InFlight 200 Price vs. Quality

[Phrog74]

I was just wondering what everyone had to say about the InFlight 200 line of models. I know that there a definitely some really cool liveries and models that I'd love to have, but I'm just not certain I'm willing to pay the price for them. Is the quality really that good? Is it worth the price to pay? I'm becoming an avid collector of the 1:200 scale (I know have 80 models), but I'm just not sure that I want to shell out that much money for some of the models. I know that people tend to like the heft of diecast over resin, but I have to admit that some of the models that Hogan and other manufacturers are producing nowadays are becoming better and better in terms of detail and available liveries. There's definitely still room for improvement. But, the gist of the question is if you choose to buy IF200, what is the tipping point that leans you in that direction?

[eugenevh]

For me it is availability of the airlines I 'love'. I started many years ago with Long Prosper (Flight Miniatures I believe they are called now). Then I went into a difficult financial period where not much was left for models, so I bought books about South African aviation and only recently re-discovered models and found the new 1:200 range. The problem is that most of it was released years ago and is difficult to find, so it costs me an absolute fortune now since the manufacturers seems reluctant to do re-releases - and worse - when they do re-release, they do it with a different registration. This then causes a double dip in my budget as I need to get the new one and STILL need the old reg - :-)

I'm not that fussy about the models themselves, so I am not one which will be able to tell you that the number on windows on the model is one too many. I enjoy the models for the memories they bring back to me of my early youth, when aviation was just 'amazing'.

Bottom line then, for me it's not about the heft (although it does make me feel a bit better for spending so much money, when it actually feels like something weighty in my hands), it is more about the liveries I want. Sorry, not quite the question you asked, but I thought I would make a small contribution to this and maybe inspire others to put their thoughts down.

If you buy one, I'm sure you will not be disappointed. And remember, you can get 15% off from Waffle Collectibles. It will be worth it. Trust me.

[smanish]

Except for their 747 mould rest does not command price that they are asking. DC-10 with funky cockpit windows, bad 737 and 727 mould. DC-8 and L1011 is very good but not many interesting liveries.

[Phrog74]

I think it is the interesting liveries that really pull me in that direction. But, out of 82 models in my collection, not 1 is an IF200 model. I'd love to have a few of the 747SP's that are out there. Who knows...if I ever have the money to spend on things like that, maybe I will buy some of their models.

[DeltaFlyte]

I was just wondering what everyone had to say about the InFlight 200 line of models. I know that there a definitely some really cool liveries and models that I'd love to have, but I'm just not certain I'm willing to pay the price for them. Is the quality really that good? Is it worth the price to pay? I'm becoming an avid collector of the 1:200 scale (I know have 80 models), but I'm just not sure that I want to shell out that much money for some of the models. I know that people tend to like the heft of diecast over resin, but I have to admit that some of the models that Hogan and other manufacturers are producing nowadays are becoming better and better in terms of detail and available liveries. There's definitely still room for improvement. But, the gist of the question is if you choose to buy IF200, what is the tipping point that leans you in that direction?

Honestly, it's the overall quality of the "InFlight 200" product. I have yet to see anything made in resin besides the now defunct "Herpa Premium" line that even came close. This happens to be one of those instances where you really do get what you pay for, at least in my opinion. InFlight 200 is perhaps what you would consider to be the top of the line,and trying to compare a Resin model made by Hogan or even a Die-cast Metal Model made by Gemini Jets to an InFlight 200 is perhaps an insult to the InFlight 200 brand. Don't get me wrong, Gemini Jets makes some great models, and have opened the door for many collectors to be able to afford to buy a good solid die-cast model at a reasonable price (usually not on Ebay though). They also produce larger quantities whereas more people are able to acquire a model in their favorite Airline liveries. Same with Herpa 200 albeit Resin Models, very well made, and packaged exceptionally well...priced much higher than the typical resin model due to the epitome of being the Higher End of the Resin Spectrum.

