[kb466]

Well, I am certainly not trying to be the "thought police", nor do I see myself as some sort of diecast "nazi". Actually, Cardinal did a pretty fine job of describing my motives here. It seems that we have an opportunity to open a line of communication with Hobby Master and I think we should do what we can to see that it works for both sides of this discussion. To bury Mr. Liu in emails will probably assure that the "good information" gets lost or overlooked in the volume. That would not be good for any of us. It seems that Hobby Master is seeking our help to put out a quality and accurate product. This is something that all of us want, "rivet counters" or not. My suggestions as to how to frame this discussion were just that-- suggestions. My only purpose was to assure that this line of communication with Hobby Master remains open and beneficial for all, ultimately resulting in an accurate, better quality Hobby Master product for the collectors. It was nothing more sinister than that.

[Cruver Collecter]

I have sent in a couple of suggestions to the folks at Hobby Master and have been satisfied with the responces I have received from them.

[Shawn 507]

Originally Posted by Elmer

Yeah but when the Duke shot from the hip he ALWAYS hit his target. Maybe this should be restated "'shooting from the hip' a la George Bush or most anyone else."

Why is it that most folks not from the states always get the Cowboy thing so wrong? Real Cowboys don't shoot from the hip. And when they do their shooting its for a reason, not some off the cuff thing. They had more respect for things around them than the stereotype gives them credit for.

[CFBC]

Originally Posted by kb466

I agree that we need to be careful about burying William Liu and Hobby Master in meaningless or repetitive emails. However, there are some issues that should be brought to their attention, like the side windows and the rear canopy lug on the Phantom. I think issues like the missile markings and landing gear color are two additional areas where input is appropriate. As it turns out, it looks like HM was on top of most of these issues. However, I got the impression that William Liu appreciated correct and honest feedback. Therefore, I would suggest a couple of guidelines in emailing Hobby Master about problems with their releases. First, offer some substance-- don't just whine that quality control is lacking or some such thing. Instead be able to point to a specific issue and offer advice as to that issue. Secondly, and perhaps most importantly, know what you are talking about. Before you email them on some issue, ask yourself if you know you are correct in the information you are sending them. It might be better if someone more knowledgable on that particular issue should contact Hobby Master on that subject. For instance, David Hintgen has pointed out that the missile markings are incorrect on the "Showtime 100" pre-production sample. While I think they are wrong too, I do not know what is right, so I am refraining from contacting HM about the missile markings. I hope David Hintgen steps up and emails them correct information instead. I did know that the canopy window and lug were wrong and I did email them on those issues. I also contacted them about some issues with the 1/32 SBD before it was released. I did this through Hawkonevoodoo. Happily, the issues I discussed with them were fixed on the SBD, whether through my input or not. So, let's stay in touch with William Liu and Hobby Master, as they do seem to appreciate our input. However, let's be careful about how we do it.

Brilliant post KB and this is what I was and meaning indeed. It is this type of e-mail and contructive feedback that HM requires (in fact any manufacturer requires) and it is this that will take our hobby forward and that is why these forums are SO inportant to not only the manufacturer, but the importer, distributor and retaiuler and they reach out to a far greater audiance in "one post" to what any online shop can manage!

The same can be said for feedback from William and HM, or whoever manages their replies.

We do have to be a little careful what we want and the detailing we require. I know for a fact there is a fine line and balance between the product we get and the price the product cost's and I know from exchanging a lot (and I mean a lot) of e-mails with the Tiger Hobbies (UK importer), Hawk1 and William that they will do what they can to get the product right, but everything has a cost implication and that Hm will do or change the product to get as accurate as possible for the money. Small things will always creep-in and no product will ever be 100% accurate, but if we can help get it near enough and about accuratr or even 100% accurate within their budgets (and ours), then that helps our hobby in my opinion.

Sorry, I do not post a lot on this forum with running the UK forum as it takes a whole lot of my time up, esecially as I photograph the HM models on release and post and with a full time job, wife and this hobby it takes my time up even more, but I felt so strongly and compiled to make sure we get the balance of feedback to HM right or they would simply shutdown to our requests and it as I have mentioned to Hawk1 would be a massive step back for both manufacturer and both forums.

I do drop in from time to time though. I love my Dragon Armor and have every piece released and like readin MoMo's posts!

[11SQNLDR]

Originally Posted by Shawn 507

Why is it that most folks not from the states always get the Cowboy thing so wrong? Real Cowboys don't shoot from the hip. And when they do their shooting its for a reason, not some off the cuff thing. They had more respect for things around them than the stereotype gives them credit for.

Probably because of the multitude of crappy movies

[Shawn 507]

Originally Posted by 11SQNLDR

Probably because of the multitude of crappy movies

Ah but which is worse? The crappy movie or the folks that eat up the stereotype with both hands??

[Cardinal]

Originally Posted by Shawn 507

Ah but which is worse? The crappy movie or the folks that eat up the stereotype with both hands??

Ah Shawn, you miss the point entirely - 'shooting from the hip' is an EXPRESSION that should not be taken literally and is not to be confused with a close quarter combat shooting technique that is relatively similar and also highly effective given appropriate training ...

[Shawn 507]

I know, but trying to educated those who like to use it and all the other "Cowboy" expressions. And as Elmer pointed out, when the Duke did it he was more right than wrong. So all messages to HM that are hip shots may not be so bad afterall. And maybe they shouldn't have lost their best middle man (H1V) that probably filtered the crap for them.

[lanslide]

I thought hawk1 did a great job of filtering our requests to HM! What the heck happened to that connection?

[Cruver Collecter]

Originally Posted by lanslide

I thought hawk1 did a great job of filtering our requests to HM! What the heck happened to that connection?

I agree with you a hundred percent on that point. He was quick to pass on our views and also to respond with the answers he received back. Quite the impressive work he did and I am thankful for his efforts.