Posted by Steve Truschel on 9th Jan 2015
Hobby Master has produced a series of 1/72"-scale diecast models of the famous Lockheed F-16 "Fighting Falcon" , a few of which I have already purchased. I wish I could accord these examples with 5-star ratings, which is the highest, but I can't for the following reason: While the paint schemes and markings are flawless, the design department at Hobby Master did NOT calibrate the fit for the main landing gear very well. I found that this problem exists both in this Israeli Air Force F-16I "Sufa" sample as well as another Hobby Master F-16AM "Fighting Falcon" which recently became available.
With both of the F-16 models, I had to modify the main landing gear sections by filing down the tabs inside the wheel wells about an eighth of an inch in order for the sections to have a flush fit. I assume that Hobby Master is not aware of this problem on their current models nor with their models which are due out soon. Caveat emptor, you will find this design flaw to be problematic if you are a perfectionist like myself.