[PappyB]

Okay, got my mitts on a pre-pro for this upcoming Hellcat from HM:
Grumman Hellcat Mk. I, FAA, 804 Sq. 1945 (Ha1102)

These are some quick pics I snapped, and they're not the greatest... will post better ones later.

The paint scheme is beautiful, and the mold has a nice level of detail. The proportions of the 'cat look bang on. The bombs, are very nicely done, as is the centerline fuel tank. The panel lines look a bit overdone to me, but they look better "live".

There are a few issues, which I trust are all of the pre-pro type. There is no cockpit panel (as noted on Hawk's site in regard to the Minsi HC); the rockets do not snap in place, glue is required -- the pegs aren't even close to fitting in the holes on the underside of the wing; there is a gun access panel on the port wing, which will apparently be removed on the production version (per hawk's site, and the Minsi HC review), it's glued in on this version. It looks to me like the antenna may be in the wrong position, as the open canopy does not slide far enough back -- it hits the antenna and kind of sits awkwardly (not shown.. yet). THe tail stab also looks a bit crudely attached to the fuselage, some obvious seams/gaps.

I like the wash effect on this one, makes it look like it has been around the block, and the exhaust stains are nice too -- I wish the guns were similarly weathered with some cordite stains... maybe on the final? Excellent heft to it, too. (A pilot will be included in the final version, too--opitonal I believe.)

There's a few things to fix but this mold looks very promising indeed And I think this scheme is very striking, too!

Oh, and there is a pitot tube included on the underside of the starboard wingtip. This part was broken off in the models transit to my hangar -- will glue it on for the next round of pics.

[ZS-VAN]

Dog-gone it PappyB! What's wrong with you guys!? Along with the camo F104 I've been contemplating today you guys just sealed it. They're heading this way soon! Cool pics. I'd fancy the cordite stains too!

[flyXwire]

Nice pictures, thanks Pappy. Draggin might come out with a scheme like this one, but I'm leaning more towards this one by HM.

[mustangdriver]

Pretty nice. I think they did a nice job with the frame work on the canopy.

[easy8]

Looks like a promising mold and release from HM...I will definitley add this one to the collection! Pappy, I thought I saw a gap at the front where the canopy should meet with the fuselage...I know this is prepro, but the gap does look rather large...am I seeing that right?

easy8

[PappyB]

Originally Posted by easy8

Looks like a promising mold and release from HM...I will definitley add this one to the collection! Pappy, I thought I saw a gap at the front where the canopy should meet with the fuselage...I know this is prepro, but the gap does look rather large...am I seeing that right?

easy8

The closed cockpit sits really loosely on the pre-pro, so it was riding up a bit in the pics... it will sit closer to the fuselage with a bit o' pressure. Still it's likely you'll get some minor gaps without glueing it though. Personally, I think the gaps on the tail are more of an issue, but will reserve judgement until the finals arrive :-)

They already fixed a couple issues versus the Minsi mold, I believe -- such as removing the rear window from the cockpit.. got to like the way HM is paying attention!

[PappyB]

Posted a preview online with loads more pics, all thumbnail images can be clicked to see a high res version.

http://www.diecastace.com/preview_HM_ha1102.html

[Celtic]

Looks great--thanks for the quality pics. Looks like more money will be flying the coop!

[Shawn 507]

Looks nice but I'm hoping Dragon does a 3-tone Hellcat. Though I'll more than likely get this one just to round out the Hellcat collection. thanks for the update.
- Shawn

[HotTrap429]

A beautiful looking model. Man I want a HobbyMaster Hellcat so badly! Too bad their two initial releases don't do a single thing for me at all. Still waiting for the quintessential three tone Hellcat! Well, I've heard that all good things come to those who wait. Atleast I know where there's a few bucks that won't be going HobbyMaster's way.