Merit 1:18th Dauntless Kit Announcement.

[Jay]

Been a mention on facebook of merit releasing the Dauntless in kit form. Shows a paint/decal guide for a Dauntless from USS Lexington '42.

[snake]

Not sure how well a 1/18 kit of a model already well done, will sell?

It is not a scale that model builders are used to. Always nice to have options, but I doubt that there is going to be a big market for this, if it gets done.

Not trying to be negative, just realistic.

[Jay]

I'm hoping it will go well. I was holding out on the pre-builts to get this one (same as the f-14 which never happened). It may appeal to modelers in that it may not have the stigma of the "pre-built toys". I guess only time will tell.
Will also be interesting to see the price difference.

[snake]

I'm hoping it will go well. I was holding out on the pre-builts to get this one (same as the f-14 which never happened). It may appeal to modelers in that it may not have the stigma of the "pre-built toys". I guess only time will tell.
Will also be interesting to see the price difference.

Part of the problem is that modelers want more detail, as the scale decreases. Some are able to "scratch build" these details, but most rely on what the kit provides.

And while the Merit Dauntless is undoubtably one of the best pre assembled 1/18 models, I think the details will be lacking somewhat in kit form. At least as far as people considering the kit might think.

This is all conjecture on my part though.

[Jay]

Managed to find a Japanese website advertising the kit.

http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10220980

270+ parts.
May-June release.
Early - Late Decal options.
Single - Twin Rear Gun options.
Approx $140 (Quoted by our own Aviatornut).
No pilot or crew.

Hopefully Merit or Aviatornut will be able to shed some more light on the details soon.

[Jim@Merit]

Managed to find a Japanese website advertising the kit.

http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10220980

270+ parts.
May-June release.
Early - Late Decal options.
Single - Twin Rear Gun options.
Approx $140 (Quoted by our own Aviatornut).
No pilot or crew.

Hopefully Merit or Aviatornut will be able to shed some more light on the details soon.

The kit will have additional plastic parts in areas that cannot be seen in the "Built and Painted" release. This is actually a platform for other after market parts companies as well as decal manufacturers to help make this SBD-3/4 a super detail replica. We hope this concept will satisfies collectors and modelers who want to make their War Bird a true one of a kind collectible.

[YT]

Managed to find a Japanese website advertising the kit.

http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10220980

270+ parts.
May-June release.
Early - Late Decal options.
Single - Twin Rear Gun options.
Approx $140 (Quoted by our own Aviatornut).
No pilot or crew.

Hopefully Merit or Aviatornut will be able to shed some more light on the details soon.

The kit will have additional plastic parts in areas that cannot be seen in the "Built and Painted" release. This is actually a platform for other after market parts companies as well as decal manufacturers to help make this SBD-3/4 a super detail replica. We hope this concept will satisfies collectors and modelers who want to make their War Bird a true one of a kind collectible.

That's a neat idea Jim!

[snake]

Managed to find a Japanese website advertising the kit.

http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10220980

270+ parts.
May-June release.
Early - Late Decal options.
Single - Twin Rear Gun options.
Approx $140 (Quoted by our own Aviatornut).
No pilot or crew.

Hopefully Merit or Aviatornut will be able to shed some more light on the details soon.

The kit will have additional plastic parts in areas that cannot be seen in the "Built and Painted" release. This is actually a platform for other after market parts companies as well as decal manufacturers to help make this SBD-3/4 a super detail replica. We hope this concept will satisfies collectors and modelers who want to make their War Bird a true one of a kind collectible.

Well, I guess I will have to eat my words.

270+ parts is pretty substantial, and would please almost any kit builder.

Think that this indeed could be a super detailed 1/18 model, and if done right, would be most impressive.

[NSA]

http://legendshobbies.com/catalog/produ ... ts_id/3917

Listed here for $149.

Pretty reliable lol