Its no secret that Hobby Master has witnessed great success in the 1:48 scale aviation market, taking the hobby by storm with each new subject they put forward. So, it came as no surprise that their next 1:48 scale warbird would look to up the score, by turning back the hands of time to the earliest days of World War II when the conflict in the PTO was still very much in doubt. Scheduled for an August roll out, their latest aircraft is based upon the venerable Grumman F-4F Wildcat, a fighter that was outmatched by the Japanese Zero in virtually every category. Their inaugural aircraft pays tribute to the Cactus Air Force, a conglomeration of US military aircraft tasked with defending Guadalcanal and its newly conquered airfield dubbed Henderson Field (HA8901). Obviously, more versions are in the works, but we thought this particular warbird could be their most noteworthy of the bunch.
Hobby Master’s 1:48 scale USAAF Republic P-47D Thunderbolt Fighter – “Penrod and Sam”, Capt. Robert Johnson, 62nd Fighter Squadron “Spike War Dawgs”, 56th Fighter Group, Boxted, England, April 1944
Today’s post is a bit eclectic if still accurate, borrowing a phrase from a Queen song that aptly describes two of our most recent arrivals. The first is this 1:48 scale Republic P-47 Thunderbolt dubbed “Penrod and Sam”, which was piloted by WWII ace Captain Robert Johnson, then attached to the 62nd Fighter Squadron “Spike War Dawgs”, 56th Fighter Group (HA8455). “Penrod and Sam” was, in fact, the fourth aircraft flown by Johnson in the ETO, who would go on to become a 21-victory ace and earn a reputation as a fearsome fighter.
Corgi’s 1:48 scale RAF English Electric F.6 Lightning Fighter – XR728/JS, 5 Squadron, RAF Binbrook, England, 1987
The second model, which some are already nominating as best aircraft model of 2018, is this 1:48 scale replica of an English Electric Lightning jet fighter (AA28401). Exceptionally detailed, this heavy-in-the-hand model has become Corgi’s toast-of-the-town in recent weeks, demonstrating that this longstanding model maker still has the skills necessary to bring an award winning product to market.
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale US Navy Grumman F-14A Tomcat Fleet Defense Fighter – VF-114 “Aardvarks,” USS Abraham Lincoln (CVW-11), 2003
Ordinarily, Hobby Master is pretty good about getting their products to market on a timely basis, religiously hitting their street dates month after month with nary a problem save customs issues. Turns out this month we’ll be lavishly resupplied, since the March shipment arrived early and their February shipment arrived a wee bit late. Typically this isn’t a problem for us, although it may takes us an extra day or so to go through everything and marry up the new arrivals with any orders already in our system.
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale US M60A1 Patton Medium Tank with Reliability Improved Selected Equipment (RISE) IR/White Light Spotlight – 3rd Armored Division, Gelnhausen, Germany, 1960s
On the downside, we’ve learned that their eagerly anticipated inaugural 1:72 scale M60A1 Patton tank (HG5601) is already sold out at both the factory and distribution level, which means we can no longer accept any orders for it. It appears as if a great many people were looking to add this particular vehicle to their collection and bodes well for their military vehicle lineup, which has struggled somewhat over the last couple of years and is now being produced in Pakistan rather than mainland China. We have no doubt that a Vietnam era version of the M60 tank will be offered again, likely clad in different markings, but in the mean time expect their first effort to command higher than normal prices in the after market, if you’re lucky enough to find it. On a separate note, the Austrian version of the Patton tank (HG5603) is also expected in the shipment, and the Israeli version, painted in a handsome desert motif, has been pushed back until May. We’re also willing to bet that other variants will be announced soon, including the venerable M60A3 and the M60A2 Starship. Now, if we can only get them to produce these vehicles in larger scales, then we’ve truly hit a home run.
