New Merit 1/18 DAUNTLESS DISCUSSION

[scbvideoboy]

I find it 'remarkable' that 3 or more different companies decided to 'develop' the same 1/18 Dauntless during the past 3 years, yet none are completed. Too bad for us and them they didn't each make a different plane to bring in sales, perhaps they would still be in business.

[snake]

Thanks for the update Jim.

Some great projects coming down the pipeline in the near future.

[Yoxford]

Thank you Jim, really appreciate your follow up and Merit’s support to the hobby

[Beeavision]

It turns out Badcat toys has a contact whose currently in China right now gathering more intel on the 1:18 SBD.

Third paragraph down....
http://www.talesofthecat.com/journal/20 ... iting.html

[Yoxford]

First picture of the Dauntless is up!
http://www.merit-intl.com/month/mil-88001.html

[cjg476]

I just SHAT my pants....

[aferguson]

interesting. Doesn't look like it will be ready for sale by March though. But that's ok....just so long as it arrives.

[cjg476]

Aferg----------------------PRAY

[Beeavision]

Well this is as far as the others have gotten on this particular aircraft. Once I see a fully painted model along with the box then I'll start clearing a space in my man cave for it. Hope the third time's the charm.

[scbvideoboy]

yep, doesn't that look like the admiral pics? Same office background? I'll buy one when it gets done, but I'm sure not losing sleep over it.

[Threetoughtrucks]

The Admiral Dauntless prototype at a NYC Toy Fair years ago. Never got past the prototype. At the same TF, Admiral showed are reall great monster 1/18 Skyraider, same thing never got past the prototype.
I still believe.....


TTT

[aferguson]

i have a great deal of faith in Merit. I'm sure the Dauntless will be made but we may see the usual deeeelays.

I'd like to know if it's coming with figures or not. I wonder if they could strike a deal with BBI to use their marine pilot figure.

[tmanthegreat]

To quote Mike from BBI, I guess we'll have to "wait and see" At least we're getting progress, but as no retailers have this thing up for preorder as of yet, I think Aferg may be right in is guess that the plane may not be ready in time for March...

I think the Dauntless will be a reality this time around. March is about three months away and Merit is an organized company that isn't going anywhere. We didn't know they were producing a 28" highly detailed model of the USS Hornet until they practically dumped the finished product on us. They have a history of being able to deliver and should be able to this time...

As for pilots, this seems to be a wild card. Other planes Merit has distributed/produced in the past did not have them. I wouldn't be surprised if the Dauntless didn't have pilots. Still, I like the idea of them going through one of the other companies they've contracted with (like BBI) to get figures.

In any event, a while back I picked up a couple extra BBI Navy pilots when they were available (for the Admiral Dauntless) and will use them for the Merit Dauntless if it does not come with figures

[Beeavision]

These were other pictures taken of the old prototype of the SBD-2 Dauntless from Admiral toys.

[Threetoughtrucks]

Don't get me wrong. I have a few very nice and detailed 1/6 items that carry the Merit label. My only problem with the Merit models I have is that they are resin. These resin items are great but they are made for display only. They last best if not touched. Unpack it and put it on a shelf. Period, or keep glue handy.

My only hope is that this Dauntless is plastic, and have no resin parts.

TTT

[gouchy]

I think most guys here including myself has gotten used to 1/18 delays (or no show for that matter) so its still par for course

Take your time Merit, do it right & do it good and we'll show you our $

How does the gunner canopy section work on the real SBD, smallest section swivels up and both sections then slide back behind the gunner?

[Beeavision]

This 3D rendering/animation will show many aspects of the SBD. I've currently cued it up where the canopy in the rear swivels back into place while the gun drops below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=pl ... zuyc#t=88s

[Beeavision]

Here's a photo of the canopy closeup completely folded opened. The pilot sits to the left of the photo while the gunner sits to the right.

[gouchy]

Thanks beeavision thats cleared things up for me, nice clip too

[Dauntless]

[quote="tmanthegreat"]

That looks like a plastic production model to me. The only thing lacking on it is the paint, so they're farther along than we think and have had this in the works for a while before announcing it no?

[wild weasel]

It's a trumpeter 1/32 kit couldn't help saying that after what 21st did

[Charlemagne]

I held off buying a 1/32 Dauntless from BBI as I was waiting on Admirals 1/18 and I have been kicking myself on that one ever since but it looks like next year I can give my foot and butt a break.

[flyboy_fx]

Wow! This looks more like a model than the typical 21st vehicle! I bet if a company made large scale detailed kits, they would do well. Not planes that lack lots of details.

[gburch]

Wow! This looks more like a model than the typical 21st vehicle! I bet if a company made large scale detailed kits, they would do well. Not planes that lack lots of details.

. . . some day . . .

[456THBG]

This 3D rendering/animation will show many aspects of the SBD. I've currently cued it up where the canopy in the rear swivels back into place while the gun drops below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=pl ... zuyc#t=88s

Impressive...