Part One: The ‘Best of Best Stuff’ Awards (pg. 2)

Pacific Miniatures

On one of my all-too-frequent business trips, I was in the American Airlines Admirals Club at the Seattle airport when I noticed a giant model of an American Airlines Super MD-80 in the lobby. Since I was waiting for a late flight, I looked at the model closely, but the only information I could find about it was a small name on the base that said “Pac-Min.” This raised my curiosity, so when I returned home, I checked the Internet and discovered that a company in California called Pacific Miniatures made it. Pacific Miniatures specializes in making exact model replicas (and I do mean exact) of various aircraft. Originally, this service was exclusively for the airlines and aircraft manufacturers. The models come in many sizes, from the giant one I saw in the Seattle airport to smaller desktop sizes. The large models are custom-made and one-of-a-kind, but the desktop series is every bit as detailed as the big ones, even to the point of utilizing Boeing (and other manufacturers’) blueprints and exact paint colors used in the original airline livery. Armed with the blueprints, Pacific Miniatures then uses computers to fabricate and injection mold the models. When the mold is complete, artists then stencil on the correct colors and logos. Aside from snapping the wings in place, there is no painting or assembly required when you receive them.

I have always liked airplanes but have never been a model collector; however, even I can appreciate the quality of these little airplanes. The reason you do not see Pacific Miniatures’ models for sale in most model and hobby shops is that from the start their products were not generally offered for sale to the public. You would usually only see them at a travel agent, an airline ticket office or in the hands of a collector. It seems there is quite a demand for these hard to get models. Intrigued, I called Pacific Miniatures and asked for a Delta MD-11. When the MD-11 arrived, I was again amazed at the detail and craftsmanship. The picture accompanying this article looks like a real airplane in the sky; however, it is in fact my MD-11 model and is only about 16 inches long. If you, or anyone you know, collects model airplanes or just likes aviation as a hobby, I can think of no better gift than one of these beautiful replicas. They come in a variety of aircraft styles and colors. While these are certainly not cheap (priced in the $250 to $300 range), I guarantee you will not be disappointed if you can snag one for yourself. For more formation on models and prices, you can visit Pacific Miniatures on its web site: www.pacmin.com

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