Hobby Master comments on their panel lines

[hawkonevoodoo]

“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.

[me122172]

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!!

Wouldn't the cost be marginal if you do it right the first time? Aren't the molds cut by computer? Why would it cost more to make them deeper verses shallow? I thought etching molds these days was left up to technology, not the skilled hands of a craftsman.

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?

[hawkonevoodoo]

Are you tired of manufacturers making up exuses 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.