Hobby Master 32nd scale SBD Dauntless question.

[P39time]

Hi guys,

I have been gone for a while, but I am back ready to get back into collecting. I am looking to get a Hobby Master 32nd scale SBD Dauntless model. I am a huge fan of Hobby Master models, and I would like some opinions of the SBD model before I purchase one. Thanks for the input, and good to be back.

[Coreyeagle48]

Greetings

I had all of them at one point but have dropped it down to 2. They are nice models.

PROS:

Detail is excellent, diecast construction is great

Lots of working features

Nice touches on some versions like a transparent engine cowling.

Variety of color schemes to choose from

Paint finish and quality is excellent.

CONS:

On some of the versions, the propellor tends to droop and hit the cowling. This was most prevalent on the McCluskey version, it has been basically corrected on the later production runs.

The plane is more like a model kit. The pitot tubes, exhaust pipes, machine gun parts are all fragile and require careful handling. The fit isn't the best on these parts either and a lot of times they fall off simply moving the model. I know some people have glued these parts into their spots.

The pilot figures leave a lot to be desired. If you have the BBI Dauntless, the pilots will look great in the Hobbymaster Dauntless. The Hobbymaster pilots are not very detailed and the pilot especially is too small and looks short in the front cockpit.

Hope this helps

Corey

[snake]

Welcome back P39time.

Corey has pretty much covered it, but there is one thing I would like to add. The later releases come with a display stand, while some of the earlier releases didn't. Something you may want to consider if you want to display in flight.

Lots of schemes to choose from now, and you might even be able to order a display stand for the earlier releases, so go for the one you like.

[jlspec]

I have 2 so far. The Yellow Wing and 2nd Midway version. I have a Coral Sea version due to be delivered Friday this week. Corey gave the best description as to the pros and cons. They are among my favorite diecast

[plasticgeneral]

SAVE your MONEY!!!! BUY the "BLUE BOX" version, just as good and a hell of a lot cheaper!!

The PLASTIC GENERAL

[hworth18]

SAVE your MONEY!!!! BUY the "BLUE BOX" version, just as good and a hell of a lot cheaper!!

The PLASTIC GENERAL

The HM version is FAR better than the BBI version and can be posed on it's stand in a full dive position with flaps deployed. I do agree with earlier comments about the pilot figures though. I used 21st's US Navy pilots, they are an excellent addition and vastly improve the look of the model.
Here are some shots of the one I had along with the 21st pilot figures..

[P39time]

Beautiful pictures, thanks for posting them. You sold me now.