[FormerViperDriver]

OK, the color looks better on that last picture Pappy posted. Sometimes it's tough to tell with lighting conditions when the pictures are taken. But anyway, I agree the color seems right.

However, after looking at the first pictures again, I have to say I also really dislike the canopy sliding mechanism, as HM has yet again opted for some really ugly, very visible clear-plastic tabs inside the canopy. Looks worse than on their Spit XIV. I can't believe they can't find a better way.

Still, no doubt I'll have to get one of those eventually. I love the subject and overall it makes an acceptable model. I just wish HM could have delivered a product that I could describe in terms other than just "acceptable."

FVD

[Elmer]

Originally Posted by PappyB

There are only two visible screws with the gear deployed and those are inside the wheel wells...so you have to look for them (like legos under your kid's bed ).

[Elmer]

Originally Posted by lanslide

Oh come on! It's better than that!

It ain't. Almost everywhere I look on the model it screams for want of detail that 1:48 scale just begs for. Hobby Master has opted for a model with "cool" working features (retractable gear, folding wings, sliding canopy, dropped flaps) instead of detailed features that make the model look like a realistic, accurate miniature. The folding wings is only part of the problem with this model. Have you looked in those gear wells?

[Ara1]

Originally Posted by PappyB

so it should hold up over time if you do like to play with your models ...

(whistles)

[PappyB]

Originally Posted by FormerViperDriver

OK, the color looks better on that last picture Pappy posted. Sometimes it's tough to tell with lighting conditions when the pictures are taken. But anyway, I agree the color seems right.

However, after looking at the first pictures again, I have to say I also really dislike the canopy sliding mechanism, as HM has yet again opted for some really ugly, very visible clear-plastic tabs inside the canopy. Looks worse than on their Spit XIV. I can't believe they can't find a better way.

Still, no doubt I'll have to get one of those eventually. I love the subject and overall it makes an acceptable model. I just wish HM could have delivered a product that I could describe in terms other than just "acceptable."

FVD

It is a very deep navy blue, and does look almost black without light shining directly on it -- definitely not the same blue we see in the pre-pro pics for this model on Hawk's site. (The second Panther pre-pro shots look like the same blue...)

I agree with you Viper in general about the clear tabs used for the sliding canopies. However, with this model I don't think they are nearly as glaring as the Spit... just my $.02.
HM is clearly trying to do a lot, perhaps a bit too much.

[Ara1]

Originally Posted by flyXwire

Ara1, here ya go:

Thanx flyXwire. That's the diagram and it makes sense to me.

[Ara1]

The color looks right, as does the darkness of the blue. I agree with Lanslide though, I expected it to look glossier. This is the overall color of USN a/c from approx. 1945-52, and I think they did a good job. If they come out with a Helldiver, I would expect this exact color.

[lanslide]

This Panther will look great next to my FM/A Sabre and Mig-15. I also think that its quality is superior to both despite its few little imperfections. I would prefer that the model have non-operable features but they are kinda cool! Now we need a Shooting Star and Thunderjet to complete the Korean War jet collection.

[lanslide]

Pappy - is the entire section of the fuselage plastic or metal in front of the canopy?

[Art LeBrun]

lanslide - please add the F2H Banshee to the needed Korean War jet collection.