Hobby Master steps up and makes some fixes with its second 1:32 SBD release.
Mostly due to its high price point, HM's first SBD took a great deal of flak from collectors that were upset about several issues
with the first model, which you can read about here: HM SBD blog. HM is paying attention, and has stepped up and
addressed most of the big concerns. The prop no longer droops, and the pilot figure has been altered to sit higher in the
cockpit. Plus, this model doesn't have some of the same QA issues that my example of the first release SBD had -- such as
glue smears and noticeable gaps/seams. The price is still the same, and it still doesn't include a display stand. However, HM
has announced an optional stand will be available soon, though the price has not been announced. I wish a stand was
included, but perhaps we can use the optional stand to display other brands -- such as GMP or FM so it will be worthwhile to
have it sold separately. (Glass half full approach...)
(I should note that this model was sent to me by HM directly, it is not available at retail yet -- it should be in a month
or so. This is a final retail model, not a pre-pro!)
Simply put, the livery is stunning -- even my wife stopped to look at this one and she cares little for airplanes, or my affinity for
them for that matter. The bare metal finish is superb, as is the application of the pad-printed graphics. There's still a small gap
where the canopy windscreen joins the fuselage, but it's not as obvious as with the first release. Once again, you get a twin
and single-barrel .30 cal rear gun option (the single barrel is what the real plane used) and the crew figures are optional, too.
You simply can't beat the combo of the looks and history of this bird, which you can read all about here SBD-2 History. The
plane survived Pearl Harbor and was filled full of holes at Midway, only to be lost later in a training accident and then
recovered for static display. (Thanks to Starman for the link!)
If you held off of the first release for the QA issues, I truly think this model is worth picking up. Yes, it's expensive. However, you
do get a lot of model for your money. (The third livery has been announced as the Ace of Spades.)
Highly Recommended!
Hobby Master 1:32 Air Power Series
HA0201: Douglas SBD 2, 2-B-2 VB-2, USS Lexington, CV-2, early 1941 Released: Spring 2008
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Click this image for a
slideshow review with music.
slideshow review with music.
