Kittyhawk's Second release

[echolmberg]

The coolest thing about modelers is whatever new kit we get, you can be sure we will whine and complain that its not something else. This is a second release, who knows what the third will be? Cool your jets.

But there are so many other planes out there that could have been modeled and yet they go with the same old-same old. Given time, subjects like the F-35 will simply become the next Spitfire, ME-109, P-51, Fw-190, etc in an already overly saturated market.

Eric

[KursadA]

Ten thousand thumbs up!!! I couldn't agree more with every single word. Why are model companies coming out with more of the same subject matters when there are so many aircraft out there that are severely underrepresented (sp?).

Well, first there is no kit of the F-35B in this scale, so this is not "more of anything". As explained above, the poor Panda offering was a completely different aircraft. I don't see how this makes the F-35B "the same old".

Second :Those severely underrepresented aircraft are underrepresented for a reason: hardly anyone (not in the numbers that would justify the cost of a state-of-the-art injection mold anyway) cares about them. Like the airplane or not, the F-35 will be the primary multirole combat aircraft of the US & allies in the next few decades. I and a whole lot of modelers are excited about this modern and capable jet. An AJ Savage would be a great subject for an established player like Trumpeter or Revell who can weather the financial impact of a flop or two, but not a start-up like Kitty Hawk.

Edited May 22, 2012 by KursadA

[ChernayaAkula]

But there are so many other planes out there that could have been modeled and yet they go with the same old-same old. Given time, subjects like the F-35 will simply become the next Spitfire, ME-109, P-51, Fw-190, etc in an already overly saturated market.

Eric

Given time, maybe. For the moment, there's not a single proper 1/48 kit of an F-35 of any variant. Period. Kitty Hawk's will be the first such kit.

If I were a betting man, I'd bet Kitty Hawk's F-35 will outsell their F-94C by at least five to one.

Edited May 22, 2012 by ChernayaAkula

[KursadA]

Given time, maybe. For the moment, there's not a single proper 1/48 kit of an F-35 of any variant. Period. Kitty Hawk's will be the first such kit.

If I were a betting man, I'd bet Kitty Hawk's F-35 will outsell their F-94C by at least five to one.

I see your five and raise you a 10. This will be a popular kit if they execute it well..I have my own plans about helping its sales.

Edited May 22, 2012 by KursadA

[echolmberg]

Second :Those severely underrepresented aircraft are underrepresented for a reason: hardly anyone (not in the numbers that would justify the cost of a state-of-the-art injection mold anyway) cares about them. Like the airplane or not, the F-35 will be the primary multirole combat aircraft of the US & allies in the next few decades. I and a whole lot of modelers are excited about this modern and capable jet. An AJ Savage would be a great subject for an established player like Trumpeter or Revell who can weather the financial impact of a flop or two, but not a start-up like Kitty Hawk.

I'm hoping that my purchase of the F-94 will send a message to Kitty Hawk and other manufacturers that kits like the F-94 are not unpopular. I guess it's kind of a "Which came first? The chicken or the egg?" question. Are we not buying them because they're not being offered or are they not offered because there's a perception that no one would buy them?

Eric

[markiii]

While I would have preferred a C model as well (former Air Force guy here), I think this is a very exciting release!

The Air Force version is an 'A', 'C' is carrier version,

They should make all three though.

[KAGNEW]

well i got 32 F-94C's coming for my pesonal collection

Glen Coleman

[ChippyWho]

Probably a sound idea.

As their second effort, it kind of brackets US jet history from early to current (although a new F-80 would have been even nicer).

Just hope Kitty Hawk see fit to fill in some of the many gaps in between...

[Neo]

well i got 32 F-94C's coming for my pesonal collection

Glen Coleman

i hope you have a big display case!!

[KAGNEW]

as we get going, we have many kits we want to do.

