[ZS-VAN]

Originally Posted by pdxcollector

I like the option of having rockets but are they removable, not all Hellcats were always loaded down with ground pounding munitions. Since this is the mount of the top USN Ace this thing should be clean except for the centerline drop tank.

I like the options too. Are we sure that he exclusively flew fighter sorties? I would think the aircraft would be armed per mission requirements. Does anyone know whether no bombing sorties were flown?

[Celtic]

Originally Posted by Celtic

I want to order this model, but am troubled by that "ridge line" on the spine where the tail unit attaches to the fuselage. This looks like a poor fit, and endemic with the mould, as it appears on both the Minsi and the FAA Hellcat. I don't want to get one of these models if the ridge line is a common fit. (And with my luck, if the problem occurs on one model in 100, I'll get that model! )

Anyway, does anyone have the skinny on this apparent problem.

I asked this question earlier, but it got lost in the banter. I wonder if anyone knows about that "ridge line" in front of the fin?

[Old Crow]

Those hoop panel lines running down the fuselage look a bit exaggerated to me.

Is that just a trick of the photo, or are they like that in real life?

Here is the old thread on this subject: http://themodelhangar.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1316

[timbo]

Thanks old crow for the link.

My opinion would be that a little more subtle would have been better. I think I'll try and find this one in the flesh first before I order. They just stick out like the proverbial sore thumb.

[Old Crow]

My opinion would be that a little more subtle would have been better. I think I'll try and find this one in the flesh first before I order. They just stick out like the proverbial sore thumb.

I hear you. I'm afraid it is just the inherent nature (or limitation) of modeling lines on a model in this scale. Unless they are drawn, they will never be to scale. In fact, on the real Hellcat the lines are made by overlapping sheets of metal and you will never see that on a model in this scale.

That said, I do not think you will be disappointed.

[timbo]

Originally Posted by Old Crow

I hear you. I'm afraid it is just the inherent nature (or limitation) of modeling lines on a model in this scale. Unless they are drawn, they will never be to scale. In fact, on the real Hellcat the lines are made by overlapping sheets of metal and you will never see that on a model in this scale.

That said, I do not think you will be disappointed.

I do agree it's all a matter of compromise. Gemini have been able to get some very fine panel lines on the P51 fuselage.

[Min]

Picked up the HM "Minsi III" Hellcat this afternoon. Was rather undecided about this particular model because of all the posts regarding the tail seam. Luckily my local hobby shop had it in stock and didn't mind me taking a closer look at the model by removing it from its packaging. I must say that I'm more than pleased with it! The tail seam looks more pronounced in the photos than it is in real life. At 1:72 scale and at normal viewing distance it's not even noticeable as far as I'm concerned.

I picked the HM 'cat over Dragon's simply because I'm close to getting my fill of fiddly bits. And for my money the HM mold is just as good as, if not better than, Dragon's effort. Kudos to Hobby Master for putting out such fantastic die-casts!!

[Celtic]

Originally Posted by Min

Picked up the HM "Minsi III" Hellcat this afternoon. Was rather undecided about this particular model because of all the posts regarding the tail seam. Luckily my local hobby shop had it in stock and didn't mind me taking a closer look at the model by removing it from its packaging. I must say that I'm more than pleased with it! The tail seam looks more pronounced in the photos than it is in real life. At 1:72 scale and at normal viewing distance it's not even noticeable as far as I'm concerned.

I picked the HM 'cat over Dragon's simply because I'm close to getting my fill of fiddly bits. And for my money the HM mold is just as good as, if not better than, Dragon's effort. Kudos to Hobby Master for putting out such fantastic die-casts!!

Agree (and I dropped Dragon a year or more ago both because of the fiddly parts and because the fiddly parts kept falling off). The Hellcat mould is a masterpiece. Please see my review.

[bsmith13]

It is a tough sell for me when I already have this aircraft by two other manufacturers (Dragon and MB). However, it does look very nice. I might be to the point where I have to sell off older versions to save space...

[Min]

Celtic: your review played a big part in my decision to buy the HM Hellcat. I should have acknowledged that in my previous post, thanks for the great write-up!