They key is to get the Panda and NG models of EBay Stores that already have them in stock. I do, think some of their models are pretty good. The art on the boxes is also pretty nice.

NG may have the greatest model of all time. After the friendly skies FO smashed that 76, they created a model of a 76 with company livery but the metal subsection that was under repair.

I’ve been a long time model collector, I bought all types and scales. I decided to dive into 1/144 plastic kits and built them myself as I’d done ships in the past. They came out unbelievable way better than any Gemini jets or those big 1/100 scale resin ones. Yeah it took a few months to build paint and decal, but the results were well worth it. Plus you can customize it any way you want. If you like having a little project that you can spend 30 minutes a day working on, I highly recommend. And once you build one the next one is just that much easier. Pro tip, buy two sets of decals as you will mess the first one up.

I collect Gemini Jets 1:400.

I have some models that have appreciated up to $300-500. I haven’t bought in some time, since my display is pretty full.

1:400 are very small. But you need less space than a 1:100-200 (which are prettier than the 400).

Any opinions on ....

https://www.aviatorgear.com/

or

​​​​​​https://diecastairplanestore.com/

Factory Direct Models. I have several custom models from them. Great service and attention to detail. Not cheap, but I think a good value for custom work. They will send pictures of the model for your approval before it’s complete. I had them make a couple of changes to one of my models because the striping looked wrong and they fixed it no problem.

factorydirectmodels.com

Mantra

NG may have the greatest model of all time. After the friendly skies FO smashed that 76, they created a model of a 76 with company livery but the metal subsection that was under repair.[/QUOTE]

I agree, I love NG. I mostly collect 1/400 to display at my model airport, and NG makes overall the best 1/400 models. I collect in smaller amounts 1/200 for display purposes. I mostly order from Diecastairplanestore (previous link) and have never had a problem with them out of the hundreds of planes I’ve purchased from them. Have my first NG 1/200 coming soon, the Delta 757-200, excited for that, looks to be a better mold than Gemini’s 75.

I do really like the gemini models, but the stands that come with them are not sturdy for how heavy the diecast can be. I've had a model fall off the stand and get damaged, since then I don't put them on stands anymore. The Skymarks models have great sturdy stands but the models aren't nearly as detailed.

Do any of these do 1:150 of the A330? I've got every DL plane I've flown in that scale and plan on retiring off the 330 and would like to complete the collection.

atlantic-models.com.
I’ve toured their facility (Miami). You can even specify which type motor you want depending on airline. Not cheap, but I doubt there’s any better.