[PappyB]

I heard a very strange aircraft approaching DiecastAce Field last night -- one that sounded different from all the rest that have visited.... I was delighted to find Hobby Master's F3-F #HA7301 parked on the hot ramp when I arrived.

My initial impressions of this model are quite favorable -- though I confess to knowing next to nothing about the nuts and bolts of the real deal. It seems every bit as charming and well made as the Buffalo, the pre-war paint scheme is very striking -- even the wife liked it, which is saying something these days.

I am shocked at just how small it is -- if anyone has a link to a great reference on this airframe please post it here (I'm looking for actual dimensions of the the aircraft so I can confirm the scale accuracy if possible, as it's just hard to believe it should be this small -- but it probably should...)

THe box is the same size as a 1:72 fighter box, for example and the aircraft is about half the size of a 1:48 Corsair and dramatically smaller even than the Buff...

The pilot figure looks to be undersized compared with other 1:48 figures from C1, Eagles, and Marushin, too, which may add to the illusion of the model seeming to be on the smallish side. AGAIN: I suspect it is correct as it is, it's just a suprise... I knew it would be small, but didn't think this small...

It is a beautiful aircraft, either way though and the rigging looks great, too. Better photos and more in-depth commentary later -- I'll hopefully give this one a proper shoot tonight. Until now, here's a couple quick pics...

[Captain Eddie]

Great pics, Pappy. My reference book states it has a 32' wingspan, and a 23' 3" length. So, that should be an 8" wingspan, and 5.8125' length. Knowing HM, I assume those are the demensions of yours?

PS: are they out now, or do you (if I maybe remember correctly) get special treatment?

[PappyB]

Originally Posted by Captain Eddie

Great pics, Pappy. My reference book states it has a 32' wingspan, and a 23' 3" length. So, that should be an 8" wingspan, and 5.8125' length. Knowing HM, I assume those are the demensions of yours?

Thanks Capt'n -- yes, that sounds spot-on eye-balling it... soon as I can dig up my rulers I'll confirm, but I'm sure they got it right. An I-16 would really be tiny... but would be great to see. Right now I have the F3F parked next to a FM 1:48 Hornet and it's quite a discrepancy!

[Captain Eddie]

Originally Posted by Captain Eddie

PS: are they out now, or do you (if I maybe remember correctly) get special treatment?

Hey Pappy, ya forgot to reply to my question!!!

[Canuck]

It's ugly. I like it.

[PappyB]

Originally Posted by Captain Eddie

Hey Pappy, ya forgot to reply to my question!!!

They're not out yet -- another couple o' weeks 'til they hit stateside I believe. This is an advance copy for review on my site -- it is a final retail sample, not a pre-pro.

[flyXwire]

Originally Posted by Canuck

It's ugly. I like it.

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder"...but I like it too!

Great pictures btw, Pappy. TY

[Ara1]

Very nice pics Pappy, as usual from the Ace.

My F3F / Zero / Fw 190D-13 diorama is one step closer to reality.

[admin]

Originally Posted by Canuck

It's ugly. I like it.

My thoughts exactly!

[Black 6]

Beautiful model Pappy. Are both the pilot and the bombs removable? I had built a plastic model of this plane and the wheels would retract when the prop was pulled and turned. Very cool.

Great work Hobby Master!