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

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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]

KZbin 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.

[@yohanmaduranga1]

I don't think so .

[@raphaelongoogle-zu5jl]

@SamChui Excuse me... The person who is featured in the video who owns a Model Aircraft collection in Panama... Is it public? What's the name? I would love to visit it when I'm there next year... How can I get in touch with that person?

[@Ex-AshMain]

Missed out because there was no link…

[@Buff145]

It’s really sad

[@graham_explores]

Aw dang I’m sad I didn’t win but congrats to those who did.✈️

[@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

[@juanvids]

I get you! Here in Bogota, I used to do the same in the late 90s with an Avianca 747. i would stare for hours while my parents bought tickets

[@zubeirEdries]

Lol how is a 70 year old on KZbin 😅

[@k.r.99]

@@zubeirEdries tell me you're ignorant and don't know the world, without telling me 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@I-235]

@@k.r.99bro I agree

[@user-wp9xe1yh3l]

@@zubeirEdries I don’t know I guess any age can watch KZbin my grandma who is 61 watches KZbin

[@dankmeme5139]

Collecting models is like an addiction for me. I started when I was 14, now I'm 28. I also started with Herpa and Schaback models, and now I focus mainly on the 1/400 and 1/200 models. Over the years, my collection grew, and I have a collection of more than 450 models now

[@bags-px7kv]

Real champ bro! Keep collecting! I only have 1!

[@dankmeme5139]

@@bags-px7kvwe always gotta start somewhere, right? Keep collecting bro, I hope it'll bring you as much joy as it brings to me ;)

[@SkywardsTravelsTours]

FROM WHICH WEBSITE I CAN PURCHACE AIRCRAFT MODEL

[@farrelkeefe3637]

​@@bags-px7kvwa0

[@goncasgxz]

@@dankmeme5139 I just bought my first one, a Lufhtansa a380 "New Livery" to start 2024 well, I don´t consider myself a future collector but I always have been amazed with planes in general and I would watch Mayday Air Disasters as a teen. I consider getting mostly wide bodies. Any recommendations for something next?

[@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! 🎉🎉❤❤

[@peyton1o04]

You mean thank you

[@peyton1o04]

@@bhbh9939 ????

[@Andrew-Wong]

@@peyton1o04yep

[@ScienceGuy5610]

Now I understand why they're all expensive. They're mostly handmade.

[@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.d649]

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.

[@pavelseleznev3091]

Dear friend, unfortunately, Gemini Jets has hardly developed at a scale of 1:400, releasing identical models with old forms from the early 2000s, and it pains me to see how ugly the painting technology is here, I sincerely feel sorry for these workers, it upsets me that Gemini Jets bosses sell "backward" models by so at a low price and they are definitely profiting from this, there is a manufacturer NG model, which has models of much better quality, with modern painting technology, and with more realistic shapes, with a much greater variety of liveries and it's all at the same price, my opinion is Gemini Jets and its subsidiary JC wings got greedy, and with This must be fought! I have expressed my opinion, it will be interesting to hear your comments on this

[@PlaneGuyZuzu]

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

[@martinvareed8756]

impressive indeed...way to go!!!!

[@PlaneGuyZuzu]

@@martinvareed8756 Thank you so much❤️

[@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.

[@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!!!!

[@Zekesdad2345_Vlogging]

@@DudleyDawson9wtf did u say

[@painter662]

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

[@Steve-xf4uv]

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.

[@stevenvandegrift8487]

I was always curious about how these models are made. I am amazed at the level of detail that goes into the construction of these models. Thank you for bringing this content.

[@yuryallan5363]

I always was curious about this models factories, thank you Sam to finally let us get in one of this. Amazing job. Beautiful collections too. Love scales models, I am truly addicted to them.

[@citibear57]

Wow! What great collections! I wish that I could afford to have a collection of scale model aircraft, as well as having the space to display all of them. Aircraft models are delightful to look at, and to hold.

[@jemcclain1]

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

[@rfan9340]

Ahh.. childhood memories. Playing with those airplane die-cast was incredible

[@jounaas]

I miss thos good old quality models tvey had 10 years ago

[@Mo-ij8re]

amazing models! absolutely love the hard work and effort those people put in to make this hobby fantastic. without them we wouldn’t have these models. thank you for the showing us the process.

