Small Scale Military Headquarters

If you want to know what is taking place at Hobby Master, this is the thread to check. Any new posts will be placed in this one thread.
Thanks.

Here is an update from Hobby Master:
"Our King Tiger will be released near the end of July and early August. The 1/48 will be our focal scale for AFV. We will slow down (or even stop) the 1/56 scale.

1) King Tiger: "Last Command"
http://img476.imageshack.us/my.php?imag ... nd10lp.jpg

2) King Tiger : (winter scheme)
http://img46.imageshack.us/my.php?image ... er11ay.jpg

I think the new scale will be their "Combat Series".

The 1/72 AFV will also be considered probably next year.

Philip wrote:I am not familiar with Hobby Master, other than seeing the pictures. What is the quality of their armour, compared to Dragon? I see that the scale is larger than Dragon, but what about the detail, etc.?

lightning2000 wrote:Hi Philip,
I was actually pretty impressed with their detail and packaging when they arrived last week. Its difficult to say how much metal content is in the vehicle or where it is without scratching off the outer layer of paint. If I had to guess, its probably around 50% metal. Each vehicle comes with a decorative display base and see through outer packaging. For around $20 or so, they're a pretty good deal.

Obviously, the one drawback with the initial releases was the scale. Why they chose 1:56 is beyond me since it doesnt go with anything else on the market and they're late to the game with new product. Who knows, maybe they'll end up being collector's items years from now due to their peculiar scale.

If these are, in fact, the first pix of their 1:48 scale line then I'm again impressed. Both vehicles look great but without seeing them up close or knowing their price vis a vis the rest of the market, its difficult to pass final judgement.

Lightning2000
www.themotorpool.net

Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 5:13 pm
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Here are a few pictures of the Hobby Master Mig-21 prototype. This bird looks great and as far as I know, coming soon.
http://img160.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ha010315eh.jpg

http://img115.imageshack.us/my.php?imag ... 3b16km.jpg

http://img129.imageshack.us/my.php?imag ... 3c17fr.jpg

tmanthegreat wrote:That looks pretty cool! And to beat, its a Polish aircraft

Wieslaw wrote:Yes, it is

Gunner wrote:Pretty cool.

Any idea who will be carrying it?

(oh, and by the way, where'd you find those pics originally??)

DocTodd wrote:Are the Hobbymaster line planes pre assembled or are they kits that need to be assembled? Nice pics.
Todd

Mr. Football wrote:These are finished diecast models.

I bought some of their pre-pro stukas and was completely impressed.

Good stuff.

hawkonevoodoo wrote:Here is the latest information concerning the Mig-21 along with some other info. I will update information on the Stuka and Dauntless as soon as I have some.

"The Mig-21 will ship from HK on 20. July. So it will be available about 2 weeks later."

UPDATE: “We shipped the order (Stuka and Dauntless) from HK on 10.6. It will arrive in US two weeks later. It takes a few more days to retailers. So you can expect to find them near the end of June.”

This is part of another email from Hobby Master:
"For this year's plan, we have the MIG-21, F-104, TBM and F6F. The F6F has already been developed by Dragon, but since we have started the molding, we will still develop this aircraft with details better than Dragon.

tmanthegreat wrote:Nice! We get a 1:72 Dauntless and (eventually) a TBM

Gunner wrote:VERY Cool!

easy8 wrote:

Mr. Football wrote:These are finished diecast models.

I bought some of their pre-pro stukas and was completely impressed.

Good stuff.

Football, did you get the Tigers too? If you did, what do you think?

easy8

supersonicfifi wrote: hello i am interested in all theses models is ther e reference web esite ? or somwhere to see all their products ?

thanx

hawkonevoodoo wrote:“First, the Swastika decals for the Stukas, we can consider change for next version.

As for the panel lines, we will try to improve but I need to say the real model looks better than it shows in the forums. Most of our distributors are satisfied with the quality. I am sorry that some people have mistaken this as "painted lines" but this is actually "washed lines".

