HM McCluskey Dauntless

[zzzippper]

Also today (it was a GOOD day except for that damned Marushin) I got the HM 1:32 McCluskey Dauntless. I'm almost afraid to open the box after I've seen how they have appreciated. I probably will though, toys are worth much if you don't use them.

I also got a 1:48 George Welch P-40B from Pearl Harbor along with all the others Igot today.

Now that I am into 1:32 airplanes I guess the sky is the limit on this hobby.

[Coreyeagle48]

Greetings

Open the box! Seriously!

Mine has a U.S. insignia on the wing with cracked paint. It's going to be exchanged for another one or another model. That is unacceptable for a model of this supposed quality.

But I'd check it out

Corey

[zzzippper]

LOL, I opened it about 10 minutes after I posted the thread! It looks so good I'm thinking about the Dick Best and Lexington Dauntless models.

[Coreyeagle48]

Greetings

Glad yours looks so good. Hopefully they take mine back and still have another one. This was a factory defect, no fault of the Flying Mule. It's a shame though. Yeah well, hopefully it all works out. Don't know what it is with the bad luck and models lately for me.

I want to get the others too, it's a neat model for sure.

Corey

[snake]

Nice one zzzipper.

If this is your first 1/32 aircraft, you picked one of the best.

It really is a fantastic model.

The only problem I can see ,is that your future 1/32 purchases will be very hard pressed to match this.

A good problem to have.

I have the McCluskey, "Ace of Spades" , and "Lexington".Love them all, but McCluskey is my favourite.

Seriously, if this is your 1/32, I am impressed.

Your 1/48 Welch P-40 is another good model.Although it is in 1/48, there are lots of other 1/48 that you can get, and HM is coming into this scale as well.Pretty sure you will be happy with your Carousel models.Again, their FW 190's are great.

Great choices so far zzzipper.Looking forward to seeing what you choose next.

[zzzippper]

Having melted the numbers off my credit card I have to pause, catch my breath, and look around. I'm waiting for a bunch of FOV tanks to catch up to me and I'm still waiting for a bunch of pre-orders in:

1 x CG-AA34908 Bf 109G Diecast Model, Luftwaffe JG 50, "Red 1", Hermann Graf - AUG PRE-ORDER @ $109.99
1 x CG-AA33909 Spitfire Mk I Diecast Model, RAF No.234 Sqn, Bob Doe, RAF Middle Wallop - AUG PRE-ORDER @ $149.99
1 x CG-US34407 P-51D Mustang Diecast Model, USAAF 355th FG, 357th FS, John Elder @ $149.99
1 x HM-HA0201 SBD-2 Dauntless Diecast Model, USN VB-2, USS Lexington, 1941 @ $169.99
1 x HM-HA7501 P-26A Peashooter Diecast Model, USAAC 94th PS, Selfridge Field, MI, 1935 @ $49.99
1 x UM-80016 M26 Pershing Diecast Model, US Army, Germany, 1945 @ $55.99
1 x UM-80059 Sd.Kfz.186 Jagdtiger Diecast Model, German Army sPzJgAbt 653, #323, Austria, 1945 - SEP PRE-ORDER @ $55.99
1 x UM-82303 Jeep Diecast Model, US Army, Normandy, France - SEP PRE-ORDER @ $26.99
1 x HM-HA7703 P-51D Mustang Diecast Model, "Duchess Arlene", Robert Williams - NOV PRE-ORDER @ $54.99 ea
1 x HM-HA7901 F4B-4 Diecast Model, USN VF-6, "Felix the Cat", USS Saratoga, 1936 - NOV PRE-ORDER @ $59.99 ea
1 x HM-HA7802 Spitfire Mk I Diecast Model, RAF No.92 Sqn, Robert Stanford Tuck - NOV PRE-ORDER @ $54.99 ea

[zzzippper]

I have found that these do not hold up well to handling. The centerline bomg retention pins broke off early as well as one of the wing bomb attach points. A little glue and they will look okay. Of greater concern is the prop which is "floppy". It tens to lay against the cowling.

Another problem: I can't get my wife to pretend she's a Japanese aircraft carrier.

BTW, I'm old so I love these prop jobs with three hard points for ordnance...imagine an A-10 with 11 hard points PLUS a 30mm minigun!

[snake]

Having melted the numbers off my credit card I have to pause, catch my breath, and look around. I'm waiting for a bunch of FOV tanks to catch up to me and I'm still waiting for a bunch of pre-orders in:

1 x CG-AA34908 Bf 109G Diecast Model, Luftwaffe JG 50, "Red 1", Hermann Graf - AUG PRE-ORDER @ $109.99
1 x CG-AA33909 Spitfire Mk I Diecast Model, RAF No.234 Sqn, Bob Doe, RAF Middle Wallop - AUG PRE-ORDER @ $149.99
1 x CG-US34407 P-51D Mustang Diecast Model, USAAF 355th FG, 357th FS, John Elder @ $149.99
1 x HM-HA0201 SBD-2 Dauntless Diecast Model, USN VB-2, USS Lexington, 1941 @ $169.99

zzzipper, sounds like you are getting some nice models coming your way.

These do look like the Flying Mule prices.I have the "Doe" Spitfire on pre-order from them.

The Elder P-51, and Lexington Dauntless can be had for much cheaper than this though.I have seen the Elder P-51 go for as cheap as $50.And the Lexington Dauntless for $75 just a couple of weeks ago.Just check Ebay.About three months ago the Mule had a big sale on, and I got the HM Lexington for $50.

The McCluskey Dauntless was HM first Dauntless.And quite a few of them have "droopy prop".Just like yours.If you contact HM, they are aware of this problem, and can offer a replacement prop.

My only complaint with the HM Dauntless is that it doesn't come with a stand.You have to purchase this seperately.But I believe the "Best" Dauntless does come with one.

You are getting some very nice models, particularly as you are just starting.The forums at work.

[zzzippper]

i remember readin somewhere about the droopy prop, I will need to check into that with HM. I saw the McCluskey was back on the Mule again last night. I too wish it came with a stand.

[Coreyeagle48]

I hope that the Mule has a replacement Dauntless to send me and allows a return....

[snake]

I hope that the Mule has a replacement Dauntless to send me and allows a return....

I hope so too, Corey.

If you bought it recently, shouldn't be a problem.Have you contacted the Mule in regards to this.

Seriously, other than the droopy prop, this is the first complaint I have heard about any HM Dauntless.

Bad luck I guess.Hope it works out.Keep us updated.

[Coreyeagle48]

Snake:

Yeah it's odd, the rest of the plane is great. Something must have went wrong in that paint application on that insignia. It's a shame as it is a beautiful model. The prop droop mine had as well but I could live with that.

I have contacted the Mule and am awaiting a reply.

Corey