[@beckymunro2071]

To see all the hand work and detail that goes into these. It really makes you appreciate them even more.

[@uksights1]

Sams zest for aviation is so good to watch. Such a unique channel, showing the human side and the proccess involved in aviation.

[@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! ✈️

[@kelvw76]

Amazing and I've been waiting for this video. I didn't know how much hands were involved in making a model. It makes me appreciate the models a lot more. Love it!❤

[@jimmyssanctuary2194]

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.

[@forefamily3740]

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

[@tryDQ]

Dear Sam Chui, thank you for making a video about the model production. Its insane how much work and detail is in one model! Because of you i got a model collector in 1/200. Thank you so much ❤❤❤. I am watching your videos for a long time, watched all of your videos and i love them all. I hope a get the chance to win one of these beautiful models. I wish everyone a beautiful day! Best regards and Love by Emanuel from Germany 🇩🇪 A big THANK YOU to Sam Chui your the best 😊❤

[@breadbot999]

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

[@lucinikic3248]

Thank you for making this video @SamChui! My son has been an AV geek since since he was 5, now at 11 he loves to collect Gemini Jets and watch your videos! He's been in the airplane model store you are filming in and is happy you got to show us more about the making of the models. Thanks again! 🤩✨️💖

[@aayupanday]

The attention to detail on these is just exemplary. Absolutely brilliant craftsmanship.

[@FortWayneFellow]

Your original Gemini video is what got me into the hobby…..you cost me alot of money, Sam!!!! LoL 😂

[@Julian-bh1mo]

Bro, this is a PARADISE FOR AIRPLANE LOVERSS, DAMNNN❤❤❤❤

[@AVOWIRENEWS]

Wow, "How Die Cast Airplane Models Are Made? World’s Biggest Model Collection" sounds like an incredibly fascinating video! The process of making die-cast airplane models is such a unique and intricate art. It's amazing how much detail and precision goes into creating each model, perfectly capturing the essence of real airplanes. And imagine having the world's biggest collection of these models - that must be a spectacular sight! The variety and history behind each model could be so engaging and educational. It's always great to see hobbies and passions showcased like this, bringing together enthusiasts and curious minds alike! 🛩✨

[@zephyrsky__]

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

[@user-ps4no7vk4j]

Same

[@grahamcracker_wookie]

I collect Hobby Master 1/72 military. Them and Gemini are top notch. I have some other brands that cost more, but I'm glad you got to go and see how detailed they are in their processes. Even selecting planes to be made is a process and the photos they need to make them accurate is just amazing.

[@harrisonchevy4452]

Thanks Sam for this cool metal Airplane collection video. I never knew there existed such diverse collections and so detailed. Very interesting.

[@shamsuddinhyder5717]

Really nice to watch the miniature aircrafts manufacturing. Thank you for sharing the video.

[@mirrorsmsm]

I saw the An-225 fly over my house a few years ago from Prestwick to Kyiv, what an awesome sight at 16,000ft, the six engine contrails were epic.

[@yashpalsinghpawar4157]

It is 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!!!!

[@PAntunes123]

Truly a pleasure to watch Todd talking about the models. You can feel the pasion in his face and words. Send this give away Antonov to Brazil where you have been last videos. It would be amazing add it to my modest three 1:200 models. Good vibes Sam!

[@charlesd.3749]

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.

[@817slbav]

Awesome! I just got back into Gemini jets collecting and I am super excited to collect more models!

[@SonamKingA330]

Great video sam! Now i look at all my models and think a lot of hard work was put into it!

[@yatishnath8953]

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

[@boffisgd]

You should come to Stockholm Arlanda sometime and try out the 747 Jumbo Hostel!

[@mrjoemarc]

OMG this is my dream. Thank you so much for showing us this. ❤

[@toddkuykendall6030]

Loved this episode, such detail, I see why they can justify the price.

[@shanemcmillan7207]

Been waiting for a factory diecast tour for over a decade, the last one was I think was a Herpa AN-225 video going back to 2011. Thanks for making this video Sam.

[@FC-zc6dt]

amazing video Sam! Suggest you to make a similar video on how plastic models are designed and produced.

