No moveable control surfaces, or pilots,
but there is a high level of detail. The
panel lines are a bit overdone, but not
nearly to the level of IXO and FOV.
but there is a high level of detail. The
panel lines are a bit overdone, but not
nearly to the level of IXO and FOV.
We've got a new player in the 1:72 diecast arena -- Hobby Master, of Hong Kong -- which is finally bringing us some SBD Dauntless dive
bombers! Whoop! I'm a bit excited as this is one of my favorite planes, and so far only IXO has announced a 1:72 SBD, which is yet to hit the
states. (Photos I've seen so far have left me less than enthusiastic, but I have ordered one and will reserve judgement until I see it -- if I ever see it.)
Hobby Master was kind enough to send me some prototype samples of its first three SBDs to preview for you. I have very little info on the models,
but they look to be a prewar SBD, a Midway SBD, and a Coral Sea SBD (shown here). They are also coming out with two Stukas, which I also
have and will post soon.
Being prototypes, the models are a bit rough around the edges and some details were overlooked (such as painting the small bombs on the
SBDs). However, I am optimistic about the line's potential, particularly if HM continues to focus on overlooked aircraft in the scale. The quality, fit
and finish looks to be superior to IXO and FOV, and just below Dragon and Corgi. They have not announced a U.S. distributor yet, or a pricing
structure. However, it is believed the models will retail for $19.99. Judging by the level of detail, and high metal content I'd say this would be a fair
amount to pay. Take a look at the photos and judge for yourselves!
bombers! Whoop! I'm a bit excited as this is one of my favorite planes, and so far only IXO has announced a 1:72 SBD, which is yet to hit the
states. (Photos I've seen so far have left me less than enthusiastic, but I have ordered one and will reserve judgement until I see it -- if I ever see it.)
Hobby Master was kind enough to send me some prototype samples of its first three SBDs to preview for you. I have very little info on the models,
but they look to be a prewar SBD, a Midway SBD, and a Coral Sea SBD (shown here). They are also coming out with two Stukas, which I also
have and will post soon.
Being prototypes, the models are a bit rough around the edges and some details were overlooked (such as painting the small bombs on the
SBDs). However, I am optimistic about the line's potential, particularly if HM continues to focus on overlooked aircraft in the scale. The quality, fit
and finish looks to be superior to IXO and FOV, and just below Dragon and Corgi. They have not announced a U.S. distributor yet, or a pricing
structure. However, it is believed the models will retail for $19.99. Judging by the level of detail, and high metal content I'd say this would be a fair
amount to pay. Take a look at the photos and judge for yourselves!
Attaching the bomb to the belly was a breeze, though I can see that some tack or glue could be needed. The gear was also very easy to setup in
both the up and down positions (I will post pics of the other SBDs with wheels-down). The model also comes with a one piece canopy and a
three-piece canopy, the latter of which confuses me a bit. I will show this with the Prewar SBD pictures. A display stand is also included and while it
holds the model well enough, it's a bit flimsy. Clearly I think HM is a company to keep an eye on, as the quality of this mold looks to be very
promising, and the paint and pad-printed graphics are nicely done. (I really like the prewar scheme!) Here's a small preview of the other two SBDS,
which I'll post soon.
both the up and down positions (I will post pics of the other SBDs with wheels-down). The model also comes with a one piece canopy and a
three-piece canopy, the latter of which confuses me a bit. I will show this with the Prewar SBD pictures. A display stand is also included and while it
holds the model well enough, it's a bit flimsy. Clearly I think HM is a company to keep an eye on, as the quality of this mold looks to be very
promising, and the paint and pad-printed graphics are nicely done. (I really like the prewar scheme!) Here's a small preview of the other two SBDS,
which I'll post soon.
Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series
SBD Dauntless Dive Bomber -- Coral Sea?