Glen Coleman

world Rep

www.Panda-Hobby.com

www.Kittyhawkmodel.com

[Dmanton300]

But there are so many other planes out there that could have been modeled and yet they go with the same old-same old. Given time, subjects like the F-35 will simply become the next Spitfire, ME-109, P-51, Fw-190, etc in an already overly saturated market.

Eric

If the market WERE saturated, you'd have to ask yourself why companies insist on re-tooling such things as Spitfires and 190's wouldn't you? The answer is obvious, where subjects like these are concerned, there's NO SUCH THING as a saturated market, never mind an overly saturated one! Were I setting up my own company today, and I needed to make a model to make money quickly and let me invest in more toolings, what would I choose? SImple, a 1/48th Dora-9 would be my first choice! Guaranteed, cast iron seller no matter how many others have done one.

Doing an F-94C for a first kit was brave and adventurous (I already have mine here!), doing something equally esoteric for a second release would possibly stray into foolhardy. As it is they've found the modelling money shot I think. . . a subject that has yet to be done in their chosen scale, and yet has a huge public profile right now. IT could be modern day Dora-9! Let's hope it does the business for them and allows some more adventurous choices to be made.

I dunno, an overly saturated market for Spitfires, you have to chuckle!

[echolmberg]

If the market WERE saturated, you'd have to ask yourself why companies insist on re-tooling such things as Spitfires and 190's wouldn't you? The answer is obvious, where subjects like these are concerned, there's NO SUCH THING as a saturated market, never mind an overly saturated one! Were I setting up my own company today, and I needed to make a model to make money quickly and let me invest in more toolings, what would I choose? SImple, a 1/48th Dora-9 would be my first choice! Guaranteed, cast iron seller no matter how many others have done one.

Doing an F-94C for a first kit was brave and adventurous (I already have mine here!), doing something equally esoteric for a second release would possibly stray into foolhardy. As it is they've found the modelling money shot I think. . . a subject that has yet to be done in their chosen scale, and yet has a huge public profile right now. IT could be modern day Dora-9! Let's hope it does the business for them and allows some more adventurous choices to be made.

I dunno, an overly saturated market for Spitfires, you have to chuckle!

I agree. Releasing an F-94 was brave and adventurous. It was nice to see a company break ground into nearly unchartered waters and I do thank them for that. It's not like the F-94 was an experimental plane where only one was made. It was a frontline U.S. fighter during the early jet years. You can't say it was obscure by any means and yet it is often overlooked which is a shame.

Regarding the Dora-9, I did a quick search and I found 12 kit manufacturers who produced a D-9 ranging from 1/144 to 1/32 scale. Tamiya, Italeri, Trimasters, Academy, DML, Revell, Hasegawa, Dragon, Monogram, Platz, Airfix and Eduard. Without a doubt, many of these offering were reboxing of the same kits but under different labels but at least these kits were readily available. Contrast this with something like the F-94 and your only selections were Lindberg (if you didn't mind the scale and shape being way off) and Hobby Craft. Oh, there was Collect-Aire if you didn't mind the very high price.

[Skull Leader]

Yeah, right. How long/high it is or wingspan is hardly "sensitive" stuff anymore. There are hundreds of high res pictures of it. Hardly a detail that haven't been covered yet.

Pictures do not a model layout make. There are a million and one high resolution F/A-18E/F pictures out there, but that didn't stop both Revell/Monogram and Hasegawa from pooching up the spine (one too large, the other too small... and both companies are respected for their ability to bring out a reasonably accurate model) Furthermore, with access to all the high resolution images of modern aircraft out there, it doesn't stop companies like Trumpeter and Hobby Boss from really screwing things up. Again, I'm not demanding perfection, I just want to know that the shapes/angles are gonna be right (or at least pretty darn close). Maybe I've been spoiled with some of the more recent kits on the market, but it just seems like in this day and age its a reasonable expectation.

Either way, I doubt I'll be picking up a B variant, if I get one, it'll be an F-35C (if anyone ever gets around to producing one)

disclaimer: I know there is an "its good enough" crowd that is probably less concerned about this than I am... as I will likely only ever build one or two F-35s in my lifetime, I'd rather get the best representation possible.