[@mrklv1593]

Thats really cool! Always wanted to see how they are made

[@JackBrown-ct4vb]

Hi Sam I am a relatively new aviation geek and I love collecting model planes but I was inspired by you am I love watching your vids keep up the good work👍👍👍

[@Emirates_A380]

Thanks Sam. Model factory is amazing. So much detail🙌🙌

[@arigould2777]

This is carzy thank you @sam for showing us this. I never know how much work goes into making a model Airplane.

[@Calebs_Aviation]

Great video! I love the concept! I LOVE LOVE LOVE SEEING THE MODELS BEING BUILT! This has to be MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE VIDEO YOU’VE EVER MADE! I am such a model fanatic and collector who spends way too much time and money on aircraft models but to see them being produces takes the cake! Also I have one of those Cathay Pacific 747-400 models by Herpa Wings 1/200th scale dating back from the late 90s-2000s with that special green livery! I wasn’t even born yet but my excellent condition model is a relic from my parents honeymoon trip to Hong Kong 🇭🇰 in 2000 when they flew upstairs in B-HQX that 744 in First Class! What a special memory for them and an excellent model that I love! Also I loved seeing that Emirates 🇦🇪 A350 model I hope to get my hands on one soon and I hope to fly Emirates on the Inaugural A350 flight or 777X flight! I’d be fine with either as I am a huge fan of Emirates and their new fleets, however the 777/777X family still holds my favorite spot even above the A350 as beautiful as it is and no plane even the 777 can overtake the 747 for me as my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE The Queen Of The Skies! Cheers 🥂 What a GREAT VIDEO my friend! Really! -Caleb’s Aviation P.S. I entered the AN-225 contest hope I win! 🥇 Also plz check me out I’d really appreciate that.

[@andrewsuei]

How did you enter, i can’t find the link in the comments?

[@Abhilash301291]

Sad part for aviation followers for what happened with this giant Antonov flight, but glad to see the model will live forever among the aviation enthusiast. Thanks Sam for such great videos

[@mukundan4309]

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.

[@ChrisJohnson-hk6es]

Todd Michael's! He is a legend when it comes to Gemini Jets! Saw him a few years ago at the airplane store. This was an awesome video Sam! Loved it!

[@myflightjournal7081]

So cool love the videos keep it up

[@farangtravels3956]

This is awesome... I want them all ✈️

[@johnmorgan3539]

I had a collection that I really loved! It was just around 70 1:200 diecast models with an emphasis on Northwest Orient Airlines as my father was a mechanic with them. All the others were planes and airlines that I had actually flown on. Well, to make a long story relatively short, we had a wildfire here on the Oregon Coast in early September of 2021. We lost everything, including my diecast models that turned into little shiny puddles of molten metal. Thankfully, I've been able to replace a handful of Northwest planes, but I sure do miss the rare ones that I had been able to find over the years!

[@Derek-hl7ry]

That sounds like me. I had a beloved collection that I lost in 2018 in the Paradise, California wildfire. It was devastating but I've been able to restart my collection and now have about 47 models in 1:200 scale. My goal is to get at least one of every type of aircraft in airline models of that scale with 100 seats or more. Wish I could afford the metal ones but I have some pretty nice plastic models from SkyMarks and others. Great videos Mr. Chui!

[@rsradiofreq]

Great content! Love to see all the different models.

[@nglenni4688]

Hey Mr Chui. Since I was a tiny co-pilot at age 4, I've journeyed with you through every takeoff, landing, and mid-air adventure on your channel. Now, at 8 years old, I might be too young for the real cockpit, but with your airplane model in my hands, my imagination will take flight every day. Think of it as investing in the future of aviation, because every great pilot starts with a dream, and a model airplane to chase it. Here's to more airborne dreams and journeys together! ✈️"

[@keirra5096]

Thank you Sam 😊🎉🎉🩵🩵

[@hotimothy8091]

Very interesting factory tour, nice to see the behind the scene of how a model is made, love the 777x folding winglet

[@smkausar323]

Thanks Sam for showing us these amazing models !

[@cdanielson1]

That is incredible Sam! I have collected Gemini Jets for years but I never realized the work and care that went into making them. Thank you for sharing this unique opportunity!

[@wmalden]

My late brother had 10 display cabinets in his 1 bedroom apartment. Over 1200 diecast airline models. He had them all cataloged on a spreadsheet and all the boxes for them. It took me and 2 friends almost 2 weeks to pack them all up. I kept them for a few years and finally sold them all on eBay.

