Model Collecting

Collecting Overview.

There are several different scales of models to choose from, the current most popular highly collectable scale is 1/400. Another new one is the 1/200 scale. Remember that the collectable scales are die-cast aircraft, typically your 1/200 or other larger size snap together aircraft. There are several scales that are available, at Upper Midwest we will cover the collectable scales that are popular, those include 1/200, 1/250, 1/400 and 1/500. Here you should be able to find all the information you need to get started with a collection or continue expanding and learning more about your collection. Prices for many of the aircraft in the scales that we cover range from $21.95-$249.99 (retail). We hope you enjoy the information on this page and that you will refer to Upper Midwest for more information.

Scale Sizes (examples of popular aircraft, not all scales have the same aircraft available)

• 1/200

Aircraft	Wing Span (Inches)	Length (inches)	Height (inches)
Airbus A319	6.61	6.6	2.3
Airbus A320	6.65	7.33	2.29
Airbus A321	6.65	8.68	2.29
Boeing 737-800	6.69	7.78	2.45
Boeing 747-400	12.57	13.78	3.79
Boeing 757-200	7.42	9.23	2.64
Boeing 787-800	11.47	10.82	3.3
Douglas DC-9-30	5.55	7.09	1.63
Douglas DC-10-30	9.83	10.74	3.45

 

• 1/250

Aircraft	Wing Span (Inches)	Length (inches)	Height (inches)
Boeing 737-800	5.35	6.16	1.96
Douglas DC-3	4.68	3.07	0.80
Douglas DC-8-61	6.77	8.91	2.02
Douglas MD-80	5.12	7.04	1.41

 

• 1/400 (Has nearly every aircraft available)

Aircraft	Wing Span (Inches)	Length (inches)	Height (inches)
Airbus A319	3.31	3.30	1.15
Airbus A320	3.32	3.66	1.15
Airbus A321	3.32	4.34	1.15
Airbus A330-300	5.88	6.21	1.64
Airbus A340-300	5.88	6.21	1.63
Airbus A380	7.78	7.09	2.35
Boeing 717	2.77	3.69	0.87
Boeing 727	3.21	4.55	1.01
Boeing 737-800	3.34	3.85	1.22
Boeing 747-400	6.28	6.89	1.89
Boeing 757-200	3.71	4.61	1.32
Boeing 767-300	4.64	5.35	1.54
Boeing 777-200	5.94	6.21	1.81
Boeing 787-800	5.73	5.41	1.65
Douglas DC-9	2.78	3.55	0.82
Douglas DC-10	4.91	5.37	1.72
Douglas MD-11	5.07	6.00	1.72
Douglas MD-80	3.2	4.4	0.88

 

• 1/500

Aircraft	Wing Span (Inches)	Length (inches)	Height (inches)
Airbus A319	2.64	2.64	0.92
Airbus A320	2.66	2.93	0.92
Airbus A321	2.66	3.47	0.92
Airbus A330-300	4.70	4.97	1.31
Airbus A340-300	4.70	4.97	1.31
Airbus A380	6.22	5.67	1.88
Boeing 717	2.22	2.95	0.69
Boeing 727	2.57	3.64	0.81
Boeing 737-800	2.68	3.08	0.98
Boeing 747-400	5.03	5.51	1.51
Boeing 757-200	2.97	3.69	1.06
Boeing 767-300	3.71	4.29	1.24
Boeing 777-200	4.75	4.97	1.44
Boeing 787-800	4.59	4.33	1.32
Douglas DC-9	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available
Douglas DC-10	3.93	4.29	1.38
Douglas MD-11	4.05	4.80	1.37
Douglas MD-80	2.56	3.52	0.71

 

Overview

Overall the best are 1/400 in our opinion, they are mid priced and very detailed and well done. They are also highly collectable. They also have several aircraft available as well as most airlines. As for the 1/200 and 1/250 scale they offer fewer aircraft and airlines, however, they do allow for more detail, especially on the smaller parts and are more collectable, or even with 1/400. These models are typically more pricey, for instance a 747-400 will run you $199.00 retail. 1/500, allows for more models in one space, this scale thanks to Herpa also has almost every aircraft with many airlines, including many of the smaller ones. However, they are less collectable and sacrafice quality for example take a look at this American MD-80, this is a typical example of how many of the models are. The nose section or tail section, like the American MD-80 are often off.

Manufactures

There are several manufactures, such as Aeroclassics, Gemini Jets, Herpa, Dragon Wings, Seattle Model Aircraft, JetX, Aviation 400, Starjets, Phoenix, and many more.

Retailers

We have compiled a list of some of retailers here in the United States.

• Jet Collector
• Jetway Models
• Adam Jets
• Die Cast Airplane
• Airline Museum.com
• Aerojets
• Collectable Jets
• The Airplane Shop

Gallery of Models

• Here are a few of the aircraft from our collection!