Prototype image of the Hobby Master 1:72 scale Suhkoi Su-33 Air Superiority Fighter
It didn’t take a course in predictive analysis to guess that Hobby Master would eventually get around to replicating the mighty Russian Sukhoi Su-33 air superiority fighter. They’ve already covered just about every other aircraft in Sukhoi’s family of modern aircraft, so adding the Flanker-D was, as they famously say, “a no-brainer” from a model maker’s stand point.
For now, only prototype images are being shown on the Hobby Master Collector web site, although its a safe bet that the first model will be announced shortly, no doubt ahead of the upcoming Chinese New Year in February, a time when most companies go on hiatus for a couple of weeks. We’re willing to bet that once the Su-33 starts to see the light of day that Hobby Master will begin eyeing the MiG 29 as its next adversarial subject.
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale Russian Sukhoi Su-34 “Fullback” Strike Fighter – “Red 03”, Khmeimim Air Base, Latakia, Syria, January 2015
The Russian Sukhoi Su-34 “Fullback” is one of those aircraft that truly has to be seen to be believed. Designed to replace the aging Su-24, the Su-34 is actually a variant of the Sukhoi Su-27, with side-by-side seating that was developed in the late 1980s, and making its first flight on April 13th, 1990. It has a complex development history, being first developed as a carrier-based trainer, but by the time it was first publicly revealed in the mid-1990s it was as the Su-27IB (IB standing for Istrebitel Bomardirvoschik / Fighter Bomber), an advanced strike aircraft. Sukhoi, seeking export customers for the aircraft, has shown it as both the Su-32FN (FN for “Fighter, Naval”) and the Su-34. Its proposed export designation may be Su-32MF (MnogoFunktsionalniy, multi-function). At present its official designation appears to be Su-34. Its oddly shaped nose, said to be semi-stealthy, is reminiscent of that of the SR-71 Blackbird, and has earned it the nickname “Platypus,” although its NATO reporting name is Fullback.
Interstingly its flight deck is larger than the one built for the much larger Tu-160 “Blackjack”, a supersonic, variable sweep wing heavy strategic bomber designed for long endurance, intercontinental flights. The Fullback’s flight deck even has space for a galley, a latrine, and a bunk bed, all the comforts of home for bombing enemy positions within reach of its base of operations.
The Su-34 has 12 stores pylons for up to 8,000 kilograms (17,635 pounds) of ordnance, intended to include the latest Russian precision-guided weapons. It retains the Su-27/Su-30’s 30mm cannon. A Leninets V004 phased-array radar is fitted, mated to a Platan electro-optical / laser targeting unit and an advanced nav-attack system. It shares the Su-35’s “stinger” tail with Leninets V005 rear-facing radar.
Hobby Master’s first look at the Fullback portrays a bomber that was recently deployed to Khmeimim Air Base, Latakia, Syria, in support of the Assad regime (HA6301). Look for it to lay waste to the opposition some time in January.
Certainly one of the most critical aspects of replicating combat aircraft is getting the mold right. Lord knows there are plenty of rivet counters out there that feel it their duty to hold each model up to incredible scrutiny, passing final judgement and giving the model their seal of approval only when they are confident the manufacturer got everything correct from every conceivable vantage point.
However, the hobby has changed over the years, with more and more companies hitting home runs instead of swinging and missing each time they offer a new model for consideration. So, in an effort to take it to the next level and differentiate themselves from the competition, a handful of companies are demonstrating their prowess in the art of painting, tackling subjects few would have dared to go near just a few years ago.
Hobby Master’s 1:72 Japanese Air Self-Defense Force Boeing F-15J Eagle Multi-Role Fighter – JASDF 50th Anniversary Scheme, “Mount Fuji”, 2004
Take Hobby Master, for example. In recent years, the Company has been demonstrating its ability to not only offer compelling subject matter but also difficult schemes, showing why they have the right stuff to make aviation enthusiasts proud. Recently they announced plans to offer this Mitsubishi F-15J, which is clad in a 50th Anniversary of the Japan Air Self Defense Forces (HA4514). The aircraft’s fuselage and upper surfaces are adorned in an intricate apple blossom motif layered over the island-nation’s iconic Mount Fuji, contrasting symbols of the Japanese spring and winter. Clearly, getting this scheme correct takes a lot of patience and pride, requiring surgeon-like skills to not only apply the scheme but seamlessly matching it up so that every facet of the aircraft looks correct from every angle.
Look for this sumptuous example of modern art some time in March.
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale USN McDonnell Douglas A-4E Skyhawk Attack Aircraft – John McCain, VA-163 “Saints”, USS Oriskany (CV-34), Vietnam War, 1967
If you missed out on Hobby Master’s first look at Senator John McCain’s A-4 Skyhawk released way back in 2007, then you’ll no doubt want to listen up regarding this newest offering. As part of their October announcements, the Company plans on producing yet another version, this one based upon a warbird he flew off of the carrier USS Oriskany when he was attached to VFA-163 “Saints” HA1429). Priced at just $79.99 per copy, we believe this is one of those rare opportunities where you can pay tribute to both the man and his machine, well before it sky rockets in value once they all sell out.