The problem of the panel lines is always our major consideration. From a technological point of view, it is difficult and time consuming (hence much more costly) to make panel lines that are both thin, shallow and can take a "wash".

You can tell from most other companies’ aircraft that their panel lines suffer from the problem of being too shallow. Hence, most of them do not have a "wash" at all. This is a great drawback.

We sent samples all over the world to distributors and the reaction was overwhelming. At present we don't see much problem with this. Most of our clients commented that our panel lines are "crisp" and "wonderful", such good comments are overwhelming and hence we have decided to keep it this way. We need to stress that die-casting is a different matter from plastic injection. This is probably the most thin and shallow that any manufacturer can make at this moment.

One reason Corgi and Dragon do not apply wash because the panel lines are too shallow to do the work. The time will almost double (for molding) if they are to make such thin and deep lines.

Anyway, I will make one without wash at all and investigate on all possibilities.

We expect more feedback and will find the way for more improvements in the future.

We will keep up the good work to satisfy our customers. Hobby Master "

Hobby Master definitely is listening and do care about the collector.

hawkonevoodoo wrote:

me122172 wrote:Are you tired of manufacturers making up excuses for poor planning, or is it just me?

I mean... panel lines... no panel lines... why should you have to explain it now? As for the statement that the cost is more for panel lines that will take a wash!.... Give me a break! If you tool it correctly (the first time) then panel lines are... well... panel lines, anticipate the wash when you design the model! If the lines are too deep, which they are, then fix it! With my 63 year old eyes, the panel lines on a 1:1 model are not visable from more then 100 feet away. I should not see panel lines on a 1:72 scale model at more then 5 feet away (and that is giving you about 4+ feet on the math.) I have seen the Stuka and I can see the panel lines from 40 feet away!!

The cost is marginal if you do it right the first time . HM needs to buy a new CAD file and computer if they think that it is difficult to achieve an accurate scaled panel line. Etching molds these days is left up to technology, not the skilled hands of a craftsman.

Do not give me excuses for a model that should have been inspected long before the "it may not look right, but it cost more money to do it this way."

Admit that you looked over the fact that the panel lines are more pronounced then should be... and then I will buy your product .

Hawkonevoodoo, I was wondering what is your association with HM? You do seem to have a lot of inside info. How did you get this info, and do you care to share? And if they are taking apps, do you think they will take an old fart that trys to teach history to a bunch of smart a#% 8th graders in god's country, i.e. Albany?

My association with Hobby Master is simply trying to see that a company that is starting up makes a go of it. If they are willing to take a risk by making a plane that others haven't touched, I definitely want them to do well. With Hobby Master doing well it means competition for the big guys and hopefully a better selection of models. I like the fact that Hobby Master actually reads our comments and tries to respond, not many other companies are willing to do this.

As for the panel lines, just about everyone and I did say just about everyone, has a problem with some companies' models for just this reason. There are a few companies that produce models that look like someone fell asleep on the black paint section of the assembly line. I for one don't find this overly exaggerated feature appealing. Companies can make perfect panel lines but ruin the entire thing when they use their felt markers. I'm posting a personal review of the Mig-21 in another thread, I don't have any other models at this time to review. If you are judging the panel lines on the Stuka from a picture then I suggest that you find look at one in person. I was the same way with the Mig-21 based on pictures but I was pleasantly surprised when I actually held one in my hands. If you can see the panel lines on the Hobby Master Stuka from 40 feet away then you should be able to see IXO planes a mile away.

I could tell you how I obtain this information but then I would have to shoot you. You will just have to be happy with the fact that I do get the information and I gladly share it as soon as I possibly can. I try to make it fair and as accurate as possible so the collectors who read it can use it simply as a guide when making a decision. What is important here is the fact that there is information being provided, not where and how I obtain it.

As for applications, there already is one old fart involved and it is me, sorry, you'll just have to make do with me.