Hobby Master burst onto the scene way back in 2006, which, for all intents and purposes, might as well be an eon ago in the hobby industry’s time line. Since that time, we’ve kept a careful eye on their progress, marking all of their revolutionary advances with both applause and criticism, taking them to task when an item doesn’t live up to its hype and clapping them on the back when they have exceeded our expectations. However, there are times when they make evolutionary changes, that, quite literally, push the hobby forward and demonstrate their prowess as model makers even if other collectors, critics and model makers might not notice.
Earlier this morning, images were posted for two of their upcoming aircraft: a McDonnell Douglas F-15C Eagle – “75th Anniversary of Oregon ANG” (HA4559) and a Grumman F-14A Tomcat, VF-14 “Tophatters”, 80th Anniversary, 1999 (HA5214). As you can see by the accompanying photos, Hobby Master has demonstrated their ability to tackle some of the more complex camouflage schemes and adornments that other model makers might side step, a clear indication that more intricate artwork isn’t a thing solely left to aftermarket specialists.
In the case of the F-15 (top), look at how they have managed to not only recreate the screaming eagle, but align the tampo printing so that it covers multiple panels below the cockpit. As for the F-14 (bottom), marvel at all of the smaller cautionary signage that appear along the fuselage as well as some of the finer detail and stenciling that went into the wing tips, ventral fin and tail. In a word, bravo!
Hobby Master returns to the helicopter market with this 1:72 scale US Army Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow Attack Helicopter, which was attached to the US Army’s 8th Battalion, 229th Aviation Regiment
After inexplicably leaving the helicopter market several years ago, it now appears as if Hobby Master has once again set its sights on the rotary wing market for 2018. Perhaps sensing competition from a number of entrenched manufacturers, Hobby Master today announced plans to offer a 1:72 scale Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopter (HH1201) later this year, likely an indication that other new toolings and liveries aren’t too far behind. Slated for a July lift off, it will be interesting to see how things shake out in the helicopter sector, with stalwarts such as Forces of Valor returning to its roots and both Amercom and Air Force 1 continuing to churn out a steady diet of iconic choppers aimed at different segments of the market.
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale Russian Sukhoi Su-25SM “Frogfoot” Ground Attack Aircraft – “Red 24”, Latakia Air Base, Syria, November 2015
One by one, Hobby Master has been adding all of the important aircraft in the Russian aerial arsenal to their modern aircraft foot locker. Earlier today, the manufacturer officially announced plans to produce a 1:72 scale replica of the Sukhoi Su-25 Frogfoot (HA6101), the Russian equivalent of the famed A-10 Warthog ground attack aircraft. Loaded with all sorts of ordnance, their first look at the Frogfoot will portray a warplane that recently saw action in Libya, which, along with other aircraft, have been assisting the Assad government against ISIS and other rebel factions. Look for the first Frogfoot to swoop in some time in June.
Hobby Master’s 1:700 scale US Navy Ticonderoga Class Guided Missile Cruiser – USS Ticonderoga (CG-47) (1:700 Scale)
Long a dominant player in both the military aircraft and combat vehicle segments of the market place, Hobby Master made a surprise announcement earlier today by indicating that they would finally dip their toes in the naval arena. Their first foray into naval warfare is a 1:700 scale replica of the US Navy’s USS Ticonderoga (HSP1001), the lead ship in her class of guided missile cruisers. A powerful component of the US Navy’ fleet operations in the latter half of the twentieth century, the Ticonderoga is an excellent choice as their inaugural warship and one that should sell very well at retail throughout its tenure.
Even though we haven’t quite made it to the end of the year, that doesn’t mean several manufacturers aren’t already looking ahead to the following year to ply their craft. In the case of Hobby Master, the Company has announced several new items for a May/June release, upping their game in the process and further cementing their role in the aviation market.
As you can see by the accompanying illustration, Hobby Master feels it can finally address some of the more intricate patterns that adorn a number of aircraft, tackling some of the more difficult camouflage patterns as well as some of the more detailed artwork. This particular scheme was employed by the Oregon Air National Guard on their F-15Cs in 2016. Further down-the-road, we will likely see some of the beautiful patterns the Japanese Air Self Defense Forces apply to their F-15s, as well as a number of mottling camouflage patterns that were used on the Luftwaffe’s night fighters.
