[lanslide]

Originally Posted by Elmer

OK... Skunky has to... but I don't... 'cause it ain't.



And this one is somewhere in the ballpark of less than "nothing's perfect."

Hey HM... this one is a real let-down, and nothing to get excited over. Please bring on the next 1:48 scale model, please.

Elmer, do you not like the Panther subject or do you think HM really did that much worse of a job on this model than about 90% of the 1/48 scale diecast models already out there? I think only C1 and EI have something better to offer.

[mustangdriver]

I for one think that this model is sweet. I am thrilled to be getting Panthers in 1/48th scale.

[Elmer]

Originally Posted by lanslide

Elmer, do you not like the Panther subject or do you think HM really did that much worse of a job on this model than about 90% of the 1/48 scale diecast models already out there? I think only C1 and EI have something better to offer.

I'm glad you asked 'slide, because I so much wanted to expostulate on the subject.

I love the Panther. Really, I never met a fighter aircraft I didn't love. All of them are interesting to me. And this one is interesting to me, partly, because it co-starred with two of my favorite actors: William Holden and Grace Kelly (Mickey Rooney and that other guy I can take or leave). Anyhoo... I love all the Grumman cats.

Ok... now HM and their job on this one: For some time now on this forum, I have been a vocal proponent for detailed, authentic, high quality 1:48 scale aircraft models. 1:48 is the perfect scale, especially for WWI, WWII, and small jet fighters such as the Panther: it is big enough for detail, big enough to catch the eye, big enough to give that "WOW/mojo" feeling, yet small enough to be able to display bunches of 'em. There is a real opportunity to pack detail in with 1:48. This is partly what gives one (at least me) that WOW knockout punch. On this one, HM failed to knock me out. I don't see the detail I want. And I see lots of gaps (an ill-fitting model). I see a squandered opportunity, and I am disappointed. I can't help it. I can't look at this model and think "WOW! HM did a great job on this one, and I love to look at it, and strafe the kids cat with it!" It has size only. Granted, it has a lot of working features... but my models are static display, so those working features, while fun, take a backseat to detail, fit, finish, and authenticity. All of these appear to be dreadfully lacking to my eye.

I raised concerns about HM's approach to their 1:48 models when the first F2A and Spitfire pictures were released. I was hoping HM would attempt to build models on a par with the detail of EI's Mustang and C1's line. I just don't understand the 1:48 less detailed approach of Franklin Mint. To me, this seems to be contrary to what 1:48 should be all about. But, nevertheless, despite my concerns, I found the F2A and Spitfire to be well built, tight fitting (the best fitting 1:48 diecast models I have seen), and nicely finished... so I overlook the lack of some detail I want and I am happy with the models. But this Panther looks like it would fall apart on engine start up. I would have overlooked any lack of mold detail (such as riveting or realistic looking intakes), and even the unclean undersides (screw heads galore!) for a tight fitting, well finished model.

Yes, C1 and EI have better 1:48 scale models to offer, and so does HM. So does Franklin Mint (e.g. for detail and fit, the He-111 blows this Panther model out of the water). I don't think HM set out to build a "less-better" Panther model. Rather, I think they attempted some innovation with working features; an attempt to make a model. But I think the result fell on its face, and I hope HM will not attempt this folding wings experiment again, and will go back to a solidly built, even if less detailed, model. But, I sure would love to see a "Premium" approach to their 1:48 scale models, much like they appear to be attempting to build for a 1:32 line.

[skysurfer808]

I just got my Panther from PappyB yesterday, and though it is not the perfect model, I have to say I like it. I did not pay full list price for it, and do believe that nearly 70.00 is a bit much, especially when compared to C-1 (which has the same list price) or FM's much more reasonably priced Ebay offerings. However, I did not pay list price for it, rather I got it here for a reasonable price (less than a 1/48 HM Spit XIV that I bought at a local hobby store) Still, I have to say that this particular model impresses me. The wing folding is a gimmick, but when you consider that the model itself is dark sea blue, the hinge lines are nearly invidisible. Mine did have a bit of flaking around its hinges, as PappyB mentioned, but it is hardly noticable, especially when compared to the numerous stencil marks on it. To me it is simple wear and tear, few carrier aircraft looked factory fresh for long. The F9F-2 fills in a nice gap in all our 1/48 collections, it has a striking livery (especially this model with red squadron markings) and most of all it has presence. This model is going on my open display, rather than living in its box. Now if HM can only continue its 1/48 line, which I must say did influence me to go back into this scale in a big way (20 plus FM 1/48s in the past 9 months none of which I paid anywhere near list price for).

As Elmer says, 1/48 is a good scale that offers a lot of mojo and yet lets you have a reasonably sized collection. For this reason I chose that scale when building plastic. Still, I would respectfully disagree with any assertion that the HM Panther is junk. It's a decent model, not worth nearly 70 bucks, but then again, a decent depiction of a good airplane that nobody but Modelpower has done in diecast.

Skysurfer808

[mustangdriver]

Now HM needs to make more in 1:48.

[PappyB]

Well said Sky!

(Glad it touched down in good order...)

[planenutsfrog]

Originally Posted by mustangdriver

Now HM needs to make a 1/48th scale F8F Bearcat.

YES !!! (but no more folding wings PLEEEASE...! )

[SKUNKY]

A very good, honest review, Elmer....Thanks for expostulating....(but watch out for hair growing on palms... )

[lanslide]

I'm definitely in for a Bearcat!

[tank nut]

Originally Posted by lanslide

I'm definitely in for a Bearcat!

Slide, why? They are ugly!