[Cavtanker]

Originally Posted by bsmith13

You're a good egg, Hawk.

I can't imagine trying to figure out how to balance a diecast model with tricycle landing gear like the P-39. The model is already made of zinc. It seems to me that the choices would be to move the landing gear back, stuff the very small nose with lead, or make the tail section out of plastic.

Instead of lead, take the model apart (if possible, of course) and use pennies for weight. I've used pennies to balance out my 1/72 plastic Cobra and add weight to my 1/72 plastic armor.

[smartd]

Originally Posted by hawkonevoodoo

I just learned from Hobby Master that after listening to your comments they are going to improve the models as much as possible within a reasonable cost factor. The P-39s HA1701 and HA1702 would receive a re-paint of the undercarriage and wheel wells. Unfortunately since the air scoop is cast as part of the fuselage it won’t be changed since it would require an entirely new casting at a tremendous cost. The HA1702 Devastating Devil will receive a complete new upper paint finish with a color correction. I have been assured that any gaps will not be present in the retail version and a few other alterations will be made to the finished product. They hope you will find this action acceptable and they regret any delays this may cause but are confident that you will understand that this will provide you the collector with a much nicer model. I’m thinking of giving Hobby Master their own personal slogan, “We listen to you”.

Incredible that a manufacturer would listen and re-act so positively to suggestions.
Thanks Hawk for work that you do in passing on comments.

[1250ships]

Originally Posted by smartd

Incredible that a manufacturer would listen and re-act so positively to suggestions.
Thanks Hawk for work that you do in passing on comments.

I look forward to seeing the new paint scheme. Even if I don't buy the first US P-39 I'll be in the market for a Guadalcannal or New Guniea bird for sure.

[flyXwire]

Originally Posted by smartd

Incredible that a manufacturer would listen and re-act so positively to suggestions.
Thanks Hawk for work that you do in passing on comments.

I'll echo your sentiments and will give kudos to Hawk for his diligence in making sure that HM receives our suggestions and critisisms in a timely fashion.

[lanslide]

Hawk, HM will provide machine guns in the nose fairings too (not just the cannon in the prop spinner) won't they?

[Celtic]

Originally Posted by 1250ships

I look forward to seeing the new paint scheme. Even if I don't buy the first US P-39 I'll be in the market for a Guadalcannal or New Guniea bird for sure.

If the first one is the Russian, then I'll buy no matter what else is wrong. After that, it'll be according to the scheme. I'm particularly interested in a just-prewar version with three-color markings in USAAF olive drab and grey. Anyway, really hope they don't mess up this most elegant, if maligned, plane (if they had only retained the turbocharger it might have been a fantastic air-to-air-combat success!)

[leeG]

Originally Posted by Celtic

If the first one is the Russian, then I'll buy no matter what else is wrong. After that, it'll be according to the scheme. I'm particularly interested in a just-prewar version with three-color markings in USAAF olive drab and grey. Anyway, really hope they don't mess up this most elegant, if maligned, plane (if they had only retained the turbocharger it might have been a fantastic air-to-air-combat success!)

Below 10,000 feet, it was a fantastic air-to-air success. Just ask Pokryshkin and the rest of the Soviet Cobra aces.

[Cruver Collecter]

This might make for a good P-39 paint scheme. George Welch's P-39D-1 he flew over New Guinea and he wracked up three kills in it.

[HotTrap429]

That IS a great scheme Cruver! Now that is one I would not hesitate one second to buy. Unfortunately HobbyMaster picks schemes that leave me cold for their initial releases. Then I usually have to wait 6 to 12 months until they decide to produce the "good" ones before I buy anything. That's why I'm still waiting to buy an Avenger from them. Gives me a couple of years to save up the money. As for their "tan" USAAF version -----


I may initially buy one of these tan nightmares just because I really want a P-39 in the worst way, but I'm willing to wait for better schemes after that.

[lanslide]

HotTrap - I agree 100% with you. I will buy the tan one only because I am desperate for an Airacobra but I would much rather have any other American version - especially a Guadalcanal version with British camouflage and shark mouth nose art.