[DeltaFlyte]

I think it is the interesting liveries that really pull me in that direction. But, out of 82 models in my collection, not 1 is an IF200 model. I'd love to have a few of the 747SP's that are out there. Who knows...if I ever have the money to spend on things like that, maybe I will buy some of their models.

Keep an eye out for "Sales" on Ebay, and at Waffle Collectibles, as well as Jetway Models. You can sometimes find really great deals. Many Ebay Stores buy up Lots of models from InFlight 200 directly and have 5 or more in their inventory to sell off. Most of them often come without the Sleve (Pictured Cover) and that in itself will bring the value down in price in-as-far-as being a collectible goes. Right now there is a Qantas 747-238B (Delivery Colors livery) up for auction on Ebay. It's up to $51.00 with 2 bidders thus far, about 3 days to go. The description states the model is in perfect condition, stored in styrofoam box, just no cardboard box or sleeve as they acquired it from the manufacturer.

[Phrog74]

Well, like I said before, I like a lot of the liveries that they have. I'm just not keen on dropping that kind of money on every model I buy. I understand what you are saying about the quality though. But, I will say that even though some people frown upon them, Hogan has stepped up their game a lot over the past few years. The quality of the models now compared to when I bought my first Hogan is quite a difference.

There's only a few models out there that I would be willing to spend the extra money on, and unfortunately as a full-time student and family man I just don't have the funds to be doing that all the time. I do go on eBay quite a bit to try and see what's out there. But I completely agree with you that a lot of the real gems out there are extremely over-priced because of the black market that is eBay. Like I said, it's just really difficult to dig into my wallet that much on a regular basis. If I could, I would.

And, by the way, Waffle and Jetway are two of the websites that I'm always looking at to see what's available. Michael at Waffle does an outstanding job of acquiring great models for his customers! Real bang up job there!

Thanks for the info. Keep it coming from the rest of you out there. I really want to hear more from everyone on what they think

[DeltaFlyte]

Well, like I said before, I like a lot of the liveries that they have. I'm just not keen on dropping that kind of money on every model I buy. I understand what you are saying about the quality though. But, I will say that even though some people frown upon them, Hogan has stepped up their game a lot over the past few years. The quality of the models now compared to when I bought my first Hogan is quite a difference.

There's only a few models out there that I would be willing to spend the extra money on, and unfortunately as a full-time student and family man I just don't have the funds to be doing that all the time. I do go on eBay quite a bit to try and see what's out there. But I completely agree with you that a lot of the real gems out there are extremely over-priced because of the black market that is eBay. Like I said, it's just really difficult to dig into my wallet that much on a regular basis. If I could, I would.

And, by the way, Waffle and Jetway are two of the websites that I'm always looking at to see what's available. Michael at Waffle does an outstanding job of acquiring great models for his customers! Real bang up job there!

Thanks for the info. Keep it coming from the rest of you out there. I really want to hear more from everyone on what they think

I get the jist of what you're saying about the difference in quality between the Older and Newer Hogan Models. Impressive advances have indeed been very noticible in the production of the newer line of models. Just waiting to see what the near future will bring...hopefully self automated retracting landing gear and Flap extension and retraction. Just a matter of whom perfects the technology first. Gemini has already done the retractable Landing Gear on their line of 1:250 Models albeit pretty much a reproduction of AeroMini's retractable gear (the first large die-cast models produced in Japan back in the 1970's).

I totally agree with you regarding Waffle Collectibles and Jetway Models, two of my favorite online stores. The bulk of my models have been purchased from both stores over the past few years, mainly Waffle's. I also acquired several models from Michael through his Ebay Auctions in the past, always fair in his prices...just hasd to control myself when bidding wars broke out for the rarest models. Another place to look for great prices on 1:400 scale die-cast models is Joe Pilot.com ... it's a General Aviation Store online that also sells die-cast and resin models at rock bottom prices. Came across them a few years back and found several hard to find models that were already sold out everywhere else at closeout sale prices.

