[Tundra04]

Do you think a "blank" Hobbymaster model would be popular? For instance, they would release a "primer" colored Dauntless/Avenger/A-10, which would allow you to paint and decal the plane as you see fit. They could do this as a limited run, plain box deal. Maybe even call it the "Factory Fresh Line," with a picture of an airplane on the assembly line. I was curious what the response would be to something like this. I can't imagine that it would cost very much for HM to do this, and might even be fairly lucrative in terms of overall profit per plane.

[Captain Eddie]

Could be, but I would not buy them. Main reason I collect diecast is do to my lack of painting skills...though I do tackle a plastic model now and then.

[mustangdriver]

I think one approach might be to have them come painted in the standard paint schemes, but with no individual markings on them. Then you can buy decal sheets and make the one that you want.

[Tundra04]

Originally Posted by mustangdriver

I think one approach might be to have them come painted in the standard paint schemes, but with no individual markings on them. Then you can buy decal sheets and make the one that you want.

That wouldn't be a bad idea...Take for instance the upcoming F-4. If they sold you a plain, Vietnam camo F-4, there's upteen million schemes you could do. Plus, aftermarket 1/72 decal sheets are EXTREMELY plentiful for vietnam camo F-4s.

I figure this could be a low run additional scheme for HM to do. Think of the cost savings: no research expense gathering sources for additional schemes, less overall cost since you wouldn't need decal markings, or the DREADED paint-wash.

Plus, if it were cheap enough, even those with 'rudimentary' paint/decal skills could afford to pick one up and give it the ol' college try!

[Old Crow]

Boy, I would be all over a painted model without individual markings because even I can do decals. It would be a great opportunity to have a fairly custom model without requiring model-building or painting skills. Plus, you could assemble your own air wing.

[STARMAN 352ND]

Originally Posted by mustangdriver

I think one approach might be to have them come painted in the standard paint schemes, but with no individual markings on them. Then you can buy decal sheets and make the one that you want.

I argee with you on that MD...I think that would be a great idea if they did that.
This would give you a choice to have your own that you would want as long
as the decals were made for them.
That be a cool idea for the A-10 and P-61 Blackwidow that is coming out later in the year.
A choice with light wash or no wash would be good too.
JP

[Nockers]

Great idea Just the basic paint job. Seeing I love to paint and decal models, but hate to build them, and don't have time to paint them any more.
I Would buy the pre paints and go wild with the decal jobs and maybe even make a few bucks doing it for others

[mapleflag]

I think its a great idea, back in March there was a string "hobbymaster wants your comments" and I suggested the idea for the very reasons we're discussing (http://www.themodelhangar.com/forum/showthread.php?p=34614&postcount=48)
The possibilities become virtually endless and any operator could be represented. Who knows maybe a little sideline business doing replicas for private owners and smaller
museums! Not retirement but a subsidy for a hobby.

[mkvb]

I am another that would like to see this happen.As a collector of RAAF and RNZAF I am not always able to get a plane in a particular line of aircraft.Case in point would be corgis Phantom.Basic livery is close to the Olds bird.With a a few transfers I would have the RAAF version.I don't have the skills or the gear to repaint one myself and a prepainted blank would be ideal.I seem to remember the FlyingMule doing a blank B24 in silver awhile back.From memory it hung around for awhile so I'm not sure how the blanks would sell.

[JETFAN]

Remember the Flying Mule buying a bunch of B-24s without unit markings?; it took him a long time to sell them off. Could be a very limited market.