I am waiting for is the rotation markings on the fan. The pylon fits nicely and there are no visible seams or gaps - which is nice. I think it is a little bit too thick and should only go to the first half of the engine nacelle, not two-thirds like we see here. The wing gap is a no-show - great job guys! And details such as the printed lights really make this model cool. Have a look at the antennas, strobe light and cargo door details - simply fantastic. I am however left wondering why they didn't print the rain gutters.

There really isn't much to say about the JAL livery. I thought eurowhite liveries were boring but this one....The JAL here lines up correctly and is the correct size along with the Japan Air lines.

Final Thoughts

A fantastic model with the details we love to see. You won't be disappointed getting this one. I am not an avid 1:400 collector, but I must say, if they keep on producing models like this one, I'm going to get hooked mighty fast.

Rating

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