Small Scale Military Headquarters

Marc Dultz at the Motor Pool has announced that Hobby master is bringing out a 1:48 scale Boeing P-26 "Peashooter", a small 1930's mono-wing fighter. Big Whoop, say I. While I admire William Liu's courage in bringing out this unusual subject, give me something HOT! I want a P-61 Black Widow or Hawker Typhoon or Bf-110G Nightfighter.
HOT, HOT,HOT! Y' HEAR? Not some wimpy pre-war little kite!
A disgruntled and bored Don the Boy

A Black Widow would be awesome! My little Postage Stamp Airplanes version is very nice but not as nearly nice as 1:48 would be! The Peashooter is a cool little plane though I wouldn't buy one.

I could not disagree with you more! The P-26 is a VERY historic aircraft, and this is one I have been waiting for.

Plus the with the wonderful job Hobby Master did on their F3F, I can only imagine how nice the P-26 will be.

Hi Guys,
I'm not going to come down on either side regarding the proposed P-26 Peashooter. Certainly was an interesting choice and an important addition to any Inter-War period aircraft collection.

Having said that, we just conducted a written interview with Mike Granat, the subject of SkyMax Models' first foray into the aviation world. I was amazed at the list of aircraft Mr. Granat flew, particularly in today's world where most aviators are perceived as specialists in one and perhaps two frontline aircraft. Anyway, Mr. Granat flew the F7F Tigercat, certainly an important plane to add to any collector's stable of replica aircraft.

On a side note, I'm really mystified as to why HM isnt at least trying their hand at multi-engine bombers. I'd think that if they offered many of the upcoming 1:144 scale bombers as 1:72 scale renditions, they'd be instant winners. But hey, what do we know!

Lightning2000
www.themotorpool.net

Mmmmm... Tigercat!

I for one will be ordering all of these P-26s... well, at least if they are well done. I've pre-ordered the first two. Not only are these just plain cool aircraft, I can fit more of these in storage than 1:48 Spitfires, Fw 190As and whatever else Hobby Master releases! I am willing to bet these would fit in the same box that they stuff their 1:72 A-4 Skyhawks in.

I always figured that HM has stayed away from 1:72 heavies because Corgi has always done well in that field; most of the best subjects have already been covered (Lancasters, Halifaxes, B-17s, B-24s). There are plenty more that could be covered, but why risk that much money on development when they're making so much money off of smaller a/c replicas?

On the other message board, I suggested Hobby Master might release a 1/72 Lancaster Dambuster---more relevant since Peter Jackson's remake of the 1954 THE DAM BUSTERS is underway. The other posters pointed out that Corgi has the 1/72 Lancaster territory and won't release a model aready done by another company (which isn't true because Hobby Master has it's versions of the F-4, F-104, F6F, etc.). I just got my Corgi 1/72 Lancaster Dambuster yesterday, but I think Hobby Master would have done a better job.
I think it's great that Hobby Master concentrates on models not released by other companies so there's no competition, but its F-4 and F-104 are top-sellers---which proves there's demand for a qualty models that are better than the competition.

Hi,
I agree with the aforementioned comments. While a strategy based on producing models of aircraft/vehicles that no one else has replicated is sound, there will always be exceptions to the rule, particularly if previous efforts aren't up to snuff or there are liveries no one else has covered.

Case in point, the Israeli F-4 Phantom II now being touted by HM. While Corgi, Armour Collection and Gemini Aces have offered examples of these aircraft, thus far no one has offered this particular scheme.

Still, there are literally hundreds of vehicles and aircraft that havent found a home as yet with any modelmaker, making them prime candidates for diecast models. We are, without question, entering into a new phase of the hobby where manufacturers cant simply rely upon the old, perennial stalwarts to carry them through. Granted the costs for producing a mold is exorbitant, but without risk there is no reward, even in a challenging economic climate.

Lightning2000
www.themotorpool.net

Good deal, does anyone have an idea when the P-26 model will be out. Gota have that little babe.

Hi Cornbread,
We're probably looking at an early to mid-Spring release for the first pair of P-26 Peashooters. Of course with Chinese New Year looming, this could very likely slip a bit...

Lightning2000
www.themotorpool.net

Thank you Lightning 2000 for the update on the P-26.