[flyXwire]

A couple more schemes to add for the Mk XIV c/e variants I'd like to see:

[Elmer]

Originally Posted by hworth18

the screw fasteners on the removable engine cowl panels should be present because honestly, just like panel lines, you wouldn't see rivets at this scale..

Yes, exactly! I am not as concerned about tiny rivets, but screw fasteners for all panels (engine access, gun access, etc.), and rivets along the wing/fuselage join are extremely important to me. Like Cardo, the lack of this detail may possibly mean no sale for me also.

Honestly, the pre-pro pictures look terribly exciting and terribly disappointing to me. The shape, the canopy, door, positionable surfaces, bubble top and tear drop variants, the panel lines -- these all look PROMISING to me (not sure about the gun access doors however). Yet, I am mystified why HM did not add fastener detail around engine access panels. Almost all companies are moving toward adding this detail to its models. Why omit this from a 1:48 model? I wonder if it is as much a philosophical approach HM is taking toward its models as much as a cost cutting measure? Perhaps the powers that be do not like any rivet detail?

Regardless, this model is critically important to me and I was hoping for nearly as much detail as EI's Mustangs.

Our cousins across the Atlantic are talking about how exciting it would be to get this model for around the same price as the Buffalos. I argue, however, that in the long run, it won't be an exciting thing, but a terrible let down. When this model is on display in one's cabinet, it will not be cost that will attract and hold attention, it will be DETAIL. Imagine this model with the same love and pride given to details as GA gave its Spit (photo etched metal prop, guns, aerials, metal stand, terrific rivet/panel detail for the scale, etc.). Sure this will add more cost, but in the long run, it will be worth it. Many things (like inaccurate paint) can be fixed with later releases. Fastener/rivet detail, however, cannot. Once the mold is set, it is set for good and probably no other company will want to attempt to better it. Again, I extend a plea to HM to reconsider its marketing for this model. Please add more detail and increase the cost, NOT less detail and decrease the cost.

BTW, great pics fly! Thanks for posting. These appear on my computer screen darn near close to 1:48 scale, and what do you know... I can see fasteners around engine access panels! Isn't that just beautiful!

[flyXwire]

From CFBC..."Please be aware that these pictures have been taken of a pre-production version and are subject to change on the final production release."

More pre-pros pics:
http://forums.diecast-aviation.eu/sh...?t=6089&page=3

I concur with your plea for the "rivet details" to be added for sure, Elmer! Good call, buddy.

[Elmer]

Originally Posted by flyXwire

Since both of these are still in it's 'pre-pros' stage, I'll reserve judgement and avoid "jumping the gun" till the final end-product is finally presented.

Perhaps fly. On the other hand, if one doesn't voice one's concerns before the end product appears, one may be terribly disappointed that he didn't speak up before the end product is in hand... if you get my meanin'.

[flyXwire]

Originally Posted by Elmer

Perhaps fly. On the other hand, if one doesn't voice one's concerns before the end product appears, one may be terribly disappointed that he didn't speak up before the end product is in hand... if you get my meanin'.

How right you are, boss!

[mustangdriver]

Great looking models, I will be adding some to the hagar. I am wondering if they will add the detail, but they look great.

[hawkonevoodoo]

Originally Posted by mustangdriver

Great looking models, I will be adding some to the hagar. I am wondering if they will add the detail, but they look great.

I contacted Hobby Master and sent all the comments asking for more detail but the molds are already made and it can't be done at this time. They will try to increase detail in future models.

[mustangdriver]

I am not a Spitfire expert, so I respect what the guys are saying about more rivets, but I am still going to be all over these.

[hworth18]

Originally Posted by mustangdriver

I am not a Spitfire expert, so I respect what the guys are saying about more rivets, but I am still going to be all over these.

Agreed.... I can overlook some items to have a good MkXIV..

[jim]

Originally Posted by mustangdriver

I am not a Spitfire expert, so I respect what the guys are saying about more rivets, but I am still going to be all over these.

Thats why the detail is poor, they know we will all be rushing to buy them anyway, well most will but i wont be one of them, its just not good enough.