I'm posting my own personal review of the Mig-21 in another thread.

What is your Hobby Master wish list for 2007?

hawkonevoodoo wrote:I know Hobby Master reads these forums and takes your comments and suggestions very seriously. So, it would be great if everyone listed their TOP 5 planes in order of their importance to you:

Your top 5 prop planes, and if you like, add the paint scheme you would want to see. (Country, squadron and so on.)
P-61
A-1 Skyraider
SB2C Helldiver
JU-52
P-39 Airacobra ( Russian paint scheme for starters, Portugal, France, and Italy)

Your top 5 military jets, along with the paint scheme you would like to see. (Country, squadron and so on.)

My choices are:
SU-25 "Frogfoot" (any of these countries Czechoslovakia, Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, Bulgaria, PDRK, Iraq, Iran, Angola, Peru, Ethiopia, Congo, Macedonia, Afghanistan, Cis Nations.)

A-10

F-5E II (Aggressor scheme first)

Mig-23 Flogger (any of these countries Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Belarus, Bulgaria, Cuba, Czechoslovakia, East Germany, Egypt, Ethiopia, Hungary, India, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Libya, North Korea, Poland, Russia, South Yemen, Sudan, Syria, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and Vietnam)

A-7 Corsair II

Gunner wrote:Jet Aircraft (1/72):

MiG-15 - Russian / North Korean / Chinese

MiG-21 - Russian / Any
Yak-141 Freestyle - Russian Navy
F-5 Tiger II - Top Gun Agressor
Yak-38 Forger - Russian Navy

Helos (1/72):
SH-60 Seahawk - USN / USCG
HH-65 Dolphin - USCG
AH-1 Cobra
OH-6 Loach
UH-1 Huey

I'd really like to see helos in 1/72. Seen lots of helos in 1/48, but it would be nice to display then next to the vehicles and other a/c in the same scale...

supersonicfifi wrote:hello is there any website of this brand ?
and a skyraider could be nice in any scale !

hawkonevoodoo wrote:

supersonicfifi wrote:hello is there any website of this brand ?
and a skyraider could be nice in any scale !

http://hobbymaster.com.hk/frameset.htm

Meskary wrote:I have one of the Stuka's and it is top notch.

My wish list....(all 1/72)

P-39 early war USA
Any Japanese Bomber Kate - Val any time period
TBD Devastator
Wildcat
(those would both go great with the Dauntless)
IL - 2
(could match up with P-39 in Soviet Colors)
JU-88
As far as military jets go I don't collect those but it is worth a shot

ME-262
HE-162
AR-234
P-80
Meskary

Waltz41 wrote:I'm usually not a fan of doing this, but for some reason I get the vibe that Hobby Master will really listen.

Prop Planes in 1/72

P-61 Black Widow (black and 1 OD would be nice)
TBM/TBF Avenger (classic tri scheme, overall sea blue, atlantic)
P-39 Airacobra (lots of cool pacific schemes, even a russian one)
A-1 Skyraider (grey, camo, navy blue)
SB2C Helldiver (tri color, atlantic, an army version in OD)
anyone of these i'd be all over and the market is there for them to be explored since no one else really has yet.

lightning2000 wrote:Hi,
I'm usually loathe to doing this too but here goes. Perhaps some of these will actually come to fruition:
Secret Weapons of the Luftwaffe
Go-229
Me 163
Natter
He-163 Volksjager
Me 410
Arado 234 bomber
V-1 buzz bomb
Japanese Secret Weapons
Cherry Blossom
I'm sure there are others...too tired to think
Mistubishi Betty bomber
US P-80 Shooting Star
Helldiver
Russian heavy bomber (forget the designation but think it was a Polikarpov)
British Blenheim bomber
That's the short list for now...
Lightning2000
www.themotorpool.net

hawkonevoodoo wrote:As we all know no company is able to make all the planes on our wishlists but hopefully this will allow them to tally the number of times each plane has been mentioned and come up with their own production priority based on these lists. I can't guarantee that by making a list that Hobby Master will make your's and my favorites but I can guarantee that if we don't express our wishes there is a good chance they won't make any.
I thank everyone who has taken the time to post. If we take the time to list I'm positive Hobby Master will take the time to read them. To top it off I check all the different forums for this topic and compile a list for them.

