HL7001 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.
This model comes in the new box with the flap cover over the front replacing the all clear plastic front. It is well secured inside a stiff plastic shell inside the box and added flap cover provides even more protection.
This model is all die-cast metal except for the free spinning props and the horizontal stabilizers. It has a fairly good heft factor because of all the metal and small amount of plastic used.
You have the option of displaying the model on the enclosed stand with the gear up or gear down. My model seems to be a bit loose perched on top of the stand so I used a drop of white glue to secure it in place. I don’t want to come down to a DC-7 that had a crash landing.
The paint finish and markings are superb. The windows and doors are clearly visible. The wing/fuselage seam is excellent and the seam along the rear of the fuselage is present but it has been reduced compared to earlier airliner releases and painted to make it less conspicuous.
The landing gear on this aircraft are quite small considering the size of the aircraft so the wheels were cast with the struts and don’t roll. Changing the gear is very simple and should take all of about 10 seconds.
The only negative on this model are the spinners. I think they are a bit too long and hopefully future releases will come with revised spinners.
This model, along with the other Hobby Master Douglas models shows the progression made in propeller equipped aircraft such as the tiny DC-2, DC-4, DC-6 and now the DC-7. All these aircraft played a very large part in the development of civil aviation. This aircraft is a major milestone in the evolution of today’s jumbo jets. As part of your collection I’m certain you will be very pleased with this release.