Jump to content

Hobby Boss 1/48 A-6 radome


Recommended Posts

I have always found the HB 1/48 A-6 radome to be pretty misshapen. It's always struck me as being long and droopy. This is for the A-6A, A-6E and the TRAM boxings of the kit. I don't have the kit, nor have I measured things off of pictures. This is all based on what I am seeing, hence this post. But, has there been any discussions about this aspect of the kit?

 

For reference, several A-6E pics can be seen here: https://www.cybermodeler.com/aircraft/a-6/a-6e_gallery.shtml

 

Here are several great builds I am referencing here. Again, my point is the shape of the radome, not the builds:

 

https://http2.mlstatic.com/a-6e-tram-intruder-148-hobby-boss-81710-envio-gratis-D_NQ_NP_895520-MLA31862495649_082019-F.jpg

 

https://springlakesystems.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/IMG_0005.jpg

 

https://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/235053573-hobby-boss-148-a-6a/

 

https://scontent.fpit1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/135893127_2862994777355515_3798249182775262734_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=2&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=k69jyGN9srEAX_K390j&_nc_oc=AQmHCM5u4vkxXzKJOz9U8a8sJY89qBR0tGKqjzkGI7Oko0NrIa9VcJyAm9o5UJgKUNk&_nc_ht=scontent.fpit1-1.fna&oh=d2a0e0abd63ee33fd534a1f6caf4a2a1&oe=60217BD6

 

I am not sure if the real -A, -E and TRAM all shared the same nose cone or not, so please point that out as that would be a major piece of info I am missing.

 

Thoughts?

 

 

 

Edited by Janissary
Link to post
Share on other sites

I think in side profile the shape is pretty good. Perhaps not 100%, without doing a proper overlay, but quite close. Where there's a bit of a problem is in the lateral shape towards the front. It's a bit too bulbous near the lower sides, making it look droopy when viewed from the top like in this photo you linked: 

https://scontent.fpit1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/135893127_2862994777355515_3798249182775262734_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=2&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=k69jyGN9srEAX_K390j&_nc_oc=AQmHCM5u4vkxXzKJOz9U8a8sJY89qBR0tGKqjzkGI7Oko0NrIa9VcJyAm9o5UJgKUNk&_nc_ht=scontent.fpit1-1.fna&oh=d2a0e0abd63ee33fd534a1f6caf4a2a1&oe=60217BD6

The radome maintains its triangular shape almost all the way, only very gradually transitioning into the hemispherical shape at the tip:

https://www.skytamer.com/1.2/2008/8233.jpg

https://www.skytamer.com/1.2/2007/7075.jpg

 

Might warrant further investigation, but I think a little sanding on both lower sides may help correcting it.

J

Link to post
Share on other sites

Yes, I see what you mean, and that could be a part of the problem. For some reason, however, I am not sure if that alone would solve the issue. It seems to me that the kit's nose is also somewhat long and curves weirdly from the top to the tip.

 

Interestingly, looking at the kit's instructions, the drawn profile looks pretty good (http://www.hobbyboss.com/Uploads/201506/5582187d6af17.jpg) but the plastic, to me, looks way off. 

 

I want to pull the trigger on this kit, but this has been nagging me for a while. I have been imagining shaping it down with rigorous sanding, but there is the chance of making it even worse. What I can't decide if it is an illusion or if there is really something to it. 

Link to post
Share on other sites
17 hours ago, Janissary said:

I have always found the HB 1/48 A-6 radome to be pretty misshapen. It's always struck me as being long and droopy. This is for the A-6A, A-6E and the TRAM boxings of the kit. I don't have the kit, nor have I measured things off of pictures. This is all based on what I am seeing, hence this post. But, has there been any discussions about this aspect of the kit?

 

For reference, several A-6E pics can be seen here: https://www.cybermodeler.com/aircraft/a-6/a-6e_gallery.shtml

 

Here are several great builds I am referencing here. Again, my point is the shape of the radome, not the builds:

 

https://http2.mlstatic.com/a-6e-tram-intruder-148-hobby-boss-81710-envio-gratis-D_NQ_NP_895520-MLA31862495649_082019-F.jpg

 

https://springlakesystems.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/IMG_0005.jpg

 

https://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/235053573-hobby-boss-148-a-6a/

 

https://scontent.fpit1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/135893127_2862994777355515_3798249182775262734_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=2&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=k69jyGN9srEAX_K390j&_nc_oc=AQmHCM5u4vkxXzKJOz9U8a8sJY89qBR0tGKqjzkGI7Oko0NrIa9VcJyAm9o5UJgKUNk&_nc_ht=scontent.fpit1-1.fna&oh=d2a0e0abd63ee33fd534a1f6caf4a2a1&oe=60217BD6

 

I am not sure if the real -A, -E and TRAM all shared the same nose cone or not, so please point that out as that would be a major piece of info I am missing.

 

Thoughts?

 

 

 

 

IMO it's mainly distortions in the photos of the builds, because they are photographed in close distance and the radome is at the edge of the lens, where things get stretched a bit. If we look at a sprue shot with proper distance and angle like this, it looks better, same as in the drawn profile in the instruction I think. Not perfect but OK, from the top to the tip it does looks slightly too "droppy".  But that's only the side profile, it's a complex 3D shape, it's difficult to judge just from one angle.

 

3651_1_HBB81708_14.jpg

 

 

Link to post
Share on other sites

Making shape assessments off wide angle photos is a disaster looking somewhere to happen.

Ive got two A-6’s on the shelf and i see now major shape issues at all.

Aint no droopy nose Intruders to be seen anywhere in sight.

The reason its never been discussed is as JeffreyK said because its fine.

An issue would of been spotted ages ago the A-6 was scrutinised heavily on release, heavily.

 

 

Link to post
Share on other sites
7 hours ago, delide said:

 

IMO it's mainly distortions in the photos of the builds, because they are photographed in close distance and the radome is at the edge of the lens, where things get stretched a bit. If we look at a sprue shot with proper distance and angle like this, it looks better, same as in the drawn profile in the instruction I think. Not perfect but OK, from the top to the tip it does looks slightly too "droppy".  But that's only the side profile, it's a complex 3D shape, it's difficult to judge just from one angle.

Thanks, I agree that in the pic you sent it looks alright, at least I can't see see the issue I brought up. So I guess I conclude all is good with the nose! 

Link to post
Share on other sites

This topic has always been of interest to me, as my other hobby is photography.  Here is a photo of an A7 nose, taken with a 21mm lens (moderate wide angle on APS-C).  There is a distortion correction algorithm in Lightroom for this lens, which is used to modify the same photo. Taking a trace from one photo, and putting it in the second, you can see the difference in apparent shape of the nose, and this is all caused by lens distortion. This isn't an overly distorted lens, either.  Always be cautious of comparing non-corrected photos to models, and declaring the model to be in the wrong. 

IMGP3886.jpg

 

IMGP3886-2.jpg

 

 

IMGP3886-Edit.jpg

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited by kozlok
Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...