DeltaBelle

This will be first of many reviews.....

The reason that I have created this web site is because of the creation of the model by Gemini Jets.
I heard that GJ was going to do a Limited Edition (1000) of Delta Airlines
L-1011-385-1 TriStar Reg# N-728DL also known as "Delta Belle".

N-728DL was the last L-1011 in Delta's fleet to be retired after the type had spent over 25 years in the fleet. She had a pin-up girl "Delta Belle" painted on her nose and was signed by many of the people at Delta who lived and loved the L-1011's.

Comparasons will be made with GJDAL037 1999 Delta L-1011 N-740DL

THE GOOD: I was pleased to see that GJ has added a "post" hole in the body of the aircraft so that it can be mounted on a stand.
I also noticed that it also includes the "dirty" tail that is found on older L-1011s (N-740DL has the "clean" tail found on the -500 and -250s)
The #1 and #3 engines are much inpruved over GJ's older RB-211 engines. There is also a deeper recess in the #2 engine inlet which adds to the detail..
The paint job of the body is A+ work. (The real N-728DL was a dirty mess)

THE BAD: The reprensation of the "Delta Belle" pin-up girl is lacking.
The detail is very very good for something so small. But that is it's downfall it is to small, at least 1/2 the size it should be. It is also to low under the FO's window, it should be right under it. ( See Picture )
The painting of the wings is poor. The wing spar is painted in the proper gray. But the rest of the wing and the whole underside of the wing is unpainted and unpolished. This is supposed to give the impression of a "RealMetal" or "Chrome" look, as seen on the body. But it just looks like the finishing of the aircraft was rushed.

THE UGLY: The marketing on this aircraft is very bad. The only thing on the box to let you know this something special are the words "Limited Edition" and "1973-2001" Nowear on the box is the name "Delta Belle" which is the major selling point of this modal.

FINAL: GJ has created a very nice model, it is not there best work but it is still very good. If you are looking to add a Delta L-1011 to your fleet it is a must have. ( N-740DL is hard to find ) If you are looking to get N-728DL just because it is of "Delta Belle" you might want to see the model in person first.

I will at some point do a review comparing GJ's and DW's L-1011's.