[Cardinal]

Originally Posted by mustangdriver

I have both heading my way, and want a 1/48th P-39 so bad it isn't funny.

Patience young Jedi - let the force give you strength to wait... and wait... and wait some more .

[lanslide]

Originally Posted by mustangdriver

I have both heading my way, and want a 1/48th P-39 so bad it isn't funny.

It'll happen one day soon mustangdriver...I have faith that HM will be the first one to do it too. I think it will be their next 1/48 model when they see how well their 1/72 one does. Their Buffalo and this Spit are very good!

[mustangdriver]

That would be awsome.

[Black 6]

My final entry in tonight's HM review trifecta is for my copy of the HM 1:48 Spitfire. When I removed it from its box I was struck with how light it is for its size. I didn't expect that at all as it looks (to me at least) like it should have some heft. It's no lightweight, but I guess my eyes were fooled. It does look sharp though (especially that prop - ouch!). As mentioned in other posts, the pilot figure is an embarrassing joke as he disappears below the sides of the cockpit. This plane is best displayed pilotless. Also, reconsider toying with the allegedly movable tail control surfaces - bad move if you do as bad sounds are made and movement is barely perceptible. The canopy is shipped without a plastic cover for protection so it is scratched by the movement of the model during shipping (HM should do something about this). One of the retractable wheels has a problem clearing the radiator without some effort.

All in all a nice first effort at a 1:48 Spitfire by HM, but improvements need to be made.

The Good

• Paint and decals are applied beautifully. Panel lines are OK.
• Metal prop is wickedly beautiful.
• Clear plastic under-wing lights.
• It came with its LE certificate.

The Bad

• Canopy lacks protection during shipping so it is abraded by the hard plastic package. Nicely scratched (oddly enough, the wheels were protected in the manner the canopy should have been).
• Odd plastic arrangement in the canopy to allow it to slide.
• Pilot figure is not correct scale and is a joke.
• Movable control surfaces move - if you dare to force them.
• Cockpit side door is too delicate.
• Retractable wheels may have trouble clearing the radiators without being forced.

Excellent subject which is why I raise it to a 6 (instead of 5) out of 10 points. HM can do better (and I hope they do on the next version).

[FormerViperDriver]

Hmmm, now you've got me worried about the canopy being scratched when I receive mine. I hope not.

The one thing I really wish HM had done better on this model is the canopy sliding mechanism. That clear plastic tab inside the bubble just isn't very classy at all. And seems to me there were other solutions, even if they wanted the sliding feature (though in my case, I'd take a fixed canopy over the existing solution).

HM: attention to detail, please (and that pilot, tsk, tsk...).

Anyway, still a very nice model.

FVD

[Kubikali]

I was tempted to get this model, but some of the "bad" aspects are holding me off for now.

Refocussing to the NZAF Buffalo...

[lanslide]

That is a great review Black 6 and I agree with you. I really like HM so don't get me wrong but they seem to be moving too fast now! We are getting some great models of great subjects and they appear to be our best hope for the best combination of variety, quality, and affordability. HM needs to slow down just a little and reconsider the "working features" of their 1/48 scale line up. I don't think they are needed and they just add cost and QC problems to an otherwise great model. I hope they continue as they have but with more attention to detail and less on the "toy-like" working features that don't work well at all. I think they did a fantastic job on the panel lines on this Spitfire because they are very crisp and delicate. The paint job is beautifully done but the cockpit is not very well detailed. This is still one of my best models though - just could be a little better if the focus had been on detail rather than features.

[PappyB]

Originally Posted by FormerViperDriver

Hmmm, now you've got me worried about the canopy being scratched when I receive mine. I hope not.

The one thing I really wish HM had done better on this model is the canopy sliding mechanism. That clear plastic tab inside the bubble just isn't very classy at all. And seems to me there were other solutions, even if they wanted the sliding feature (though in my case, I'd take a fixed canopy over the existing solution).

HM: attention to detail, please (and that pilot, tsk, tsk...).

Anyway, still a very nice model.

FVD

Here I definitely agree with you FVD -- that tab is not only unsightly, its unneccessary really. The canopy could "slide" just fine with just the tabs on the leading edge of the canopy rails I think.

Folks do have to remember, IMHO, the price point of this model versus the other 1:48 brands when wishing for more detail I think. HM is clearly trying to hit a more affordable price point than say FM or EI (IMHO this spit is still nicer than FM's for about $20 less).

(the pilot is ridiculous for sure -- but at least they give you one I suppose).

The paint application is beautiful though.

[Ara1]

Black 6, check yer inbox... both my Eagles Int'l and Carousel 1 pilots await deployment to your region...

...over...

[ZS-VAN]

I'm expecting mine soon too. I would prefer the detail to the working features if we end up with a better overall model. HM listens so the furture may yet be bright. Don't know whether I can wait though, I'm up for the 2nd Spit too!