[@KernWei]

First time hearing Sam speaking in Cantonese!

[@Hloutweg]

Thank you for this video. It was about time we saw this process. Nobody had done it before

[@fattywithafirearm]

Now i have to order the AN225. Id be so excited to win 1.

[@Dani331]

Nice one Sam I have some airplane models

[@leonschanel4886]

Me too

[@Dani331]

@@leonschanel4886 I have a380 a350 787 777 747 a320 a321 737MAX 8 and concorde

[@GokulPrasath-rv3ps]

Great video sam! Now i look at all my models and think a lot of hard work was put into it! All the videos which you publish are all amazing with such a amazing content

[@mattd1142]

As a long time collector this is so cool

[@Ex-AshMain]

Where is the giveaway link?

[@cockpitlife737]

How can i buy it?

[@KyrenlolkamariyourboisbroIdkk]

Wow 🤩

[@Azqa92]

They should received awards for this masterpiece! I just speechless! They are amazing!

[@volwars]

Awesome! Own a few but never would have guessed the process behind the production!

[@Jennaipad999]

First comment

[@ngimasherpa8674]

hay

[@sunnyfon9065]

I used to be obsessed aircraft models as a kid. I bought so many of them. Good old times.

[@holten75]

Excellent showing of the Die Cast Airplanes

[@AnnRuiz907]

Can anyone brief me on how to get started with Cryptocurrency? My husband left some 1.5Btc before he died

[@TiffanyCramer869]

Oh 😢sorry for your loss mate

[@hole96]

Sorry for your loss ma'am

[@hole96]

I always have interest in crypto but have no guidance

[@collinseretis522]

Planning retirement has never been this confusing! First SVB, then Signature bank and now First republic, these are all the signs of yet another 2008 market crash and recession 2.0, so my question is do I still save in the United States dollar, or could this be a good time to buy stocks? So I’m left wondering what 2023 has in store for us investors, I’ve been sitting on over $745K equity from a home sale and I’m not sure where to go from here

[@jeanicecolson378]

Everyone needs a different stream of income , unfortunately having a job doesn't mean security due to the high rate of tax , one needs to move ahead their expectation

[@tab6796]

Sam, Love the variety you are putting in your vlogs related to aviation. Very entertaining, unique and keep it up.

[@RobloxianPilot457]

Love this! I loved that 1/3 scale Embraer 195!

[@redlinefreedive6126]

Always wondered how, our favorite models are made. Thanks for the inside views. Keep the 747 hi in your soul

[@krysryjuly]

Thank you Sam for another great video! Always been a fan of yours for years now! I work in health care but aviation is really in my heart 😊😊😊

[@cantstandtheestablishment4004]

Sam, you get an A+ for one of the most unique videos ever on KZbin! Nice work. Very interesting. I had no idea aviation-lovers collect airplane models.

[@glauberliberato5244]

Thanks you so much.I collect diecast models and I've never seen how they were made before

[@ericlindenmuth7517]

Love that 1:20 scale DC-10 model!!! I remember seeing that one at Douglas plant in Long Beach when I was a kid!

[@alshams-wn9xv]

Loved all the models, Thank you.😊

[@benjaminjoseph8487]

This was a very fascinating to see how they are made. Thanks Sam Chui for great content again.

[@Gamingwitheesha]

Thank you @samchui for this video. We just loved it.

[@fared___3409]

The details are incredible.

[@IamGoen]

This is one of my favorite episodes that you have made!

[@reggiedabell1023]

amazing work, lovely models

[@hugochu8106]

Wow, Thank you for this video, i always thinking how my models were made. Merci 😀

[@cvbrotha11]

Sam this is a great video. Because of your last video with Gemini Jets I started collected and it was great to see how they are made. I hope to visit the store next time I'm in Vegas. Thanks for sharing.

[@JKS62B50]

Todd looking like a real aviation enthusiast. Great video guys...

[@HendrikVdv]

I am so amazed with all the different airplane models. Must be awesome to own one.

[@bilalali021]

This is one of your best videos. I have about 10 aircraft models. Collection will grow.

[@noahbrandner710]

Great I love these detailed models. I also got a few and always looking forward to get some more

[@afgnick]

Todd's a great guy! Got to hang out with him this summer in Dallas, super genuine airplane lover!