HA7901 Boeing F4B-4 6-F-1 VF-6 USS Saratoga

[Cruver Collecter]

Through William's generosity, received another preview model from him today. Nice US Mail Lady just dropped off the first of the Hobby Master Boeing F4B-4 models. First impressions are that this is one diminutive model, wing span just a whisker longer than the HM P-26, but fuselage noticeably shorter. Makes for another tiny addition to the prewar Yellow Wings series. The folks at Hobby Master did an impressive job on this their latest biplane model. Construction fairly standard with regards to seamless construction (WIth exception of plastic panel on lower surface of wing.). Rigging on example I received was nice a taught. Some nice features on this one that should please some folks are metal propeller and think tires might actually may be rubber (Feels that way at least.). Now for some nit picking detail observations. On some of the graphic depictions I have seen done on the Boeing F4B-4 they show it with the same time vent work aft of the cowling similar to as seen on the Boeing P-12E, which is incorrect. The folks at Hobby Master caught this an model correctly done to reflect this. All sorts of nicely done exhaust/plumbing so to speak behind the cowling that really does look great. This model also is a good example of how willing the folks at Hobby Master were to taking and implementing customer inputs. Initially depicted with U.S. NAVY on lower surface of wing which was removed based on customer research/inputs. Model also started off with bomb load, but will only be used on future VB assigned aircraft. Finally if you look at the preproduction photos you will see that inboard of the wing walk the fairing is aluminum/silver, but corrected to proper fuselage color (Metal grey, fabric aluminum doped.). I really am pleased that the folks at Hobby Master have put some focus into prewar type aircraft with their Yellow Wings series of models. I really like what they did with this one and think it might just be one of the best biplanes done in die cast. My thanks again to William.

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss321/CruverCollecter/HMBoeingF4B-4002.jpg
http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss321/CruverCollecter/HMBoeingF4B-4003.jpg
http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss321/CruverCollecter/HMBoeingF4B-4004.jpg
http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss321/CruverCollecter/HMBoeingF4B-4006.jpg

Boeing F4B-4/Boeing P-26 size comparison.
http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss321/CruverCollecter/HMBoeingF4B-4009.jpg

[leeG]

Just got my copy of HobbyMasters' new Boeing F4B-4. I'll add my comments to Cruver's excellent review. HA7901 is painted up as '6-F-1' of VF-6 (Felix the Cat) off of USS Saratoga in 1936. This is another outstanding addition to the 'Yellow Wings' series. Overall quality is excellent and my flying wires were tight. Only small issue I had was the necessity of putting a foam tape cushion under the pilot to get his head up out of the cockpit. I'm really looking forward to the addition of the Hawker Fury to this line in 2011. There are many wonderful airplanes to be modeled from this period and I'm looking forward to every one. :cool

Here are a couple of shots.
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g258/leeG727/DiecastModles/HM_F4B-4_fq.jpg

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g258/leeG727/DiecastModles/HM_F4B-4_rq.jpg

Here it is with fellow 'Felix' Grumman F3F-1 '3-F-1' HA7301.
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g258/leeG727/DiecastModles/HM_F3F-1F4B-4.jpg

And with Brewster F2A-2 '3-F-11' HA7001, the model that launched HM's 'Yellow Wing' series.
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g258/leeG727/DiecastModles/HM_F2A-2F4B-4.jpg

Finally, here is a shot of the Naval Aviation Museum's F4B-4 (actually a P-12E restored to F4B specifications) for comparison. The model accurately depicts SN9029 as it appeared in photographs taken in 1936. The museum's restoration has some differences from the 1936 airplane.
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g258/leeG727/National%20Naval%20Aviation%20Museum/F4B.jpg

[Shawn 507]

My favorite set of three. Now if someone would round out the modern end of the Tomcatters, F9Fs, Banshee, Demon, and a Tomcat from CW.

[eismeer]

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g258/leeG727/DiecastModles/HM_F4B-4_rq.jpg



Not got any of these but that is a fine looking model:cool:

Saw one of these "yellow wings" (not sure which one:unsure: ) on display in the Birmingham Modelzone stores display and must say it looked very good.

Nice pics lee:cool:

[sufapilot]

Definitely a must have! Thanks for the pics, CC & leeG.:cool:

[1250ships]

OK this has been sitting here since the end of 2010 and just got around to photographing it so I hope no one minds a few more shots of it. Outstanding model and certainly one of the best new toolings of 2010.

http://www.1250ships.com/images/buzz/hobbym/f4b/sara_1.jpg
http://www.1250ships.com/images/buzz/hobbym/f4b/sara_2.jpg

[Elmer]

It would be perfect (nearly) 'cept for those shiny, purdy exposed screwheads. :p

[leeG]

It would be perfect (nearly) 'cept for those shiny, purdy exposed screwheads. :p

One observation from looking over my collection of biplanes. If the model has metal cabane struts and all metal top wing, then the attachment is made with either rivets (Carousel1) or screws (HobbyMaster). Hallmark used plastic struts glued onto slots in their plastic wings. Corgi glues the cabane struts into plastic inserts in the bottom of the wings that run the full length between the cabane struts and interplane struts.

Looks like the joint configuration depends on how much plastic is used in the model.

[spitfire]

Got to have one of these, love the whole yellow wings thing.

Mine should be here next week.:D