[Louie]

HM has issues but hopefully they will get this plane right. If they never make another model ever let them at least get the F-4 right. It is without question my favorite jet of all time. I e-mailed them and gave them an appeal to at least fix the window. I can live with a hinge. great pics I am excited to own this. I'll buy 3.

PLEASE EMAIL THEM YOUR THOUGHTS>

[David Hingtgen]

The cockpit window (or lack thereof) is a deal-killer for me. It HAS to be fixed. Also, the missiles are pretty poorly painted. How hard is it to get the stripe pattern right? They've used the same scheme since about 1960...

Most details seem right for an early J-model, however the catapult bridle hooks are missing. (Which is surprising, since this model is based on the Hasegawa mold, which has both options---also, Corgi did do it right on their F-4's). That however, has no chance of being fixed at this point.

PS--I'm assuming the landing gear is simply unpainted at this point----everyone knows all US jets have white landing gear.

PPS--ack, I forgot to talk about the Sidewinder paint. Maybe I'll send them another email tomorrow.

[Tundra04]

Hmm...let's see, for the price I think it looks GREAT. Is it perfect? No. Remember, perfection costs money. I know some will say "I'll pay whatever it takes to get it right." I myself have been guilty of this in the past and have tried my best to get over it, since we are talking about diecast models. And a nice one at that, even with its "flaws."

[Cardinal]

Originally Posted by Tundra04

Hmm...let's see, for the price I think it looks GREAT. Is it perfect? No. Remember, perfection costs money. I know some will say "I'll pay whatever it takes to get it right," but come on guys this is a really nice diecast model.

I have to agree with Tundra on this - is that little 'teensy-weeny' canopy 'window' really that important? (In 1/72 scale it possibly only measures approx. 2X2X2(mm).) For all intents and purposes this model looks close to CW quality (at least in the photos ).

[hworth18]

Originally Posted by Raven

Add the sidelight and she is a sure winner! My bet is any changes to the rear canopy hinge are not possible - changing a casting has to be major money! In any case, I think I can live with the hinge if the canopy sidelight gets fixed.

Agreed.. We can't wait for later releases as these 1st two releases are probably THE most significant to US buyers.. If HM screws these up, they might as well not make any others....

[Cardinal]

Originally Posted by hawkonevoodoo

I hope you are sending these comments to williamliu@hobbymaster.com.hk . They want all comments, suggestions and whatever sent directly to them. So if you really want these things corrected drop them a note. So I don't do it any more so if you want them to know about it send an email to the address I posted. This goes for all the Hobby Master models not just this one.

Hawk1, despite all the nonsense you've had to put up with, you've done a great voluntary 'job' acting as an intermediary between collectors and HM - any reason for the change?

[PappyB]

Originally Posted by hworth18

Agreed.. We can't wait for later releases as these 1st two releases are probably THE most significant to US buyers.. If HM screws these up, they might as well not make any others....

Hey Harry, I thought you didn't do fast movers any more

[Cardinal]

Originally Posted by PappyB

Hey Harry, I thought you didn't do fast movers any more

PappyB, don't be overly harsh with Harry - don't forget, I nearly gave up on 1/72 a couple of years ago and that only lasted for approx. 6 months until I saw the error of my ways ... (and total and utter depletion of shelf space due to 1/32 scale models) .

[hworth18]

Originally Posted by PappyB

Hey Harry, I thought you didn't do fast movers any more

I don't, but I can't pass up the jets I grew up with and although I have tried not to, I recently picked up the Moonlighters A6 and Sidewinders A7.. I have wanted a "Showtime 100" ever since Corgi cancelled theirs years ago for the drone, so it is very important to me that HM get this one right.. If they don't get it right, it probably won't keep me from buying one, but I will be painting some windows where they should be..

[kb466]

UPDATE on the HM F-4 Phantom issues--
As Hawkonevoodoo suggested, I emailed my concerns about the pre-production pictures of "Showtme 100" to William Liu of Hobby Master, namely the lack of the side windows and the incorrect single lug on the rear canopy. He responded to me saying that those were pictures of an early test shot of the model and were not meant to be released. He says those issues have already been corrected.

It looks like HM was aware of those issues and has taken steps to fix them. It also looks like HM appreciates the feedback and wants to make an accurate and correct product. Thus, if you have noticed other things like the missile markings, and have suggestions on how to make it right, I would recommend emailing them with this information.