[Louie]

I bought the Vraciu Hellcat and it has a black plastic instrument panel with no instrument do you all have the same thing? All my other planes have instruments thanks.

[hawkonevoodoo]

Originally Posted by Louie

I bought the Vraciu Hellcat and it has a black plastic instrument panel with no instrument do you all have the same thing? All my other planes have instruments thanks.

I wrote about this in my review of this model http://www.hobbymastercollector.com/...lex_Vraciu.doc and I discussed it with Hobby Master. I do reviews on models long before they are available for the retail market so it might be worthwhile to take a couple of minutes to check my site for the particular model you are considering buying. When there is a review available there is a link at the top of the page for each model that say's "READ REVIEW".

[HotTrap429]

Just got mine today. Love this model! Hawkone - please pass on my compliments to Hobby Master. Please tell them they have a VERY satisfied customer in Connecticut.

[Epapazian]

I just got my Hobby Master Vraciu Hellcat and overall it looks terrific. Except for one thing. While there is a small hole under the right wingtip for inserting that relatively small pitot head that the Hellcats carried, there was no pitot head included. At least I couldn't find it. If this is a deliberate Hobby Master decision then I must confess I'm surprised considering the superb quality that is the hallmark of this line so far.

[PappyB]

Originally Posted by Epapazian

I just got my Hobby Master Vraciu Hellcat and overall it looks terrific. Except for one thing. While there is a small hole under the right wingtip for inserting that relatively small pitot head that the Hellcats carried, there was no pitot head included. At least I couldn't find it. If this is a deliberate Hobby Master decision then I must confess I'm surprised considering the superb quality that is the hallmark of this line so far.

I think they come pre-attached? But honestly I'm not sure -- perhaps it was broken off when you took it out of the packaging? I know I either did this myself or broke it trying to attach it, as mine took some glue to "fix". Either way, you should have one.

[stalag8611]

Originally Posted by PappyB

I think they come pre-attached? But honestly I'm not sure -- perhaps it was broken off when you took it out of the packaging? I know I either did this myself or broke it trying to attach it, as mine took some glue to "fix". Either way, you should have one.

Unfortunately, it's all to easy to break of bits when removing the model from its plastic cocoon. There must be a better way to hold the model firm other than prying the wings out from under the plastic "lips" that hold the plane in place.. I' ve taken to using the Exacto to split the lip so that I can avoid breaking something.

[hawkonevoodoo]

Originally Posted by stalag8611

Unfortunately, it's all to easy to break of bits when removing the model from its plastic cocoon. There must be a better way to hold the model firm other than prying the wings out from under the plastic "lips" that hold the plane in place.. I' ve taken to using the Exacto to split the lip so that I can avoid breaking something.

You should be able to take your thumb and push those plastic clips in so they release the wings. Sometimes these clips are too thick so I use a pair of pliers to squeeze them in.

[hawkonevoodoo]

Originally Posted by Epapazian

I just got my Hobby Master Vraciu Hellcat and overall it looks terrific. Except for one thing. While there is a small hole under the right wingtip for inserting that relatively small pitot head that the Hellcats carried, there was no pitot head included. At least I couldn't find it. If this is a deliberate Hobby Master decision then I must confess I'm surprised considering the superb quality that is the hallmark of this line so far.

The Pitot should come attached but they are glued on so it may have come off in the packaging. If you already haven't, take the box and completely open the box because I have found the occasional small piece hiding in one of the box seams of flap. Make sure you do this slowly so if it is in a flap it doesn't go flying and do it over a good sized table.

[Epapazian]

Originally Posted by hawkonevoodoo

The Pitot should come attached but they are glued on so it may have come off in the packaging. If you already haven't, take the box and completely open the box because I have found the occasional small piece hiding in one of the box seams of flap. Make sure you do this slowly so if it is in a flap it doesn't go flying and do it over a good sized table.

Taking your advice I carefully checked all over the box but there was no pitot. In fact looking at the hole where it goes I see no sign of any glue so it looks like HM messed up on this particular model. It's no big deal, however, as I fabricated another pitot tube out of plastic and glued it on.

[hawkonevoodoo]

Originally Posted by Epapazian

Taking your advice I carefully checked all over the box but there was no pitot. In fact looking at the hole where it goes I see no sign of any glue so it looks like HM messed up on this particular model. It's no big deal, however, as I fabricated another pitot tube out of plastic and glued it on.

Sorry to hear this, I take that everything else was ok? I glad to hear you are handy with plastic.