New Merit 1/18 DAUNTLESS DISCUSSION

[gliderdwm]

I preorder all my new 1/18 from the flying mule. Just received shipping info for the Coral sea Dauntless

[Mitch]

Got Mine Today !!!!

It's just how TMAN says - spectacular!

[Tinman]

Nines on the way, should be here next week. Looks like a winner.

[MCalamari]

Nice review. Mine arrived last night, but I'm sadly about to run off on vacation and my friends kids would certainly enjoy playing with the plane if I got it out. I guess this will have to be the grail to bring me home.

The top display on the box is nice, and it looks just AWESOME.

[Jim@Merit]

We are relieved that our “Battle of Coral Sea” version of the SBD-3 has passed the test from most of you. We really appreciate that most of you managed to shift the mind set and accept the concept of Built n Painted Collectible model which is more delicate and fragile. With your acceptance, we will move forward and continue with developments for other new items. As most of you may already know, our next item will be the “Battle of Midway” version of the Best’s SBD-3 of VB-6 from USS Enterprise. At that time, they have received all new SBD-3 and our model will have a completely different presentation and with necessary new parts. For those who missed out on the “Battle of Coral Sea” version, or don’t like the “worn out / weathered” look, we hope the new version will suite your taste. We will continue to keep you posted on the release date and detail.
Thank you for all of your support.

[dragon53]

JIM@MERIT:

I just ordered a Coral Sea Dauntless a few minutes ago. My only complaint about the model is that it needs pilot figures. To me, a model plane, particularly as large as 1/18, is naked without pilots. For the price of almost $170, I think pilots should be included.

If Merit cannot provide pilots, I hope you can persuade BBI to release its 1/18 Navy pilots that were included with its F6F Hellcats and F4U Corsairs.

I'm looking forward to getting the Dauntless as it has received a rave review here From Tmanthegreat, whose review persuaded me to order one.....but the Dauntless would be even better with pilots.

[dragon53]

For those who are going to order the Coral Sea Dauntless, keep in mind that Flyingmule is offering a free model for orders of $150+ through June 19 via its email promotion code.
I got a free Hobby Master F-4N Phantom that I almost bought a month ago with my Dauntless.

[jetsmaniac]

to Jim@Merit
This product is awesome. I hold out for your VB-6 version. When can we expect it?

[Jim@Merit]

JIM@MERIT:

I just ordered a Coral Sea Dauntless a few minutes ago. My only complaint about the model is that it needs pilot figures. To me, a model plane, particularly as large as 1/18, is naked without pilots. For the price of almost $170, I think pilots should be included.

If Merit cannot provide pilots, I hope you can persuade BBI to release its 1/18 Navy pilots that were included with its F6F Hellcats and F4U Corsairs.

I'm looking forward to getting the Dauntless as it has received a rave review here From Tmanthegreat, whose review persuaded me to order one.....but the Dauntless would be even better with pilots.

Yes, let’s hope BBI will soon re-release their USN pilot figure. Their figure will work fine with minor modifications. I think that will be the best bet for the time being.

[Jim@Merit]

to Jim@Merit
This product is awesome. I hold out for your VB-6 version. When can we expect it?

We should have update within the next 2 weeks and pictures will soon be posted in our web site.

[jdowd1]

My Coral Sea Dauntless is coming from The Flying Mule this Friday/22. I have been waiting for this for over 2 years I think. I even have had a pre-order somewhere ( I don't remember where now) for $69.00 for at least 2 years...hope it ships too at that price!! LOL

[tmanthegreat]

Yeah, I think I still have my preorder for the AT Dauntless as well. I believe it was at Military Toy Shop. Its a moot point now

As for figures, I tried out a couple of the original 21c Corsair pilots in my Dauntless the other day. They fit easily and the lower legs were easy to remove for the pilot figure. It was really much easier getting the old 21c figure in an out of the gunner station than the BBI one, though the lack of the ball-jointed arms meant it couldn't hold the gun quite right. Those older 21c pilot figures are really painted nicely (better than the Avenger crew) and look great, save they don't have parachute straps... They also have the VF-17 stenciling on the lifejacket and the 1943 inspection date that will need correcting.

For now, I'll continue to use my modified BBI pilots as they look the best overall, but I just want to get the word out that the 21c Corsair pilots are a good fit with the plane and those can still easily be found.

[aferguson]

where can 21c pilots easily be found?

[tmanthegreat]

I know BadCat still has them - the full set of the carded figures that have been around for years. I bought a couple Stuka pilots and the Corsair pilots from them last week and they would be the easiest route to go.

Not sure what other retailers still have them. That site with the remaining 21c warehouse stuff didn't have the pilots (if I recall) and even SmallJoes, which usually has a decent figure selection, has run out now. Then there's always ebay...

[dragon53]

TMANTHEGREAT:

Badcat has sold out of the individual 21st Century Corsair pilots. I checked a few days ago.

I think they still have them in a group pack including US, German pilots, etc.

[tmanthegreat]

I bought them last Thursday, I want to say, for $12 a piece. They arrived on Saturday. At the time I ordered they were still in stock. Funny those things sat around for years, even going on sale for $2 and now that everyone needs them, they can't be found.

[dragon53]

TMANTHEGREAT:

Thanks anyway. I found another merchant that has the Corsair pilots at $10 each.

[dragon53]

This merchant has the 21st Century 1/18 Corsair pilots at $10 each.


Link: http://ww2toys.net/WWII-Navy-Corsair-Pi ... V54684.htm

[aferguson]

yes i found them too......but they don't ship outside the US.

[cjg476]

Aferg if you need a middle-man you can have them shipped to me and I will send them to you.

[aferguson]

thanks mate, i'll keep that in mind.

[snake]

For those who are going to order the Coral Sea Dauntless, keep in mind that Flyingmule is offering a free model for orders of $150+ through June 19 via its email promotion code.
I got a free Hobby Master F-4N Phantom that I almost bought a month ago with my Dauntless.

Thanks for the reminder, dragon53.

Wasn't going to get the Coral Sea version, and hold off for the Midway, but with a deal like this, too hard to pass up.

Some nice models available for "free", and I also went for a HM F-4. VF-84 Jolly Rogers CAG. A $70 value.

[Barbarian333]

I just bought 2 corsair pilots from ww2toys, then just saw this on Ebay http://www.ebay.com/itm/lot-3-21st-cent ... 1c28498e2c

[Barbarian333]

Came to my door 2 minutes ago

[aferguson]

lol......so why are you typing here about it......open it man!