HA3101 review

I’m not going to get into any thing technical about this model or any model for that matter. I’m looking for something that is visually appealing, a good paint and markings application and parts that fit well. Just the general things most average collectors will look for and appreciate. I’ll leave any technical points of view up to others.

The model comes packaged in the standard Hobby Master box with attractive graphics of the sky and the aircraft that is inside. The model is protected inside by the clear plastic blister pack. Be careful when separating the two halves because when they separate you could have the pilot go flying (pardon the pun). I suggest you place the model in the middle of a good sized table so if he does go airborne (again sorry for the pun) he won’t be hard to find.

I finally got my hands on the much anticipated F-102 and it was worth the wait. Just removing the model from its packaging made me think “what a BBB” (Big Bad Boy). Not only are the delta wings and tail very impressive but this model is some very serious metal. The amount of plastic on or in the aircraft is an absolute minimum.

The color combination is very outstanding and definitely draws your eyes right to it. The photos on my website show how well the tampoed markings and paint have been applied, they are perfect. http://hobbymastercollector.com/HA3101F-102AlaskaAirCommand.html So I won’t elaborate, judge for yourself.

The canopy is nice and clear and has all the markings around it. This canopy probably is the best fit canopy of all Hobby Master aircraft. It is hinged at the top and swings open very wide so your pilot can be placed inside. The cockpit is fairly well detailed and perhaps could use a little more but the more time that is spent on adding the tiny details means the cost of the model has to go up. I’m certain Hobby Master could produce their models with details that otherwise could only be found in the real aircraft but the market dictates what we collectors are willing to spend. I assume they are trying to keep their models within a predetermined price bracket. For the non-rivet counting collectors you will be very satisfied with what has been done.

All the removable parts come in a plastic bag that is sectioned container the parts for each area of the model. This way you don’t have to worry about flying pieces when you are removing the model from its secure packaging.

Everything is what I call “plug and play”. The wheels are rubber and roll. The main landing gear, the nose gear is all easily inserted into opens without having to assemble any of it. The main gear down option is just one piece with wheels for both sides and doors that you can insert or remove in seconds. Hobby Master has removed the need to play with and lose small parts. The speed brakes simply slide onto the rear and they give you the option of displaying them opened or closed. The bomb bay can be displayed closed or by removing the entire bomb bay section you can replace it with an opened bomb bay full of wonderful missiles. There are drop tanks also included.

The aircraft can be displayed sitting on the ground or on the display stand that is provided. The stand has a couple of pros and cons. Pro - the upright portion is metal so you don’t have to worry about it breaking from the weight of the model. The con – the aircraft can’t be displayed on the stand with the model in the bomb bay open configuration. Too bad, you have all these wonderful weapons and can’t show it on the stand. I’m hoping that Hobby Master is working on a new stand design that will allow for displaying a model on the stand while wearing all its weapons.

Some words of caution, WATCH OUT FOR THE BARBER POLE on the nose, it won’t take much to snap it off.

If you like “BBB’s” definitely do your self a favor and consider this guy. Based on the first release I really look forward to the rest of the F-102 series. Before I forget, Hobby Master has included a copy of their 2010 catalogue.

All opinions expressed in this review and on the Hobby Master Collector website are those of the site owner and do not necessarily reflect those of Hobby Master Limited. My HMC site is a personal collection of models and opinions and is solely financed by me with no outside funds going to finance it. This is why you won’t find any paid advertising spam or pop-ups.