In any event, we have listed all of the latest Hobby Master aircraft announced yesterday and expect others to be added as we near the New Year!
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale USAF Lockheed F-104C Starfighter Interceptor – “World Altitude Record”, Capt Joe Jordan, Edwards Air Force Base, California, Dec. 14th, 1959
Fifty-eight years ago, USAF Captain Joe B. Jordan zoomed a modified USAF/Lockheed F-104C Starfighter to a world altitude record of 103,395.5 feet above mean sea level. The flight originated from and recovered at the Air Force Flight Test Center (AFFTC) at Edwards Air Force Base, California.
On Tuesday, July 14th, 1959, the USSR established a world altitude record for turbojet-powered aircraft when Soviet test pilot Vladimir S. Ilyushin zoomed the Sukhoi T-43-1 (a prototype of the Su-9) to an absolute altitude of 94,661 feet. By year’s end, the Soviet achievement would be topped by several American aircraft.
FAI rules stipulate that an existing absolute altitude record be surpassed by at least 3 percent for a new mark to be established. In the case of the Soviet’s 1959 altitude record, this meant that an altitude of at least 97,501 feet would need to be achieved in a record attempt.
On Sunday, December 6th, 1959, USN Commander Lawrence E. Flint wrested the months-old absolute altitude record from the Soviets by zooming to 98,561 feet. Flint piloted the second USN/McDonnell Douglas YF4H-1 (F4 Phantom II prototype) in accomplishing the feat. In a show of inter-service cooperation, the record flight was made from the AFFTC at Edwards Air Force Base.
Meanwhile, USAF was feverishly working on its own record attempt. The aircraft of choice was the Lockheed F-104C Starfighter. However, with the record now held by the Navy, the Starfighter would have to achieve an absolute altitude of at least 101,518 feet to set a new mark. (Per the FAI 3 percent rule.)
On Tuesday, November 24th, 1959, the AFFTC accepted delivery of the record attempt aircraft, F-104C (S/N 56-0885), from the Air Force Special Weapons Center at Kirtland AFB in New Mexico. This aircraft was configured with a J79-GE-7 turbojet capable of generating nearly 18,000 pounds of sea level thrust in afterburner.
Modifications were made to the J79 to maximize the aircraft’s zoom kinematic performance. The primary enhancements included increasing afterburner fuel flow rate by 10 percent and maximum RPM from 100 to 103.5 percent. Top reset RPM was rated at 104.5 percent. Both the ‘A’ and ‘B’ engine flow bypass flaps were operated in the open position as well. These changes provided for increased thrust and stall margin.
An additional engine mod involved reducing the minimum engine fuel flow rate from 500 to 250 pounds per hour. Doing so increased the altitude at which the engine needed to be shut down to prevent over-speed or over-temperature conditions. Another change included increasing the maximum allowable compressor face temperature from 250 F to 390 F.
The F-104C external airframe was modified for the maximum altitude mission as well. The compression cones were lengthened on the bifurcated inlets to allow optimal pressure recovery at the higher Mach number expected during the record attempt. High Mach number directional stability was improved by swapping out the F-104C empannage with the larger F-104B tail assembly.
USAF Captain Joe B. Jordan was assigned as the altitude record attempt Project Pilot. USAF 1st Lt and future AFFTC icon Johnny G. Armstrong was assigned as the Project Engineer. Following an 8-flight test series to shake out the bugs on the modified aircraft, the record attempt proper started on Thursday, December 10th, 1959.
On Monday, December 14th, 1959, F-104C (S/N 56-0885) broke the existing absolute altitude record for turbojet-powered aircraft on its 5th attempt. Jordan did so by accelerating the aircraft to Mach 2.36 at 39,600 feet. He then executed a 3.15-g pull to an inertial climb angle of 49.5 degrees. Jordan came out of afterburner at 70,000 feet and stop-cocked the J79 turbojet at 81,700 feet.
