Small Scale Military Headquarters

Jim@Merit wrote:We thank you for your support and apologize to have raised so many concerns,.... Yes, there will be a model kit of the SBD-3 released as a model kit. This is our way to overcome the high cost of tooling and allow us to present all new tooling item to 1/18 collectors, as well as an item to invite model builders to join the 1/18 community. There are already talks that a few after-market companies also show support by making detail enhancing products for the SBD-3.

Like the SBD-3 at "Battle of Midway", our 1/18 SBD-3 will also serve as the turning point for the 1/18 collections and this is our Battle of Midway. With YOUR support, we can make this a success and to turn the tide to enable further expand of our collections in larger scales. Along the way, we are certain that there are things we have overlooked and improvements are being made which is exactly why the release date had been pushed back.

Please note the following on Merit's "Built n Painted" 1/18 SBD-3:

1. Nylon parts are being used from the beginning to strengthen certain areas.
2. Plastic are thinners and special designs are used for strengthening.
3. Screws are used in the assembly process.
4. Special attention was made during the design to achieve a balanced compromise for durability, play value, and scale effect.
5. We have used the SBD-3 paint master in our web site, and so the final product may look different.
6. The paint master is built with first test shot obtained in November 2011.
7. MIL-88001 is "Battle of Midway" marking SBD-3
MIL-88002 is "Battle of Coral Sea" marking SBD-3
8. MIL-88002 is released first in order to follow historical events.
9. All Merit items starts with "8"

We hope we have addressed some of your concerns and we will continue to work hard to bring in your 1/18 SBD-3 ASAP.

Airacobra wrote:A model kit will be available with possible third party detail sets being offered? Now that is AWESOME. I have been asking for 1/18 scale kits for years. I love building kits and finishing them with the exact scheme I want. On top of that, there is a possibility of third party detail sets being made. I can just imagine a resin and photo etched cockpit and engine set for this model. Now I am truly excited for this release. Hopefully the modeling crowd goes nuts for this kit, leading to more releases in the future. I will absolutely pick up this kit.

Jim@Merit wrote:We thank you for your support and apologize to have raised so many concerns,.... Yes, there will be a model kit of the SBD-3 released as a model kit. This is our way to overcome the high cost of tooling and allow us to present all new tooling item to 1/18 collectors, as well as an item to invite model builders to join the 1/18 community. There are already talks that a few after-market companies also show support by making detail enhancing products for the SBD-3.

Jason of Admiral Toys wrote:

rohirrimknight wrote:I would like Jim@Merit to tell us if the above information is just the rumor or it is correct.

I think the rumors are true.

I have looked at Merits' pictures and cannot find a single snap-latch or screw boss on the entire plane. You would expect to see a boss near the front and rear of the cockpit. (Anyone who purchased the Avenger without screw caps knows what I am talking about.) Items that do not use "screw bosses" are usually sonic welded, and even then you would expect to see a lip on the inner edge of the fuselage for a welding joint. I would be very surprised if they weld this aircraft.

I am of the opinion that this model is straight from the box and produced using standard DIY modeling techniques. This would explain the smaller quantity releases (I think they are using the original tooling). However, it will still benefit from spray masking and tampo printing just like your familiar 1:18 models, but it will definitely feel lighter. Putting a lead slug in the model and filling in some of the air gaps should fix that problem...

I think it will be a beautiful model, and I look forward to seeing the finished product. At least someone is making 1:18!!

norwaystar06 wrote:First off im going to apologize in advance... i couldnt read all 13 pages of this thread as i dont really have the time, so if my question has been answered please just direct me to which page its on. Anyway the question is, do the Wings fold. I have very little real estate in my room and the only way i can fit this aircraft into my collection is if i did a carrier type "parking" with the wings fold display (the avengers wingspan is just ridiculous i had to fold that up, as to with my Hellcat).

On the side note i am very excited this plane is coming out. I cant wait to get the Coral sea, i have too many "Navy Blue" Planes in my room i think its very cool that a Sky Blue US Navy aircraft is coming out. Made my pre order cant wait to get it

norwaystar06 wrote: Anyway the question is, do the Wings fold. I have very little real estate in my room and the only way i can fit this aircraft into my collection is if i did a carrier type "parking" with the wings fold display (the avengers wingspan is just ridiculous i had to fold that up, as to with my Hellcat).