[hawkonevoodoo]

Originally Posted by RonO

I vote no on the "Wash". HawkOne are you sure it is a wash? I have assumed the panel lines were pad printed. In either case when I compare the panel lines on my HM SBD or TBF to period photos the model panel lines do not look correct however weathered the prototype. Printed lines are especially objectionable over light colored surfaces.

Compared to a quality plastic kit, almost all diecast panel lines are over done before the "wash" is added.

Even so, my HMs are keepers and I thank them for bring forth much needed SBD and TBF models.

Ron

The lines are definitely a wash and I'm told the lighter the shade the harder it is to control therefore more time consuming and labor intensive, ergo:

[hawkonevoodoo]

I just received a reply about pilots. They will be detachable so if you don't want one in your plane you don't have to break anything trying to get him out. They will be in the seated position unless it is a special release or something like that. They probably will be about 2 months before they start to show up, they still haven't made it to final production.
This is a list of the 1/72 pilots they are working on at this time. There could and probably will be a few added. No mention of the 1/48 probably trying to concentrate on one scale at a time, at least I hope that's what it is.
1/72
1) WWII -- USA
2) WWII -- Germany
3) WWII -- British
4) WWII -- Japan
5) Modern -- USA
6) Modern -- Germany/Japan

[STARMAN 352ND]

Well that is good news to see the pilots with the planes in a few months.....
Hope when the P-61 Blackwidow comes out it will have a crew of three.
JP

[Old Crow]

Wow, great intel and updates, Hawk. You been hanging with Scooter Libby?

Seriously, I love the direct link with HM and their willingness to listen to customers and experiment.

Here's my .02. I don't think any model, plastic or diecast, really looks realistic. In person, even the greatest plastic model kit, super-detailed by the greatest craftsman, still looks like a model. It is just a representation. Panel lines or not, weathered or not, it still can be seen for what it is. So, for me at least, I go for what is the most aesthetically pleasing. I happen to like the panel wash because of the contrast it creates, and if done appropriately (like HM, not IXO), it appears to be a more accurate representation and more pleasing to my eye.

I am really curious to see how the HM planes look sans the wash, but for now I favor the light wash. I stand ready, however, to be persuaded otherwise.

[Canucklehead]

I only own one HobbyMaster model, the candy stripe Dauntless, and I don't mind the panel lines on that at all. That said, if HM was to do say, a mirror finish Canadian Starfighter, panel lines might look out of place. If the model in question was an air show bird, it might look better without the panel lines as well. For planes that you want a "used" look for, they aren't so obtrusive as to ruin the model for me. God I sound wishy-washy.
They don't just do one pre-pro do they? Do one with and one without the wash, and pick the one that looks better for the production model. They seem to be competent enough people at HM, I'd trust their judgement.

The pilots situation sounds great. They could make a mint if they sell the pilots by themselves, if they are well rendered.

[RedBaron]

I'm in for the wash and stains. Hopefully the pilots will be available seperately, for those models already purchased. For all the discussion, at least HM is asking!

[bsmith13]

Wow! Pilots of different nationalities! I'm psyched for this. Please express my enthusiastic approval to the folks at HM!

[ac4313]

I agree completely with Old Crow, but will not purchase any HM releases without the weathering wash. The pilots are a great idea, and once again shows the willingness of HM to be attentive to the want/needs of their customers. I sure wish they weren't omitting the wash, though. I was really looking forward to those releases.

[Shawn 507]

Can I order the pilots seperately to fill out thier older planes SBD/TBM? And what the heck get some for the other birds in the collection?
- Shawn

[redlobster baron]

So far, I personally like the "wash" to enhance the detail of the panel lines on all the 1/72 HM model I got.