Roughly 105 seconds from initiation of the pull-up, Joe Jordan reached the top of the zoom. The official altitude achieved was 103,395.5 feet above mean sea level based on range radar and Askania camera tracking. True airspeed over the top was on the order of 455 knots. Jordan started the pull-up to level flight at 60,000 feet; completing the recovery at 25,000 feet. Landing was entirely uneventful.
Jordan’s piloting achievement in setting the new altitude record was truly remarkable. His conversion of kinetic energy to altitude (potential energy) during the zoom was extremely efficient; realizing only a 2.5 percent energy loss from pull-up to apex. Jordan also exhibited exceptional piloting skill in controlling the aircraft over the top of the zoom where the dynamic pressure was a mere 14 psf. He did so using aerodynamic controls only. The aircraft did not have a reaction control system ala the X-15.
The F-104C external airframe was modified for the maximum altitude mission as well. The compression cones were lengthened on the bifurcated inlets to allow optimal pressure recovery at the higher Mach number expected during the record attempt. High Mach number directional stability was improved by swapping out the F-104C empannage with the larger F-104B tail assembly.
USAF Captain Joe B. Jordan was assigned as the altitude record attempt Project Pilot. USAF 1st Lt and future AFFTC icon Johnny G. Armstrong was assigned as the Project Engineer. Following an 8-flight test series to shake out the bugs on the modified aircraft, the record attempt proper started on Thursday, December 10th, 1959.
On Monday, December 14th, 1959, F-104C (S/N 56-0885) broke the existing absolute altitude record for turbojet-powered aircraft on its 5th attempt. Jordan did so by accelerating the aircraft to Mach 2.36 at 39,600 feet. He then executed a 3.15-g pull to an inertial climb angle of 49.5 degrees. Jordan came out of afterburner at 70,000 feet and stop-cocked the J79 turbojet at 81,700 feet.
Roughly 105 seconds from initiation of the pull-up, Joe Jordan reached the top of the zoom. The official altitude achieved was 103,395.5 feet above mean sea level based on range radar and Askania camera tracking. True airspeed over the top was on the order of 455 knots. Jordan started the pull-up to level flight at 60,000 feet; completing the recovery at 25,000 feet. Landing was entirely uneventful.
Jordan’s piloting achievement in setting the new altitude record was truly remarkable. His conversion of kinetic energy to altitude (potential energy) during the zoom was extremely efficient; realizing only a 2.5 percent energy loss from pull-up to apex. Jordan also exhibited exceptional piloting skill in controlling the aircraft over the top of the zoom where the dynamic pressure was a mere 14 psf. He did so using aerodynamic controls only. The aircraft did not have a reaction control system ala the X-15.
Look for Hobby Master’s rendition of Captain Joe B. Jordan’s zoom-climbing F-104C (HA1038) to charge the heavens this coming April.
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale portrayal of a US Army Air Force Douglas A-26B Invader Light Attack Bomber – 89th Bomb Squadron, 3rd Bomb Group, August 1945
We’re finally caught up pumping out two weeks worth of orders and finally got around to posting the April 2018 releases from Hobby Master. As usual, the newbies cut across all scale, eras and nation states, but one thing that did catch our eye was this USAAF A-26B Invader light attack aircraft that was attached to the 89th Bomb Squadron, 3rd Bomb Group during the tail end of WWII (HA3211). Interestingly, the marketing hype is billing this as the last A-26 to be made by Hobby Master and comes in the wake of its recently introduced A-26K Counter Invader, one of the hottest selling aircraft in recent memory from the folks at Hobby Master. While its not another Counter Invader, we did think this came as a bit of a surprise and so we are bringing it to everyone’s attention before this too sells out this Spring.
We’ve listed the entire spate of April 2018 barn busters on our web site and are now taking pre-orders.