Edited May 22, 2012 by Skull Leader

[Dmanton300]

Pictures do not a model layout make. There are a million and one high resolution F/A-18E/F pictures out there, but that didn't stop both Revell/Monogram and Hasegawa from pooching up the spine (one too large, the other too small... and both companies are respected for their ability to bring out a reasonably accurate model) Furthermore, with access to all the high resolution images of modern aircraft out there, it doesn't stop companies like Trumpeter and Hobby Boss from really screwing things up. Again, I'm not demanding perfection, I just want to know that the shapes/angles are gonna be right (or at least pretty darn close). Maybe I've been spoiled with some of the more recent kits on the market, but it just seems like in this day and age its a reasonable expectation.

Either way, I doubt I'll be picking up a B variant, if I get one, it'll be an F-35C (if anyone ever gets around to producing one)

disclaimer: I know there is an "its good enough" crowd that is probably less concerned about this than I am... as I will likely only ever build one or two F-35s in my lifetime, I'd rather get the best representation possible.

I think you just repeated my very argument! The information is the easy bit, using it the challenge.

[madmanrick]

Second :Those severely underrepresented aircraft are underrepresented for a reason: hardly anyone (not in the numbers that would justify the cost of a state-of-the-art injection mold anyway) cares about them. Like the airplane or not, the F-35 will be the primary multirole combat aircraft of the US & allies in the next few decades. I and a whole lot of modelers are excited about this modern and capable jet. An AJ Savage would be a great subject for an established player like Trumpeter or Revell who can weather the financial impact of a flop or two, but not a start-up like Kitty Hawk.

I couldn't disagree with this statement more. I think just the fact that a completely heretofore unknown company would make an "underrepresented" aircraft their first release would more than dis spell your assumptions. While an F-94C may be less loved than yet another 109 or Spit...it surely must have enough of a fan base to make it economically feasible or why else would a new company venture into those waters with their first release. According to your assumptions, they would be risking economic suicide.

[j-basset]

well i got 32 F-94C's coming for my pesonal collection

Glen Coleman

I bought two of the F-94C's as a thumbs up for Kitty Hawk.

You guys deserve support for the effort to come up with the Starfire.

Please consider a 1/48 F2H-2/3/4 Banshee, and possibly even a F9F-6/8 Cougar and FJ-2/FJ-3 Fury at some point.

[madmanrick]

I bought two of the F-94C's as a thumbs up for Kitty Hawk.

You guys deserve support for the effort to come up with the Starfire.

Please consider a 1/48 F2H-2/3/4 Banshee, and possibly even a F9F-6/8 Cougar and FJ-2/FJ-3 Fury at some point.

As did I! I may buy a couple more, depending upon what aftermarket decals are issued! Maybe Furball or someone like that can get on-board!

I would buy multiple copies of an F2H-2/3/4 and FJ-2/3 Fury, if issued. Of course, I'd buy even more if someone were to release a decent/modern F7U Cutlass or AD-5.

I'd go into a spasmodic fit if someone were to release a B-45 Tornado, B-66 Destroyer or AJ Savage!

[a4s4eva]

I cannot help but be a little frustrated...

Why do companies insist on releasing kits of LRIP aircraft? I know a "limited number" are in some form of service right now, but as in any other case, you can almost bet the family farm that physical changes are in store in the next two years or so, however minor they may be.

Perhaps it's because they think there is a market for it?

[Wolfgun33]

I personally can't wait for this one. I too hope to see a "A" and "C" version as well. Even better if Caracal Decals does some decals for the Marines (Black Sheep, hint, hint).

And of course I'd like to see more of the aircraft that aren't well represented as many here have stated.

[KursadA]

I personally can't wait for this one. I too hope to see a "A" and "C" version as well. Even better if Caracal Decals does some decals for the Marines (Black Sheep, hint, hint).

