[PappyB]

This bird also touched down today at Diecast Ace Field, along with the second release SBD. Here are some quick pics for y'all to check out. (edit: this is the final retail release.)

My initial impressions are that is quite a nice model, and definitely better than the Corgi version -- particularly in the nose/canopy area and pilots (they look a bit silly out of the plane, though ). The panel lines are more fine, but I wish they were even more fine... but they look better than Corgi's. And it looks like there's a very subtle wash applied, very subtle...

The open front canopy works just like Corgi's -- there's a separate piece in the box that you just attach the same way as you do with the Corgi version -- but this one fits much better than my Annette! The rear canopy is hinged and opens and shuts very smoothly -- I like it.

The bombs/fuel pods attach easily are also molded as one piece -- as in the pylons come with everything preattached. A dab of elmers will probably be a good idea to keep these on securely.

And the open gear is a joy to install -- very easy with no fiddly bits! Remember those tiny small doors right beneath the main struts on the Corgi version.. well these are molded onto the lowered gear struts so you don't have to mess with 'em. I like that, too...

I did break one of the main struts when I applied some pressure to the model -- I think I was fighting with the pilot to get it seated right... but it broke cleanly and just will take some glue to fix. But take care as the gear may be prone to breaking.

The only other thing I noticed was the decal for the closed gear door is not included on the open door.. whoops.

I must say I still prefer FM's in 1:48 for the sheer brute appeal of the scale and the heavy metal "heft" factor -- a model where I really think this is important to me, I guess. But this is definitely an improvement for Phantom nuts in 1:72, no question.