[Duckman]

Thank you for the welcome!

I think we are basically in agreement. I just don't like the way it's done on some of their aircraft. The Luftwaffe Harvard is the worst by far, although the Mirage and some other aicraft have also suffered.

Of course I don't have to buy their stuff if I don't like it, but apart from the panel lines I really love their approach and product range (where else are we going to get an Iraqi MiG-21?). Hopefully they are aware of the issue and the RAF Harvard is the look of things to come.

[Cruver Collecter]

Hope they stick with the same theme on the Buffalos though.

[PappyB]

Not sure if this was discussed in this thread but it appears HM is going to address this issue on a model by model basis -- lightly painted aircraft may not get a wash applied, darker schemes will? I just got the HA1801 110 and it looks like it doesn't have a wash at all... I think I prefer it with. But it's certainly not a major issue to me either way.

[Celtic]

Originally Posted by PappyB

Not sure if this was discussed in this thread but it appears HM is going to address this issue on a model by model basis -- lightly painted aircraft may not get a wash applied, darker schemes will? I just got the HA1801 110 and it looks like it doesn't have a wash at all... I think I prefer it with. But it's certainly not a major issue to me either way.

That one is kind of dark AND light, so maybe they split the difference...since you got your copy, does that mean they will be on time (JAN according to the Mule).

Personally, I'd prefer a little color in the panel lines...

EDIT: Just noticed that the prepros on Hawks HM page show a wash, so they must have deleted this from the final version.

[PappyB]

Originally Posted by Celtic

That one is kind of dark AND light, so maybe they split the difference...since you got your copy, does that mean they will be on time (JAN according to the Mule).

Personally, I'd prefer a little color in the panel lines...

EDIT: Just noticed that the prepros on Hawks HM page show a wash, so they must have deleted this from the final version.

Don't know if they'll be on time, I would guess yes -- and I couldn't tell from Hawk's review if the model had the wash or not, but since he reviewed the pre-pro it must have. Mine looks very close to that one, and it is a final retail version, so it must be a real subtle wash if there's one at all... very tough to tell. Hawk?

[Cruver Collecter]

Diecast model collectors vs Plastic Modeling collectors panel lines seems to go to separate ways, Majority of diecast folks seem to dislike the emphasizing panel lines where as the articles I read dealing with plastic kit model detailing still looks to shade or emphasize panel lines. IPMS Stockholm.org had fairly interesting article on just this subject.

Modern kits built and painted as per instructions reflect the original in pristine condition. In contrast, real world objects most often show the effect of aging and weathering. For example, surfaces become bleached, tarnished, painted, scuffed, corroded, knicked, scratched, stained, and otherwise modified under the influence of the environment. In the eyes of the viewer, these changes in appearance can enhance the value of the object since they emphasize its longevity and history. Weathering is a term associated to the process of making the model look like it has been used. One area which especially calls for some subtle weathering are recessed joint and panel lines on the model. This is for the two main reasons. Firstly, in normal lightning conditions, such recesses on the original object would often create some shade and thus appear darker than the surrounding surface. Secondly, crevices is where dirt and grime would assemble and stay on the real object. Both of these effects need some help from the modeller to look "right" in scale.
The obvious conclusion for many modellers is to pay special attention to the recessed panel lines on a model. The basic idea is that the model would look more lifelike if its panel lines appear darker than the overall finish.
There are many ways to enhance panel lines and other structural recesses on a scale model. The effect will vary depending on the technique used, but all of the described processes will have the effect of making the painted surface of the model look more alive.

It is odd how two different groups collecting similar items, view them so differently. One group opting for models with a pristine look, while the other for model that may have seen some service. I was thumbing through a Fine Scale Modeler at the store the other day and yep panel lines. For all the argument against panel lines or inked as some call it, at least for awhile Hobby Master models had a destinct look that separated it from its competition.

Site article from:Tech Tips: Emphasizing Panel Lines

[SKUNKY]

If we could just get the manufacturers to exercise subtlety with the panel lines, I truly believe there would be a lot more acceptance of this effect in the diecast community as well. The guys building the plastic models have control over how much or how little they feel is appropriate. The amount can even vary from one section of the model to another.....This is pretty much the problem we have had with diecast so far; it's been all or nothing, and we end up either with something that looks like it just rolled out the factory door, or a jigsaw puzzle.


SUBTLETY IS THE KEY!!...............................(ooops)

[Ara1]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^ yes.

[Cruver Collecter]

Originally Posted by SKUNKY

If we could just get the manufacturers to exercise subtlety with the panel lines, I truly believe there would be a lot more acceptance of this effect in the diecast community as well. The guys building the plastic models have control over how much or how little they feel is appropriate. The amount can even vary from one section of the model to another.....This is pretty much the problem we have had with diecast so far; it's been all or nothing, and we end up either with something that looks like it just rolled out the factory door, or a jigsaw puzzle.


SUBTLETY IS THE KEY!!...............................(ooops)

Toning down of the panel lines would be a step up, but forgoing them with pretty much be a shame. The earlier models that Hobby Master put out were on the heavy side as far as panel lines go, but have to remember that they were the first to step away from the pristine, fresh from the factory look. It is hard to look at a fighter with kill marks on the side and yet it looks like it has never been out of a hangar. It kind of goes back to the argument that collectors are looking for accurate representations of aircraft, not toys (Real planes get dirty). I worked along side a flight line for 18 years, and to be honest, I did not see to many factory fresh looking planes, but I did see quite a few that had been around the block a few times. Ok, last couple of years I worked I did see an F/A-18E Super Hornet with only a hand full of hours on it and got to get an inside look in a brand spanking new C-130J,,ahh, nothing like that new plane smell.

[lanslide]

Originally Posted by Cruver Collecter

Toning down of the panel lines would be a step up, but forgoing them with pretty much be a shame. The earlier models that Hobby Master put out were on the heavy side as far as panel lines go, but have to remember that they were the first to step away from the pristine, fresh from the factory look. It is hard to look at a fighter with kill marks on the side and yet it looks like it has never been out of a hangar. It kind of goes back to the argument that collectors are looking for accurate representations of aircraft, not toys (Real planes get dirty). I worked along side a flight line for 18 years, and to be honest, I did not see to many factory fresh looking planes, but I did see quite a few that had been around the block a few times. Ok, last couple of years I worked I did see an F/A-18E Super Hornet with only a hand full of hours on it and got to get an inside look in a brand spanking new C-130J,,ahh, nothing like that new plane smell.

I think Dragon Warbirds Zero, P-51D, and P-47D) had washed panel lines before HM - right?