I know of 6 forums including this one:
The Model Hangar Forum
The Florida Diecast Aviation Forum
Diecast Aircraft Forum
E-Company Forum
Die Cast Aviation Forum in the UK
If you know of others I would appreciate you sharing them with me. It would be a great help if you would add the url.
It might be best to PM me or email me at hawkonevoodoo@yahoo.ca
Thanks

hawkonevoodoo wrote:The Mig-21 I received and reviewed, is a pre-production model so the retail version will be even better. I offer this simply as food for thought.

I'm very pleased with Hobby Master's choice of plane and the paint scheme. After seeing the weathering first hand, there definitely is no problem with it being too dark, the on line pictures do not do this wash effect justice. The panel lines definitely are not "blackened in" lines like IXO or Forces Of Valor, the wash only gives the finish a true weathered look just like you would find on a Mig-21 that has actually been in service. All the other companies could take lessons from Hobby Master on how to apply weathering properly; it is so very slight and completes the fine paint job. There is no over spray on the model I have, the overall fit and finish of the fuselage and wings is excellent, no big gaping spaces. The only thing I noticed that was missing and is on the actual plane, is the “Poznan Raven” of 3rd squadron, it should be just behind the Polish checkered emblem on the tail. The lack of this small squadron logo didn’t jump right out at me; I had to spend some time comparing the model with actual pictures. But now I’m just being picky, I had to find some sort of fault, it’s no big error but it still is missing. I don’t expect it to be on the retail version either as it doesn’t appear in any of the photos in the various forums.

As for the accessories, I really like the idea of the option to have the canopy open or closed. The clear plastic is not hazy and doesn't show any signs of crazing. The inclusion of a fairly well done pilot is a nice touch and adds to the over all package. They even took the time to include an instrument panel and joystick. The paint color of the cockpit interior is very close to that of the actual plane. The look and finish of the missiles and drop tanks is a very nice job, no little tabs of plastic that need to be removed. The wheels are free rolling and the hubs have been nicely painted the same color green as the nose cone and on the tail.

Everything is superb until I had to attach doors, missiles and drop tanks. The missiles, doors and drop tanks need to be added to the model but the fit of the accessories into their respective notches wasn’t great so I needed to use a little of the old handy dandy white glue. Hobby Master has since assured me that this has been rectified with the retail version you will receive and everything will fit snuggly into place.

For a first time release of the Mig-21 and it coming from a company just starting out, in my opinion they did an excellent job and will only get better as time goes on.

With this said, I think Hobby Master has a real winner with the Mig-21. This model makes me want to get my hands on the rest of their planes. Bring on the Stukas, Dauntless, F-104, TBM and F6F. This line up of great planes leaves me wondering what unique models they will come out with next year. I’m sure we won’t be disappointed.

supersonicfifi wrote: that seems great , do you know where can i find their products ? is there a website or some other pictures ?
great job i can t wait to have one , i don t know where to pre order but it s sure a winner item

me122172 wrote: This all sounds great!
Mig 21

hawkonevoodoo wrote:

supersonicfifi wrote: that seems great , do you know where can i find their products ? is there a website or some other pictures ?

great job i can t wait to have one , i don t know where to pre order but it s sure a winner item

http://hobbymaster.com.hk/frameset.htm

The following list has no special order or preference, they are listed as I found them on line.

http://www.flyingmule.com/range/diecast ... er-series/

http://www.thebattlerhino.com/ they don't have it listed yet but I understand they will be carrying the line.

http://www.themotorpool.net/category_s/278.htm

http://wingsmodel.com/mm5/merchant.mvc? ... y_Code=HOB

http://www.forumsvibe.com/cfldiecastmod ... ecastmodel this guy is just starting out and a website is coming, he does have the Hobby Master Stuka

http://www.aplusmodel.com/?tiger=ac

http://badcattoys.stores.yahoo.net/hobbymaster.html

http://www.michtoy.com/MTSCnewSite/vehi ... aster.html

http://www.michtoy.com/MTSCnewSite/vehi ... aster.html

I hope this helps you out.

