How Die Cast Airplane Models Are Made? World’s Biggest Model Collection

I visited an airplane model factory in Southern China where airplane die cast models were made. The staff walked me through each process from polishing metal to painting and assembly. Just the pad printing process could be 200-300 times due to the fine details of airline liveries. Many processes are manual and require precision. It was an eye-opener to see how airplane models are made!

Then I met with Todd, one of the biggest airplane model collectors at The Airplane Shop. He walked me through some of the latest GeminiJets interactive series which feature open nose door on B747, flaps down and side cargo doors. Todd showed me some of his favorite models including American Airlines B747, Air India B747, Cathay Pacific Convair 880 and JAL Disney Sea B747-400.

Stephen Koulouthros, one of the biggest airplane model collectors with thousands showcased his collection in Panama. His collection includes a rare 1:3 scale Embraer 195. The video also included other collector’s models at the end to celebrate the hobby.

[SamChui]

YouTube seems to no longer allow URLs on comments and video descriptions. Here are the 3 winners out of 1, 901 entries. Congratulations to Alex B, Gregory B and Kenneth L. Winners will be contacted in the next 3 days.

[GoldTopPoland]

70 years ago (as a child) I would stop in front of the windows of aviation offices (KLM, SABENA, PanAm, AirFrance...) and stare for hours at such large models with a glass fuselage and visible passenger seats. Today, thanks to you, this memory came back to me

[Altenholz]

Never expected metal models to be that precise. Absolutely amazing work, and that shop really blows my mind. Paradise for aviation fans. Thanks for that report Sam, as usual brilliant done!

[Dan.d]

This is just up my alley!! As an avid av-geek, I just love how well detailed these models are. This is what really brings that price up on many of them that are of larger sizes. It must be fun to create these masterpieces, and depict the exact airplane you see at the airport or in flight.

[IowanLawman]

I still have my old airliner models and a plushie of a 747 from when I was a kid. These diecast jets have really really evolved into something amazing. I'm more of a military aviation collector but even there the details from missile markings, ejection handles, cockpits are insanely detailed nowadays. I see the future of these models would have parts of it actually light up with a magnetic charger as a display pad.

[jemcclain]

I love this video. Watched it from beginning to end. Brought me back to childhood memories of riding it. Loved every second of it.

[Steve-xfuv]

That was amazing Sam. Now I know why they cost so much - a lot of work to make a nice one, manual work as well as machining. I have a few favorites that I actually flew on .I imagine a lot of collectors start that way.

[forefamily]

Sam, I live in Vegas. Been watching for 8 years. Have 300 models. Love for you too see it

[UnExile]

Incredible to see how these are made!
I’ve been watching you for years Sam!
From myself and i’m sure the entire community would agree…
we love the content and thank you for your dedication to providing A+ content!!!!

[graham_explores]

Those collections are crazy! I am just starting mine and I don’t have a cargo plane model yet but the AN225 is just amazing! Rest in peace to the AN225. Great video Sam! ✈️

[Andrew-Wong]

Thanks you @Sam Chui for making this detail model airplanes videos and I can see the chinese part video. I also have two 1:200 Scale Cathay Pacific planes! Thanks you again! 🎉🎉❤❤

[mukundan]

It's surprising how the manufacturers pay so much detailed attention while making the models, Lots of respect and salute to them. Sam, I've been watching for about 8 years. Thank You for the effort you put into making these videos. I would love to participate in this give away of yours.

[PlaneGuyZuzu]

Cannot explain in words how happy you made me with this gesture dearest Sam. Thank you so much for featuring my collection. ❤❤❤

[charlesd.]

I’m a huge collector. We have thousands believe it or not. This is what I appreciate SO much is the Little details. It’s a true Talent that not everyone has including me. Ha We Love what they do for us abide collectors. Thanks Sam! Great Channel Sir.

Edit* and his collection is Sweet. Great Collection.

[painter]

I’ve always loved commercial airplane models, and yes they have taken giant steps forward recently. Seeing the factory was very interesting, thank you.

[yatishnath]

Finally! Sam, you made a video on Aircraft die cast models . You took me back in time to my childhood days, really, really loved watching this video/episode on a hobby that I love. Thank you Sam, for reigniting the fire inside me.
Please do add an episode on this lost hobby occasionally…..
Thank you once again and much love and respect

[zephyrsky__]

Stephen's collection is insane, love that DC-10 model

[elguajoloteleo]

I have an old Mexicana A319 Model from the late 90’s. Only model I own. It’s beautiful, I take a lot of care of it, it sits on a little stand by a window. In front of the Mexican flag. I love my little plane, when I bought it was very oily, and covered in fingerprints, I cleaned it; bought a stand. Its amazing!

[jimmyssanctuary]

OMG 😮 It's simply mind-boggling experience to view this awesome video. Sam, you're the man and my absolute hero. I can't even imagine how much thoughts, prep-work, time and sweat went into making this vid possible. Highest respect for you from the bottom of my heart.

[breadbot]

I've always been a fan of model planes and it's been part of my journey as a pilot to collect models of my favourite aircraft. JC Wings, Gemini Jets, Inflight and many others have really done a great job for avgeeks like myself, allowing us to own a small version of our favourite planes and it's an amazing hobby