Unlike some other models we know, this
one's very stable on its feet!
one's very stable on its feet!
Here we have the first 1:48 model from Hobby Master, and it is also the very first Brewster Buffalo in 1:48. Quite simply, it is a gorgeous model! I
don't like to gush, but in my humble opinion HM's hit it's first 1:48 at-bat right out of the park!
This model has a superb fit/finish, very little assembly is required but what you do have to fiddle with (bombs, gear struts) fit where they should
with little trouble. The down gear is a bit tricky, the main gear retracts into the wing and swings down "for landing", which is very cool. However, to
keep the gear down you have to manually insert the struts (one piece, metal) into the gear well opening and then push it into place on a tab with a
plastic "wrench" (included). If you're not patient, and rush the job, it is possible to snap the gear assembly, or break one of the planes delicate
detail parts in the process -- luckily, I didn't! So, just be careful! Once you got it in place, the bird is very stable on its feet.
The paint job is very cleanly applied -- HM has some of the best silver finishes you're gonna find (no silver flecking here) and the 100%
pad-printed graphics are crisp and clean (if rather sparse -- but that's the livery folks). The prewar scheme is a curious choice for HM to make for
its first release, I'd have gone with a Finnish ace livery myself, as that's were the aircraft achieved some fame. At the very least, why not a U.S.
Midway scheme -- as this aircraft was present when Japan attacked the island (and wiped it from the skies). The next two schemes are an RAF
camo and then another prewar livery. Hopefully, we'll see somethnig a bit more visually and historically interesting down the road. For a historical
background on the Buffalo, go here.
The supplied in-flight display stand is a bit wobbly (as all HM stands have been so far), but it holds the model well and does its job. Sure, I'd like a
better stand, and higher-grade packaging (HM uses thin cardboard that's easy to rip). However, remember, this model is less than $40 and of a
higher quality than you get, say, from Franklin Mint for lots more (MSRP $, anyways).
I should also note that this is the first HM model to include moving parts -- the canopy slides open, the wheels roll, and the rudder swings (though
with limited throw). A light black wash has been applied to give the model a slightly weathered look, which I like overall. Though it should also be
noted that it enhances the panel lines a bit -- and there is little rivet detail to be found on the model, too. (Though looking at pics of the real deal,
this may be accurate -- I'm not that familiar with this particular aircraft.)
The model has a lot charm to it, sitting here on my desk, and I must confess that I like it much more than I thought I would.
Highly recommended.
don't like to gush, but in my humble opinion HM's hit it's first 1:48 at-bat right out of the park!
This model has a superb fit/finish, very little assembly is required but what you do have to fiddle with (bombs, gear struts) fit where they should
with little trouble. The down gear is a bit tricky, the main gear retracts into the wing and swings down "for landing", which is very cool. However, to
keep the gear down you have to manually insert the struts (one piece, metal) into the gear well opening and then push it into place on a tab with a
plastic "wrench" (included). If you're not patient, and rush the job, it is possible to snap the gear assembly, or break one of the planes delicate
detail parts in the process -- luckily, I didn't! So, just be careful! Once you got it in place, the bird is very stable on its feet.
The paint job is very cleanly applied -- HM has some of the best silver finishes you're gonna find (no silver flecking here) and the 100%
pad-printed graphics are crisp and clean (if rather sparse -- but that's the livery folks). The prewar scheme is a curious choice for HM to make for
its first release, I'd have gone with a Finnish ace livery myself, as that's were the aircraft achieved some fame. At the very least, why not a U.S.
Midway scheme -- as this aircraft was present when Japan attacked the island (and wiped it from the skies). The next two schemes are an RAF
camo and then another prewar livery. Hopefully, we'll see somethnig a bit more visually and historically interesting down the road. For a historical
background on the Buffalo, go here.
The supplied in-flight display stand is a bit wobbly (as all HM stands have been so far), but it holds the model well and does its job. Sure, I'd like a
better stand, and higher-grade packaging (HM uses thin cardboard that's easy to rip). However, remember, this model is less than $40 and of a
higher quality than you get, say, from Franklin Mint for lots more (MSRP $, anyways).
I should also note that this is the first HM model to include moving parts -- the canopy slides open, the wheels roll, and the rudder swings (though
with limited throw). A light black wash has been applied to give the model a slightly weathered look, which I like overall. Though it should also be
noted that it enhances the panel lines a bit -- and there is little rivet detail to be found on the model, too. (Though looking at pics of the real deal,
this may be accurate -- I'm not that familiar with this particular aircraft.)
The model has a lot charm to it, sitting here on my desk, and I must confess that I like it much more than I thought I would.
Highly recommended.
Hobby Master 1:48 Air Power Series
HA7001: Brewster F2A-2 Buffalo, USN VF-3, USS Saratoga. Released: May, 2007
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