Now I think I have all my previous posts copied here, so from now on any new posts will be added in "Everything About Hobby Master Right Here". This will be like starting over from this point on. Thanks for bearing with me.

Great product and great thread! Thanks for all the good recon!!
HM is a very promising company and I look forward to all their new products to add to my stock of current releases!

The individual's comments abouty the panel lines not being as noticable or
deep or pronounced in person as pictures may portray is absolutely correct. I saw the models at the DX06 convention on Friday and Saturday and was genuinely impressed with the quality - and for the price, the models were a 'steal'. Nicely done, markings/insignia on straight, paint/wash quality was quite good ..... to say that the panel lines were flawless would be inaccurate. However, I am a dedicated Dragon collector and have been very impresed with Dragon's ability to recreate panel lines - and I walked away from the vendor's booth being very, very impressed with Hobby Master to the extent that I will purchase both Stukas.

This review is my personal opinion.

HA0101 JU- 87 G-1 "Tank Buster" Stab 10. (Pz) / SG2, Slovakia, 1944 1/72 die-cast display model

The packaging for the model is extremely well done. This isn’t an almost all white plain box, there are pictures of the model along with several attractive graphics and information concerning this particular planes history (JU- 87 G-1 "Tank Buster" Stab 10. (Pz) / SG2, Slovakia, 1944). The box is constructed of a good heavy grade cardboard, which offers added protection of the model during shipping. The front panel of the box is held closed by a Velcro tab and with a slight tug, flips open to reveal the model inside the box. This is the standard for all Hobby Master boxes so far.

Inside you will find a very well packaged model, securely held in place inside a thick molded plastic shell. This shell is in two parts that you separate in order to take out the model and accessories that are held snuggly inside. Unlike one or two companies, you don’t have to destroy the box and shell in an effort to get the model out. All these nice features are the same as Dragon and most are the same as Corgi.

The model itself, at first glance I was very pleased with all I saw. I continued to look a little closer and closer expecting to find a lot of errors with a model from a brand new companies’ first offering. I was pleasantly surprised and have to say that I found very few, it’s not perfect, there are a few improvements that could be made. First the good points, superb panel lines, not too deep and not too shallow. All the online photos are very misleading and don’t do this model justice. Some of the shots are so close that they add extra heavy black to each line that just isn’t there when you see the model firsthand. The degree of care that was taken to give this model the great panel lines will be appreciated by just about everyone. The quality of the two tone camo paint is excellent, very smooth finish that has been expertly applied. On my model I even took a magnifying glass trying to find the slightest hint of over spray and I didn’t see any. The markings, lettering, balkenkreuz all professionally applied with great care and accuracy with placement.

The canopy fits on the fuselage as if it were installed by Junkers themselves. The windows are made from a very clear glass like plastic, absolutely no hazing or scratches, perfect. The rear gunner’s machine guns are nicely molded from a hard plastic, no soft plastic to allow barrel warping. The prop is free spinning and fits very well against the engine cowling not leaving any sort of gap, the hub appears to be very accurate in size and shape and has a painted black tip that shows no sign of imperfection, unlike some other manufacturers planes. The cannons are molded very nicely and look quite realistic as they hang under each wing. The length and diameter of each barrel is proper and adds even more to the realism. The free turning wheels are made of rubber on painted hubs and seem to fit the proper depth inside the housing.