Keep up the studies; the higher your education, the better the job opportunities and wages. Just ensure you're studying to work in a field you truely enjoy, success always comes much easier and quicker when you enjoy your job. When it comes to expendable income, Family comes first, Hobbies come last, especially your's...however, always remember, the fun is truely in the hunt for the rarest the of gems.

[Phrog74]

I know of JoePilot. I found them quite a few years ago and snagged some decently priced models from that site. True, it is a bit of a hidden gem out there that I'm not sure most people realize is there. I have to say though that my affinity for 1:400 hasn't taken off just yet. In fact, I don't own a scale model right now that isn't 1:200. I purchased a few Gemini Warbirds quite a few years back, but didn't really like them as much as I'd hoped. I had posted on here a few months back a wish list of military models that I'd like to see. With all of the money that these manufacturers are pulling in with some of their sales, they could stand to put out some new moulds. As for 1:200, there's just something about the size and detail that reel me right in. That's another reason that I ask about IF200. I would REALLY like to have some of their models. But, I could easily drop $1000 just on a handful of models, and that's even buying from Waffle.

I don't really care if they do retractable landing gear as that will shove the price of some of these models into overdrive. I think Hogan and Gemini have a nice touch on a lot of their models by simply being able to remove the gear and put on the gear doors.

Almost don't with school...finally! I spent a bunch of time in the Marines and didn't get started with college until I already had a family. Makes it even tougher to allocate money towards a not so cheap hobby.

[Phrog74]

And IF200 doesn't make it any cheaper!

[DeltaFlyte]

I know of JoePilot. I found them quite a few years ago and snagged some decently priced models from that site. True, it is a bit of a hidden gem out there that I'm not sure most people realize is there. I have to say though that my affinity for 1:400 hasn't taken off just yet. In fact, I don't own a scale model right now that isn't 1:200. I purchased a few Gemini Warbirds quite a few years back, but didn't really like them as much as I'd hoped. I had posted on here a few months back a wish list of military models that I'd like to see. With all of the money that these manufacturers are pulling in with some of their sales, they could stand to put out some new moulds. As for 1:200, there's just something about the size and detail that reel me right in. That's another reason that I ask about IF200. I would REALLY like to have some of their models. But, I could easily drop $1000 just on a handful of models, and that's even buying from Waffle.

I don't really care if they do retractable landing gear as that will shove the price of some of these models into overdrive. I think Hogan and Gemini have a nice touch on a lot of their models by simply being able to remove the gear and put on the gear doors.

Almost don't with school...finally! I spent a bunch of time in the Marines and didn't get started with college until I already had a family. Makes it even tougher to allocate money towards a not so cheap hobby.

I'm familiar with the time constraints of trying to get any College Education under the belt while serving on Active Duty, somehow I managed to pull it off albeit a lot easier to do while serving with the U.S. Navy "Seabees". The Marine Corp can make that rather near next to impossible. I was one of the few luck ones sent off to do a 4 year stint with an Oceanographic Research Unit. We were always under way, and had a team of College Professors onboard for continuing our education. Just seemed to hit the right Duty Stations at the right time. Also helped that my spouse was also in the Navy and that we had no children at that time.

InFlight doesn't come cheap, however, you can run across some fantastic deals on Ebay from time to time. I like to keep an eye out for Auctions on InFlight Models where the cardboard box and/or the sleeve are missing. There's nothing wrong with the model itself, it's perfect, just has no box or sleeve in most cases, although the styrofoam container is intact. Shopstylist on ebay has an Eastern 727-225Adv. (IF722006 - Polished) up for auction starting for $40.00 / $13.00 S&H (no box, no sleeve) with no bids, with 11 hours left on the clock. Someone can get a great deal if a last minute bidding war doesn't break out. It wouldn't surprise me if time runs out with no takers as the majority of people want the entire package. Also keeping an eye on the Qantas 747-238B (delivery colors), 2 bids up to $51.00 with $15.00 S&H, no movement on the $51.00 bid for 2 days with 11 hours or so still left on the clock. Someone will possibly make a killing price wise.