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale US Navy McDonnell F-4J Phantom II Fighter-Bomber – VF-102 “Diamondbacks”, USS Independence (CV-64), 1976 (1:72 Scale)
Late yesterday, we learned that Hobby Master planned to offer a 1:72 scale replica of a F-14 that was flown by VF-102 “Diamondbacks” (HA19006). Rather curiously, we discovered today that flight simulation maker DCS is coming out with a brand new flight sim that, you guessed it, is based upon an F-14B Tomcat operated by the very same squadron. What follows is a 10-minute long teaser aimed at showing off some of the hi-fidelity components of the game, along with some of its bullet points covering the game’s features, dynamics and fit within the DCS game world. Enjoy!
Hobby Master’s 1:48 scale USAAC Curtiss P-40B Warhawk Fighter – 160/15P, 2nd Lt. George Welch, 47th Pursuit Squadron, 15th Pursuit Group, Wheeler Field, Pearl Harbor, December 7th, 1941
Several months ago, speculation had it that Hobby Master would be delving ever deeper into the 1:48 scale aviation market with a rendition of a Curtiss P-40 Warhawk. Turns out the rumors were true as the Company announced today their first foray into the early war fighter – a P-40 Warhawk that was flown by 2nd Lt. George Welch (HA9201). This particular warbird rose to meet the Japanese aerial forces as they were wreaking havoc at the US base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
Following an extremely late night at
the Squadron Christmas party the day previously, USAAF pilots George
Welch and Kenneth Taylor woke to the sound of explosions and low flying
aircraft. The date was December 7th, 1941 and the United States naval
base at Pearl Harbor was under attack. Still wearing their mess dress
from the previous night, the men rang ahead to Wheeler Field, where
their Squadron had been deployed for gunnery practice and instructed
ground crews to prepare two P40 fighters for flight.
Driving their Buick at high speed and coming under fire from Japanese
aircraft, the men arrived at Wheeler and immediately made for their
aircraft – taking off beneath waves of attacking enemy aircraft, the two
pilots fought valiantly against overwhelming odds, even landing to
re-fuel and re-arm, only to take off and fight again. During a frantic
few minutes, Welch destroyed four enemy aircraft, with Taylor accounting
for at least a further two. For their heroic actions during the Pearl
Harbor attack, George Welch and Kenneth Taylor were both awarded the
Distinguished Service Cross.
Look for Welch’s P-40 to meet the aviation onslaught head on some time this Spring.
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale US Air Force Douglas B-26K Counter Invader Attack Aircraft – 609th Special Operations Squadron “Nimrods”, 56th Special Operations Wing, Nakhom Phanom, Thailand, 1969
We’ve learned that the September cache of Hobby Master products has arrived at our distributor and is now headed our way, slated to arrive the first week of October. The September diecast payload is critical from a number of standpoints, since it includes several heavily requested items that cut across the entire spectrum of Hobby Master releases. Certainly, one of the more notable issues is this 1:72 scale US Air Force Douglas B-25K Counter Invader Attack Aircraft (HA3225). A similar plane, released earlier this year, sold out the moment it arrived, which makes this second iteration just as likely to sell out the moment it lands.
Hobby Master’s 1:48 scale German Messerschmitt Bf 109E-7 Tropical Fighter – Black Chevron, Gruppen-Adjutant I/Jagdgeschwader 27 “Afrika”, December 1941
Another coveted aircraft is this 1:48 scale Messerschmitt Bf 109E-7 tropical fighter, which was attached to Jagdgeschwader 27 “Afrika”, then flying in support of the Deutsches Afrika Korps (HA8704). All of the previous 1:48 scale Messerschmitts have sold out, so this version, slathered in a desert sand motif, will certainly go quick once word spreads that its in stock.
Also up for your consideration is this sleek-looking Ukrainian Air Force Su-24 Frogfoot attack aircraft, clad in a digitally enhanced scheme (HA6102) that takes the art of camouflage to an entirely new level. Inspiring to look and deadly in the hands of an experienced pilot, this undeniably handsome aircraft makes a welcome addition to anyone’s collection, even if it does fly for a foreign power.
Hobby Master’s 1:48 scale Imperial Japanese Navy Mitsubishi A6M2 “Zero” Fighter – V-173, Saburo Sakai, Tainan Air Group, Rabaul, June-July 1942
And last, but certainly not least, is this 1:48 scale rendition of famed Japanese ace Saburo Sakai’s Mitsubishi Zero, as it was painted and marked up during his stint at the island fortress of Rabaul (HA8805). Perhaps not as eye-popping as some of the other aircraft we profiled previously, collectors are all too familiar with its historical significance rather than its somewhat monotone scheme. Its a war winner if ever we’ve seen one, and we already have lots of pre-orders in-house to prove it!
