THE GOOD: Dragon has created a representation that does N-905NA justice. Shown in it's old ex American Airlines colors. It comes in DW's high quality crome. The main wing gear comes with tilting bogeys. The vertical stablizer is very well done and to scale (unlike some 1:144s) There is a new stand that is all white that is stronger to support the extra weight.
The Columbia is highly detailed. Showing everything from the heat tiles to the maneuvering rockets. The detail of thewhole cockpit area really stands out. The large box that it comes in is very nice, not as cluttered as the smaller boxes of standard models.
THE BAD: The mounting brackets on the 747 for the shuttle are very fragile. The nose bracket on mine collapsed with only slight pressure.
(I have been told the same by other people). The lack of the ability to chrome plastic really hurts the wings of this aircraft. (silver paint might have helped)
The Columbia is is a great model, until you pick it up. It is mostly plastic. The Wings, H-Stab, Tail cone, and rocket packs are all plastic.
THE UGLY: I was sad to see that even with DW's high end models that there are no NAV lights painted.This model breaks very easy. The stand could be made a little stiffer. (tends to wobble)
I called DW's to see if I could replace the nose bracket. In short I was told " Thats to bad buddy......would you like to buy a new shuttle set" I was not pleased, calling HK is not cheep.
FINAL: This a very nice model. It has a few weak points, but a lot of strong points also. The 747 is everything it should be. The Columbia is heavy on detail, but light on metal. |