I already have projects going on for both Kitty Hawk kits (F-94C and F-35B). I have finished artwork for almost all F-35B's that are currently flying; having started a sheet for the Fujimi 1/72 F-35B kit a couple months ago. I will wait to see the kit sheet before I announce anything, though.

[ads]

I am really excited about this kit - Even though I am against the concept of the plane in real life and the politics behind it i think the kit has boundless possibilities and will be a great model

Ads

[madmanrick]

I am really excited about this kit - Even though I am against the concept of the plane in real life and the politics behind it i think the kit has boundless possibilities and will be a great model

Ads

Let's make sure this chat does not devolve into a political one. It is fair to chat/critique/pontificate about this kit, the choice of it as a release subject and anything else related to the model itself and modeling, including what Kittyhawk should or should not consider as their next release(s).

However, politics are better discussed elsewhere.

[Skyraider Maniac]

Let's make sure this chat does not devolve into a political one. It is fair to chat/critique/pontificate about this kit, the choice of it as a release subject and anything else related to the model itself and modeling, including what Kittyhawk should or should not consider as their next release(s).

However, politics are better discussed elsewhere.

Ha! That's a fine line right there... A real fine line - I think there's usually a lot in common between "look what's coming out next" thread and something political than people care to admit. Argument style is the same, you're just changing out topics - someone is going to flame someone else who's going to flame someone else, or even a manufacturer, etc. Yes, "no politics" is good in concept - and granted there have been some mighty interesting threads that have gone the way of the dodo because they gt fiercely intense, got political, started off political, etc.. Etc... But you know, other heated discussions whether about models, new releases, airline mergers, new aircraft, etc.. are all the same kinds of arguments - so whats the point? Merely, that it's not necessarily the topics themselves, but moreso the individuals involved, where the issues truly reside. You can have different topics, and limit what subjects can be discussed, but 5 year olds are going to act like 5 year olds...

Most of the discussion topics are typically pretty interesting; problem is you typically have a bunch of know-it-all jerks who all think they're right, chiming in with their all-knowledgeable, all-supreme "I'm the only one who's right" point-of-view on a particular subject (I.e P-40's in the desert, AA vs US Air, F-35 related news,...new kit releases, all to name a few.....) that they know more of than anyone else, with all counter arguments being horridly inferior and un-educated compared to theirs. (I'm not saying they are no valid points, or no personal experience, I'm merely conveying the proud attitude that's driving the bitter in-fighting and hiding behind all the comments). So is there really a difference? Heck, I've seen non-political discussions get far worse and not get locked (and rightfully needing it), and comparatively tame, semi-political discussions get locked in a heartbeat just because something political was mentioned. I understand the ultimate reasoning behind it, but it really doesn't change things. As long as there's folks hiding behind computer screens, you're going to have nothing but a bunch of young roosters to deal with...

So my thoughts before I go? It's pretty stupid to argue about what should've come out, or what the better choice would have been, when the topic released is already set in stone, regardless of whether it's an F-35 or an Il-2... Its better to apply ones thinking elsewhere; at least make it productive.

And a quick note Rick, this isn't particular to you, you just hit on something I've been noticing more and more...

That is all....

P.S. Kitty Hawk, looks like ya'll are off to a great start! Looking forward to seeing more, keep up the good work!

[Phatsamurai]

So where can I buy this soon to be wonder that it is?

[madmanrick]

Ha! That's a fine line right there... A real fine line - I think there's usually a lot in common between "look what's coming out next" thread and something political than people care to admit. Argument style is the same, you're just changing out topics - someone is going to flame someone else who's going to flame someone else, or even a manufacturer, etc.

I do not disagree with you. However, the owners/operators of these forums have decided to enforce a no politics rule, like it or not. If this thread devolves into a political discussion of the F-35, it will be shut down. I'm simply trying to head that off at the pass, before things get out of hand.

I personally happen to think that many of the topics discussed in the General Discussion forum are very political, both overtly and covertly. But, My last name is not ARC and I have no say in anything here. I'm just hanging out like the rest of "da bums."