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale USN McDonnell Douglas A-4E Skyhawk Attack Aircraft – John McCain, VA-163 “Saints”, USS Oriskany (CV-34), Vietnam, 1967
With the passing of Arizona Senator, John McCain, we’ve noticed that a lot of people have been taking a gander at Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale replica of his A-4 Skyhawk attack aircraft produced way back in 2007 (HA1403). Obviously, many people would like to lay claim to this model now that this American hero has been laid to rest. The question, therefore, is should Hobby Master re-release this overnight sensation? The Company has had a longstanding tradition of refraining from re-releasing a fan favorite, largely because they believe it would have a direct impact on the original model’s value. However, we thought the time was right that they re-consider their position, and possibly offer the model in a different scale, say 1:48, so that it doesn’t step on the value of the original 1:72 scale model, thereby enabling thousands of would-be collectors a chance at paying homage to this warrior turned statesman. What say you? Should Hobby Master make a second batch of the 1:72 scale Skyhawk, consider offering it in a larger 1:48 scale, or let the subject lie so that they can get on with other more pressing replicas?
One of the A-4E Skyhawk’s destroyed in a blaze aboard the USS Forrestal
One potential course of action, as a blogger pointed out, is to portray the A-4E Skyhawk he piloted while aboard the USS Forrestal a few months prior to his fateful mission off the Oriskany. His plane was destroyed while aboard the Forrestal in a blaze caused by a Zuni rocket inadvertently fired from an embarked F-4 Phantom. Afterwards, McCain was asked to join VA-163 “Saints”, which was undermanned and in need of experienced pilots. The rest, as they say, is history.
Hobby Master’s 1:48 scale Imperial Japanese Navy Mitsubishi A6M2 “Zero” Fighter – V-173, Saburo Sakai, Tainan Air Group, Rabaul, June-July 1942
As September rolled in this past weekend, there were several items slated to arrive this month from Hobby Master that were still lacking final production pictures. Fortunately, that issue has now been remedied thanks to some hard work put in by the folks at Hobby Master Collector.
Key among the latecomers is this handsome 1:48 scale rendition of a Mitsubishi Zero flown by legendary Japanese ace, Saburo Sakai (HA8805). We did a profile on Sakai a couple of months back so we were waiting with baited breath to see how his particular model came out. Obviously, we are thrilled with the results and know this will be a highly coveted model by collectors world over.
Hobby Master’s 1:48 scale German Messerschmitt Bf 109E-7 Tropical Fighter – Black Chevron, Gruppen-Adjutant I/Jagdgeschwader 27 “Afrika”, December 1941
Also in the hopper is the gorgeous 1:48 scale replica of a German Messerschmitt Bf-109E-7 tropical fighter (HA8704), which was pressed into service to support the Deutsches Afrika Korps during its campaign to wrest control of North Africa away from the Allies. This particular model is already sold out at the manufacturer and distributor level, so if you’re interested in obtaining one you might want to act fast before they are all gone.
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale US Air Force Douglas B-26K Counter Invader Attack Aircraft – 609th Special Operations Squadron “Nimrods”, 56th Special Operations Wing, Nakhom Phanom, Thailand, 1969
A number of other eagerly expected models will make up the next shipment, which should hit our receiving doors around the third week of September.
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale US Army Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow Attack Helicopter – 8th Battalion, 229th Aviation Regiment “Flying Tigers”
Looks as if we are closing out the month of August in particular and summer in general with a couple of eagerly anticipated helicopters – one from Air Force 1 and the other from Hobby Master. Shown here is Hobby Master’s first look at the AH-64 Apache helicopter (HH1201), an attack helo that has served the US Army well for over thirty years. Also inbound is a Sikorsky HH-60M MEDEVAC Black Hawk helicopter from Air Force 1, which provided crucial casualty recovery and transport to US forces operating in South Korea back in 2007.
A number of other aircraft should be arriving shortly from Hobby Master, geared towards both the 1:72 as well as the 1:48 scale markets. For instance, a pair of F-111 Aardvark fighter-bombers (HA3019 and HA3020) are earmarked for a late August fly-in, both of which are already sold out at the factory and distributor’s level.
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale USMC Boeing Harrier II AV-8B+ Jump Jet – BuNo 165584, VMA-311 “Tomcats”, February 2012 [Low-Vis Scheme]
Also in shorty supply is this USMC Boeing Harrier II AV-8B jump jet (HA2622), which was operated by VMA-311 “Tomcats”. As the economy heats up and a potential blanket tariff could be imposed on all incoming products from mainland China, its very possible that these and other higly sought after diecast collectibles will become increasingly harder to come by should a trade war with China show no signs of abatement.
