Small Scale Military Headquarters

I just picked up the Hobby Master Boeing F4B (P-12) in the USN markings of VF-6 the other day and think that HM has another winner in their 1:48 scale pre-war aircraft series. They did a nice job replicating the most successful of the US pre-war fighter aircraft.

The aircraft is solidly constructed with mostly diecast, including the fuselage, wings, tail surfaces, and propeller. The wings have all the bracing wires as well. The cockpit is nicely detailed with instruments, controls, seat, gunsight, etc. and there is the removable pilot figure. The figure is a bit smallish for 1:48 scale and the figure that came with the F3F is larger and probably better-scaled. The wheels roll and prop turns, but there are no other moving surfaces or removable parts.

Overall, I am pleased with the HM F4B/P-12. I think I still like the HM F3F better, but this new aircraft is good and I will likely pick up the US Army version when it comes out.

I know we are pretty partial to WWII and Modern aircraft around here, however, has anyone else gotten the F4B yet?

I should have one under the tree Christmas morning

I'm generally pleased with this model, however I fail to understand why the bracing on the vertical stabilizer was not included. I understand that this was brought to HM's attention but they claimed, rather vaguely, that production problems precluded this small and easy to do refinement. Frankly, that's a difficult excuse to buy. I feel that HM has yet to fully appreciate the importance of putting in more detail----bracing, stenciling, hallowed out engine exhausts, etc. -----on its 1:48th scale replicas. Instead, it seems to look upon these as merely upsized 1:72nd scale models----which is a mistake in my opinion. Still, I am looking forward to more F4Bs and P-12s from HM and will probably modify them slightly as a personal form of upgrading.

at first i didnt think they where a good idea but all in all a great model and one that i enjoy looking at

i have one very nice waiting for the Army P 12

I recieved mine yesterday. The "between the wars" era biplanes are my favorite planes and especially the Boeing biplanes. I have a Sparrow Hawk I am putting together now to add to the biplane collection.

The HM plane is nice. It is right up there in quality with the Grumman F3F release they did earlier. I wish the pilot was a bit bigger as he seems to fall into the cockpit and sit too far down contrary to the photo above. I wish HM sold the pilot figures seperately too as I have many 1:48 planes(mostly 21century planes) with no one to ride in them...

TJ

Its Classy!

Not really for me, but really good reviews from the guys that have these.

The only complaint being, as Epap has pointed out, being the lack of bracing on the vertical stabilizer.

But don't let that stop you from getting an otherwise great looking model. A real niche market, that HM has filled.