Article: Guide to Other Diecast Aircraft Brands – Century Wings, Gemini & More
Guide to Other Diecast Aircraft Brands – Century Wings, Gemini & More
Other Diecast Aircraft Brands: Century Wings, Franklin Mint, Gemini, JC Wings, Witty Wings & Dragon Wings
Alongside major names like Corgi and Hobby Master, there are several other diecast aircraft brands that many collectors build their displays around. Each focuses on slightly different subjects, scales and styles, so it’s useful to understand what they’re known for before you start hunting specific models.
This overview looks at Century Wings, Franklin Mint, Gemini Jets, JC Wings, Witty Wings / Sky Guardians and Dragon Wings, and how they fit into a diecast aircraft collection.
Century Wings
Century Wings is best known for highly detailed 1:72 scale military jets, especially U.S. Navy subjects.
Main focus
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Modern and Cold War jets such as F-14 Tomcats, F-8 Crusaders, A-6 Intruders and other carrier-based aircraft.
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Mainly 1:72 scale, designed to pair well with Hobby Master and similar brands.
Key features
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Fine engraved panel lines and subtle weathering.
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Folded wing options and removable ordnance on many releases.
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Display bases that sometimes mimic aircraft carrier decks or runway sections.
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Limited production runs aimed squarely at adult collectors.
Why collectors like Century Wings
Century Wings models are often picked as centre-piece display items: the detail level, weathering and carrier-deck styling give them a realistic, “in-service” look that stands out in a cabinet. If you enjoy U.S. Navy aviation or Tomcats in particular, it’s a brand worth knowing.
Franklin Mint
Franklin Mint is a long-standing collectible brand that has produced everything from cars and coins to aircraft.
Main focus
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Historically, Franklin Mint offered pre-built aircraft models in various scales.
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Subjects included WW2 fighters, bombers and classic aircraft from different eras.
Key features
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Often finished in a more traditional “display collectible” style rather than highly weathered or hyper-detailed.
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Many models come with plinth-style stands and nameplates for a classic display look.
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Older releases are no longer produced but are still traded on the secondary market.
Why collectors like Franklin Mint
Franklin Mint appeals to collectors who enjoy classic, museum-style display pieces. The models fit well into mixed collections where aircraft share shelf space with cars and other traditional collectibles.
Gemini Aces
Gemini Aces is the military-focused sister brand to Gemini’s civil airliner ranges.
Main focus
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Military aircraft, primarily 1:72 scale.
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WW2 fighters, Cold War jets and selected modern types.
Key features
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Clean, accurate markings and colour schemes based on real aircraft.
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Toolings designed to display well alongside other 1:72 diecast brands.
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Limited runs with specific pilots, squadrons or campaigns highlighted on the packaging.
Why collectors like Gemini Aces
Gemini Aces is popular with collectors who already enjoy Gemini’s airliner models but want military subjects in the same display quality. The 1:72 scale makes them easy to mix with Corgi, Hobby Master, Witty Wings and Dragon Wings in a combined military collection.
Gemini Jets
Gemini Jets is one of the best-known names in diecast airliner models.
Main focus
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Commercial airliners and cargo aircraft, past and present.
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Scales typically 1:400 and 1:200, with some other sizes in selected releases.
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Huge coverage of airlines, liveries and special schemes from around the world.
Key features
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Accurate airline colours and logos.
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Rolling or fixed landing gear depending on the release.
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Regular production of new liveries, including retro, special event and one-off schemes.
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Strong focus on matching real-world aircraft registrations and fleet details.
Why collectors like Gemini Jets
If you’re interested in civil aviation, Gemini Jets is often the first brand collectors encounter. It makes it possible to build line-ups of favourite airlines, specific airports, or entire fleets from a particular era in a compact scale.
JC Wings
JC Wings is closely associated with airliner models as well and overlaps with Gemini in many areas.
Main focus
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Airliners and cargo aircraft in 1:400 and 1:200 scales.
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Some military and special subjects are produced too, particularly transport and tanker aircraft.
Key features
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Wide range of airlines and liveries, including many niche or regional carriers.
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Often produces variants or schemes that complement Gemini’s range.
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Selected models include extra details such as antennae, high-detail gear and flaps-down options.
Why collectors like JC Wings
JC Wings is popular with collectors who want to fill gaps in their airliner collections or go deeper into specific airlines, regions or liverliner specials. Many people collect both Gemini Jets and JC Wings side by side in 1:400 or 1:200 to build busy airport displays.
Witty Wings / Sky Guardians
Witty Wings, often branded under the Sky Guardians line, produced a strong range of military aircraft before the company ceased operations.
Main focus
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Military aircraft, especially in 1:72 scale.
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Subjects included modern jets, Cold War aircraft and some WW2 types.
Key features
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Solid diecast construction aimed at collectors rather than as toys.
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Clean factory finishes with accurate markings and unit details.
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Toolings that sit well alongside Hobby Master and Corgi in the same scale.
Why collectors like Witty Wings / Sky Guardians
Because the company is no longer active, many releases have become harder to find. Collectors look out for Sky Guardians models when they want alternative toolings or schemes that were never covered by other brands, and they generally mix easily into existing 1:72 military displays.
Dragon Wings
Dragon Wings (and related Dragon brands) has produced both military and commercial aircraft over the years.
Main focus
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Military aircraft in 1:72 and other scales.
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Airliner models in 1:400, often sold under the Dragon Wings airliner line.
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Some larger bombers and special subjects in dedicated sub-ranges.
Key features
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Wide spread of subjects, from WW2 fighters and bombers to modern jets.
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Use of Dragon’s established moulding experience from their plastic kit background.
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Many models released as limited runs with specific squadron markings or campaign schemes.
Why collectors like Dragon Wings
Dragon’s appeal lies in the breadth of subjects. Collectors who want to cover everything from WW2 bombers to early jets and civil types can often find something in the Dragon catalogue, and the brand mixes well with other manufacturers in both 1:72 and 1:400 scales.
How These Brands Fit Into a Diecast Collection
All of these manufacturers can sit comfortably alongside Corgi and Hobby Master; they just tend to specialise in slightly different areas:
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Century Wings – detailed 1:72 naval jets and carrier-based aircraft.
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Franklin Mint – classic, display-style collectibles with a traditional look.
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Gemini Jets & JC Wings – airliner and cargo specialists in 1:400 and 1:200.
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Gemini Aces – 1:72 military aircraft line with WW2 and Cold War subjects that mix well with other 1:72 brands.
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Witty Wings / Sky Guardians – retired 1:72 military line with sought-after schemes.
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Dragon Wings – broad subject coverage in both military and civil aviation.
For many collectors, these brands are used to fill gaps: airliners for civil aviation fans, very specific jets from Century Wings or Dragon, military subjects from Gemini Aces, or older Franklin Mint pieces that fit a more classic display style.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do these brands use diecast metal or plastic?
All of the brands above produce models that are primarily diecast metal, usually with plastic parts used for finer details such as antennas, undercarriage, engines or weapon loads.
Are these models suitable as toys?
Like Corgi Aviation Archive and Hobby Master, these ranges are designed as collector models and are generally recommended for older ages. They include small, delicate parts and are intended for display rather than rough play.
Can I mix these brands together in one display?
Yes. As long as you keep an eye on scale, models from Century Wings, Witty Wings, Dragon, Gemini, JC Wings and Franklin Mint can sit together very well. Many collectors mix brands to cover more aircraft types, liveries and eras.
Explore Diecast Brands Beyond Corgi & Hobby Master
Browse all diecast aircraft brands at The Collectables Vault.