The three piece stand is black and of the same quality as Dragon. It comes with a feature that will be well received by the collector, a tripod as the third piece. One arm of the tripod has a small nipple that fits tightly into a equally small hole in the bottom of the plane. The other two arms reach forward and position under the inside edges of the wings and act as a cradle. This combination adds real security and won’t allow the model to droop forward or in any direction so you don’t have to worry about finding your model just after it did a 90 degree dive but didn’t pull up in time.

Now, things that could use improvement. The two piece decals that have to be assembled to create a Swastika, but according to Hobby Master this will be corrected in future releases. Next, the lack of pilot and gunner, a small thing but appreciated by most collectors. If you expect movable control surfaces there aren’t any. Hobby Master Dauntless come with a variety of options for the canopy: completely closed, only the gunner’s portion open, only the pilots portion open, or both the pilot and gunner’s canopy open. With this feature it would have been nice to have the Stuka canopy able to open. Of course this Stuka is their first offering and the Dauntless their third, forth and fifth so it could be that this feature was developed after the Stuka and will be available from now on.

Overall this model is superb and definitely worth adding to your collection. Hobby Master has done themselves proud, they have a first time release that rivals the quality of companies that have had thirty and forty releases. They also surpass some companies that have thirty or forty releases. First impressions are so very important, like they say, “You only get one chance to make a first impression” and Hobby Master definitely did IMPRESS.

This review is my personal opinion.

HA0112 SBD-3 Dauntless VS-5, USS Yorktown "Battle of Coral Sea", 1942 1/72 die-cast display model
Nicknamed "Barge" or "Clunk" the SBD also went by the nickname "Slow but Deadly."

Like the Hobby Master Stukas, the packaging for the model is extremely well done. A fair amount of time must have been spent designing these eye catching works, there are pictures of the model along with several attractive graphics and information concerning this particular planes history (SBD-3 Dauntless VS-5, USS Yorktown "Battle of Coral Sea", 1942) all this is highlighted by a nice silver color background fading through shades of grey to some white. The box is constructed of a heavy grade cardboard, which offers added protection of the model during shipping. The front panel of the box is held closed by a Velcro tab and with a slight tug, flips open to reveal the picture framed model inside the box. This is the standard for all Hobby Master boxes so far.

Inside you will find a very well packaged model, securely held in place inside a thick molded plastic shell. This shell is in two parts that you separate in order to take out the model and accessories that are held snuggly inside. Unlike one or two companies, you don’t have to destroy the box and shell in an effort to get the model out. All these nice features are the same as Dragon and most are the same as Corgi. Hobby Master even took the precaution to put plastic sleeves over the wing tips to protect the stars with the red center.

Like other Hobby Master aircraft, you’ll like the weight of this model; very little plastic will be found on this one. Speaking of plastic, the canopy is made from crystal clear plastic, no milky look to it at all. The fit of the canopy is excellent, no large gaps here. Like the Stukas, the plastic ribs that form what would be the metal framework for the glass panels of the canopy, are painted without one drop or smudge of paint being out of place, amazing. The Dauntless comes with a variety of options for the canopy: completely closed, only the gunner’s portion open, only the pilots portion open, or both the pilot and gunner’s canopy open. A really nice touch, the only drawback is the lack of a pilot and gunner. Completely removing the canopy will show you a nicely done cockpit, with an instrument panel and stick. The inside paint and finish are as well done as the exterior, which is perfect, no over spray and as smooth as you’d ever want it. The rear gunner’s 7.62mm machine gun is included and from what I can tell is metal. The fixed front 12.7mm machine guns are also well done, the cowling is grooved to accommodate them so they look like they really are ready to fire.

The dive brakes don’t move but look very nice, like the actual plane the holes are completely through from top to bottom, not just dimpled. There even are the foot holes for the crew to use to get in and out of the plane, service panels are marked. The pitot tube is also included on the port wing. The engine cowling fits perfectly on the fuselage and all the vents are closed you won’t find one open and the rest closed. Looking at the nose you see a good replica of the radial engine prop and hub. Hobby Master even went and added the markings on the prop, just another nice little touch.

