[Cardinal]

Originally Posted by PappyB

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.

You appear to enjoy living life 'on the edge' PappyB . Last time I ventured a criticism of the 1/48 HM Spit ...

[lanslide]

It appears that other than the paint, the production model is identical to the pre-production model. We must have missed the boat with our earlier comments on the pre-pro.- oh well.

[PappyB]

Originally Posted by Cardinal

You appear to enjoy living life 'on the edge' PappyB . Last time I ventured a criticism of the 1/48 HM Spit ...

THat's me -- Mr. Risk Taker (I did bring a 1:48 FM lib into the house afterall... with the Mrs. already a bit miffed about my "little" hobby )

But seriously, the Spit canopy is smaller with less frame so the tabs stick out that much more to me... but I'm "safe" as I gave the Spit a higher score I guess

[lanslide]

Pappy, can you post a photo of the outer box too?

[PappyB]

Originally Posted by lanslide

Pappy, can you post a photo of the outer box too?

I dunno, maybe Lanslide... if I can make the time, i will. Meanwhile just imagine a 1:48 scale version of any other HM box (minus the flap)

[lanslide]

I just got a shipping notification from Aim Higher Jets that my pre-ordered Panther has shipped. Is that possible or are they mistaken? I left a message with them to confirm but does anyone know when this is really due?

[kb466]

Originally Posted by lanslide

I just got a shipping notification from Aim Higher Jets that my pre-ordered Panther has shipped. Is that possible or are they mistaken? I left a message with them to confirm but does anyone know when this is really due?

On their website, they are showing them in stock, so I suspect your Panther is on its way to you.

I am just hoping to hear soon that my pre-ordered 1/32 SBD is on its way to me as well!

[PappyB]

Originally Posted by lanslide

I just got a shipping notification from Aim Higher Jets that my pre-ordered Panther has shipped. Is that possible or are they mistaken? I left a message with them to confirm but does anyone know when this is really due?

Cool, I won't bother with the box shots then

[FormerViperDriver]

Originally Posted by PappyB

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.

About the clear tabs, if you say so I believe you. I haven't seen the actual model, so I was basing my impression on your pictures, but it's true that the important thing is the impression t gives "in the flesh." In the end, though, this is a minor point which certainly would not have prevented me from buying this model. I love the Spit XIX, after all, even with that clear tab...

But those folding wings, well, that's another story. Still, I'm sure I'll have to get one of these eventually. Simple equation: favorite scale + new (and cool) subject + unlikely to be made by anyone else + acceptable quality = buy. I may however wait to see if future releases have some of the problems corrected, and/or if I can get this model at a discount compared to MSRP, which I think is high for what you get.

I also agree with you Pappy about HM trying "too hard" (or "trying to do a lot, perhaps a bit too much" in your words). It's nice in a way, but I think in this case they over-reached (as they did with the outlandish armament on their A-10s, for example). I wish they had stuck to the "keep-it-simple" principle. Nevertheless, I still think HM is an outstanding brand and I'm sure they'll continue to bring great products to the market in the future.

FVD