MODEL REVIEW - Jet-X 1:200 American Airlines McDonnell Douglas MD-90-30

About the model:

Manufacturer - Jet-X

Airline - American Airlines

Aircraft - McDonnell Douglas MD-90-30

Scale - 1:200

Part Number - JXL025

Review:

Mould - Jet-X's MD-90-30 mould is a very accurate mould. After comparing the model the pictures of the real aircraft I really found only one major thing wrong with it. The one major issue is the landing gear doors. They are extremely over exaggerated, and are no where near as large on the real aircraft. The only other thing I noticed was that the tail of the aircraft seems to sit a little higher than the real aircraft, and the screwdriver tail seems to be slightly misshapen. Other than that the mould represents the real aircraft very well.

Overall I give the mould a 8.9 out of 10.

Livery - The livery is also very accurate. The colors have all been matched very well, and all the logos are placed correctly. One major problem however is that the red, white, and blue lines that flow down the length of the fuselage are all placed two low. As a result the top of the passenger windows, and the front emergency exit actually pass the top of the blue line, which does not represent the real aircraft. The real aircrafts blue line, which is the top line passes the top of the exit, and the windows. It is a very small difference, but still is slightly off.

Overall I give the livery a 9.1 out of 10.

Details - The details on this model are very good. All pitot tubes, and static ports are marked. All cargo doors, and exhaust vents are marked, as well as all beacons, lights, and antennas. The wings, and horizontal stabilizers are also very well marked. The undercarriage of the aircraft is also not forgotten. It comes fully detailed including the rear airstairs. After comparing the model to many photos of the real aircraft I cannot find one port, exhaust vent, light, or marking that isn't marked on this model. Even the instructions on how to properly open the exit door are marked.

Overall I give the details 9.7 out of 10.

Value for money - Jet-X models are typically a bit more pricy than the very similar Gemini200 model line. A brand new Jet-X MD-90 will set you back over $70.00 after taxes or shipping. A similar Gemini200 MD-88, even a newer release will only set you back about $55.00 to $60.00. However Jet-X does offer the MD-90 which Gemini does not, and Jet-X typically offers more interesting livery options. So for being a smaller company I think $70.00 is a pretty fair price. Your paying for a very good quality model. The good news is that this is not a new release, and has been available for some time now, so you can pick up a Jet-X American MD-90 for under $55.00, under $50.00 if you find the right place! So for $50.00 with the amount of quality, and detail that this model has it is good money for value.

Overall I give the value for money a 8.9 out of 10.

Overview - The models quality, detail, and livery are very good, with only the few minor issues. The model represents the real aircraft very very well, and being able to pick one up for around $50.00 makes it even better. This aircraft also has history. Which is something extra in my opinion. Some models are simply models of aircraft that were bought brand new by the airline, painted in the airlines livery, then the aircraft happened to be chosen to make the model. This aircraft started with Reno Air, then transferred to American Airlines, and flew in the hybrid livery until American sold it. There were only five MD-90s to ever fly for American, and they didn't fly in the American fleet for very long. It's an aircraft that barely existed in what the model represents. In my opinion Jet-X has done a great job capturing not only a aircraft, but a piece of history. Most people will see the model and think nothing about it, but you'll know it has a story it's just waiting to tell.

Overall the model receives a 9.2 out of 1o.

Photos:

Thanks for reading!

Reviewer: Bryce Rea

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Comment by Bill Christensen on January 2, 2011 at 12:06pm: Happy New Year Bryce;

Do you have a link for (printable airports). I ask

because I saw your name. Link on Matt's site is not up or working.

Comment by Bryce Rea on December 1, 2010 at 9:10pm: Thanks Todd! This model is a great piece of history, and it makes a great addition to any collection.

Comment by Todd Michaels on December 1, 2010 at 9:06pm: Nice review! I, too, have this model.

MODEL REVIEW - Jet-X 1:200 American Airlines McDonnell Douglas MD-90-30

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