Also, thank you for your Service to our Country, it's greatly appreciated.

[Phrog74]

Thanks for yours as well. I won't say I'm a super stickler about not having a box, but it's nice to have just for the overall value of the model. I'll have to keep my eyes out for some of the good ones.

[fleetlordatvar]

w/ the vets that I've read about so far, maybe the vets can start a group or their own thread to remissness I had to give up JoePilot due to the limited 1/200 selection they carry & jetway models isn't a choice for me either. The owner of jetway models gave his unwarranted request to ignore him on a different forum after i posted about a member who talked the talk, but didn't walk the walk. It's weird that he made it so personal; apparently the guy was his BFF, kin or something. So Waffle is my #1 go to site for 99% of my models & glad he does a good job of selling so many more have the opportunity to get into collecting.


I'm not anal when it comes to the models & i just don't have the experience to see all the defects that a few are always complaining about. From what I've seen so far in my inflight, hogan, Herpa, etc i don't see the "value" of inflight. I find it most times that the inflight are just heavier. A lot of times the details aren't that much better if any from the Herpa & sometimes the Hogan.

P.S. (i hope the post makes sense as i wrote it while sleep deprived)

[Phrog74]

The limited availability on many sites has me visiting every once in a while. But, most of my browsing comes from Waffle. Few, if any, can match Michael's prices. Plus, if you have one of his discount codes, it makes it that much better. You can find a few of the rare models out there on various sites, but the best selection at Waffle is usually the best.

Like I've said before, I just don't know if a few details or the rare livery are worth me spending over $100 on just about every model that IF200 has. Sure, there are some of the models from IF200 that aren't that expensive. But, on average, their models cost more. I've said it before and I'll say it again...Hogan is really stepping it up lately. A good example is the Hogan American MD-11. The addition of antennae and things of that nature have made the appearance of many of their models much more impressive than what they were say 5-10 years ago. I'm really hoping that Hogan will get their hands on the mould for the 747SP. There's quite a few of those that I'd love to have, but I really don't feel like dropping $150 for each one. Oh well, just need to win the lottery and I'll be set! :P

As far as the veterans are concerned, I'm sure there's more than a few of us on here. And it's funny that you brought up Jetway, because I think he's a veteran as well. Oh well, I can understand your feelings about comments that get made. I think I had an unfriendly response to something I posted on DAC and I think my reply got him a little up in arms against me. I posted something trying to be joking and funny, but I think he thought that I was trying to use it as an excuse for something else, which was completely not the case. Again, oh well...what can you do?

Price plays a big part in the models I want to collect. To date, I think the most expensive model that I have purchased is the preorder of the Herpa 1:200 AN-225. Other than that, the most expensive has been the Gemini 200 C-17 (I think). More than half of my collection is Hogan, which means that most of my models probably cost less than $50, and maybe even less than $30. In fact, I compiled a list of my models and what I paid for them, and the average price for all 83 of my 1:200 models is only $38.60.

Again, I've really just wanted to know the all-around opinion of IF200 from people out there who buy and own them.

[fleetlordatvar]

...Price plays a big part in the models I want to collect. To date, I think the most expensive model that I have purchased is the preorder of the Herpa 1:200 AN-225. Other than that, the most expensive has been the Gemini 200 C-17...

If i had a family, it would keep me more dicipline & my most expensive model would be the Gemini 200 C-17 too I still haven't pre-ordered the Herpa 1:200 AN-225, but i did have two of the PCM aka biggass model versions. Unfortunately one didn't survive the shipping trip & lost in fedex warehouse; the other was taken out by my new cat, breaking into three peices


How many years were you in the Marines, why didn't you stay in if you got out before retirement?