On the underside, unlike the prototype model, you find one painted bomb under each wing and another painted one in the working trapeze under the belly. If you like to display the model with the belly bomb in the up position there is a little nipple on the bomb that fits into a small hole that keeps it in place. The Dauntless could carry either one 454kg bomb or one 227kg bomb under the belly and two 113kg or two 454kg bombs under the wings.

As with the Stukas the three piece stand is black and of the same quality as Dragon. It comes with a feature that will be well received by the collector, a tripod as the third piece. One arm of the tripod has a small nipple that fits tightly into a equally small hole in the bottom of the plane. The other two arms reach forward and position under the inside edges of the wings and act as a cradle. This combination adds real security and won’t allow the model to droop forward or in any direction so you don’t have to worry about finding your model just after it did a 90 degree dive but didn’t pull up in time.

The undercarriage fits nicely into the wing, whether you are displaying the model with wheels up or down. Like all the other companies undercarriage, I would recommend a tiny drop of white glue to make absolutely sure your plane doesn’t do a belly landing. By using white glue it dries clear and is water soluble and easily removed. I like the option of gear up or down at my discretion. The wheels are rubber but do not roll.

The only thing that I found off about the model is the black in the elevator panel lines. Maybe it stands out more because the elevator is a smaller surface than the rest of the plane. It isn’t anything like FOV’s first release of planes or all of IXO’s planes but it definitely is noticeable when compared to the rest of the model. Not enough that I went yuck or would not recommend that you buy it, it just is a little extra.

For a new company Hobby Master sure has come out swinging. There’s not going to be many people saying, “what do you expect, it’s only their first models, there’s bound to be several faults or errors.” I would expect this level of workmanship from a company that has been around for a year or more, not just months.

Conclusion: You should be able to admire this model in any collection, including those of the other top companies.

Some good news: In September Hobby Master will be releasing a second MiG, MIG-21 MF "Fishbed", JG-1 Dec. 1990.
They will also be releasing an F-104C "Starfighter", 479th TFW, George AFB, California, 1963 "Really George".

In May 2006 Hobby Master started to release their 1/56 scale tanks -
HG0101 Tiger I Early Production Tank 332, sPzAbt503, Russia, 1943

HG0102 Tiger I Early Production Tank No.8, sPzKp Meyer "Strotch'

HG0103 Tiger I Early Production Tank S33, PzReg2, Russia, 1943

HG0104 M1A1 Abrams (Operation IRAQI Freedom) Platoon Commander, 2nd Platoon, C Company, 2nd Marine Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Division

HG0105 M1A1 Abrams (Operation IRAQI Freedom) 1st Platoon, D Company, Task Force Taraw

In July Hobby Master will begin releasing their new 1/48 scale tanks -
HG0106 King Tiger (Henschel) sSSPzAbt 501, Battle of Bulge, Ardennes, 1944

HG0107 King Tiger (Henschel) sPzAbt 511, Germany, April, 1945

And in August -
HG0108 King Tiger (Henschel) sSSPzAbt 501, La Gleize, Ardennes, 1944 "Oberst Helmut Dollinger"

Pictures to follow soon.


Also in August Hobby Master will start to release a Combat Series of 1/48 and 1/56 r/c tanks.

I just recieved a HobbyMaster SBD Dauntless in the VMSB-241 "Battle of Midway" markings. I am very much impressed by the model, so Hawkonevoodo's enthusiasm for HM products is justified in my opinion. The detailing is supurb both inside and out. I like the optional canopy pieces and the landing gear. Its nice to also have a replica of an important aircraft that all to often doesn't get replicated in the small pre-built scales. The Stukas also seem to be well done and thus I eagerly await the next aircraft from Hobbymaster.

You will find lots of good news about upcoming Hobby Master models on my news page, check it out.
http://www.hobbymastercollector.com/hob ... rnews.html