SF or ShunFeng Airlines is based at Shenzhen Bao’an International (SZX / ZGSZ) in China. It was founded in 2010 and currently runs 49 aircraft with 4 on order – it’s doubled its fleet size since I last reviewed the Phoenix 763F in 2016. You can see that here: SF Airlines 763F

The fleet currently consists of 14 733F, 3 734F, 27 752F, 5 763F and is about to be joined by another 752F, 2 744F’s and another 763F.

This aircraft, B-2899 was originally delivered to China Southern as a 200 seat passenger aircraft all the way back in August 1989, so she’s already close to 30 years old.

She was sold to Pegasus Aviation in March 2009 as N401AN and stored at Marana Pinal Airpark in Arizona. SF acquired her in October and she was converted by Boeing to cargo. Powered by 2 Rolls Royce RB.211’s, this is in fact not her current livery, but the original 2010 scheme post-conversion. She’s officially designated as a 757-21BPCF and was the 232nd 757 built.

I actually love both of these liveries, they’re imaginative, unique and stunningly attractive, indeed I’d consider them inside the top 5 of all airline liveries.

As far as HYJL models go, this is my first. I know they’ve been around a while, but they’ve not been so easily accessible in the UK, and even this came from Europe in the end.

The presentation is flawless, as many of you know HYJL goes to the expense of a gorgeous tin and claims to make just 100 models in this case, of which this one is No.94.

The tin itself is a work of art in itself, delivered in tight cellophane The lid is beautiful, the grey rear is painted grey with a map of the world printed onto it.  The manufacturer name and bar code is on the back. Inside is a superb cellophane sealed card showing its a limited edition of 100 and the number 94/100 in red. It says “proof of this section of the Boeing 757” quite what that means I don’t really get.

You’re then into a thick foam protective layer with the model cosseted inside. This is what I want. This is what collectors and enthusiasts crave if they’re serious. It fills you with confidence in the efficacy and quality of the product like little else. You know if the packaging is tis good, the model’s almost certainly going to be there to match it.

It does not disappoint.

1.Fuselage

First off, what a brilliant mould! Don’t go and get your recent Gemini Icelandair models out because you’re going to cry. This model gets the details and clarity of the nose section, something that’s never been quite right on the Gemini/JCW version and shows it as it really is.

The whole mould is simply exquisite, as is the simply outstanding paint and detail, graphics, everything. It’s just an amazing piece of modelling and I’m blown away not just by its inherent manufacturing standards, but by the fact anyone has gone to the sort of trouble to produce something this stunning.

I know I can use some old-world language and I’ll happily mix a metaphor if it suits my purposes, but what are you supposed to say when the last model I reviewed was a lump of Gemini garbage? This is the ultimate in polar opposites – it’s everything a model should be and then some.

Take the aerials. Not only are they super-fine and to scale, but they’re painted white and inserted into a completely black paint job. They’re flawless.

The roof markings, so subtle on the black they’re the sort of thing Gemini wouldn’t even bother with, yet there they are.

What this model presents you with is the manufacturer has been uncompromising in delivering accuracy, quality and detail. Just look at the multiple lines and colours and their complexity; awesome.

2.Wings

Seamlessly fitted to the fuselage, the slim, scaled wings are outstanding in mould and detail. The paint is exceptional, not glossy or over done, but entirely appropriate. The aluminium leading edges are outstanding as in the lettering and enumeration above and below.

3.Landing gear

The nose gear is the right mould, neat and detailed, and importantly it’s the correct height, a key feature of the 757 is how high it stands to get those powerfully rowdy RB.211’s underneath. Those engines are favoured by freight operators because of their huge thrust – after all four of them power many 744’s.

All the wheels rotate, lump free tyres, and the moulds are excellent. Sigh….

4.Engines

Pylons and nacelles are excellent, as are the exhaust. The fan mould is excellent too. Now we have the only downside on this model – the rims aren’t perfect – both have a small zone of paint missing – its super tiny and I am being ultra picky, but you know me by now. Anyone else wouldn’t likely notice. But what you do notice is the fan colour is the same as the rim paint and that’s disappointing, it should be much darker.

5.Nose detail

Now I don’t know why the nose detail is as it is on this model, I haven’t had time to track down a suitable photo, but it’s excellent anyway. The cockpit windows are spot on for shape and size and the silver frames are entirely appropriate. Another gorgeous level of detail.

6.Tail detail

Flawless. It just is.

7.Colours

Flawless, with the fan exception.

8.Score and conclusions

Accuracy

• -2 fan colour

48/50 for Accuracy

Quality

• -1 for minor rim paint issue

49/50 for Quality

Overall Score 97%

That’s the highest score this year,and deservedly so. What a totally refreshing change to have something so brilliant – something that actually suggests, could we possibly be on the edge of a new age of model making?

Gemini can scream all they like, they’re a brand not a real manufacturer and they play off that – indeed they live on brand recognition and they charge high prices based on it.

This model was just a couple of pounds/dollars/euros over what Gemini charged full retail for that piece of garbage BA A320neo.  This is another league, almost from a different planet and I sincerely hope we seem much more of it.

You know when Aeroclassics, Gemini and so on go on about this and that and the unfairness of one thing or another, they need to take a long hard look at product this good. I’ve heard it said that some people don’t like it when dealers stock these new models, one even saying well they won’t get mine if they stock those! Frankly, if this is the standard we can expect from NG, Panda, HYJL, you can keep yours. These will win every single time when they have this level of quality.

Congratulations go to HYJL Wings, as they have to Panda. Outstanding models, superb presentation, a joy to own. That’s what we want and that is what you provide! More of the same please!