The Long Anticipated First DC-4 from Hobby Master S New 1/200 Scale Airliners Series Is

HL2001 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, 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 long anticipated first DC-4 from Hobby Master’s new 1/200 scale Airliners Series is now available. I received my model today and the first thing I said when I opened the box was “You have to be kidding me, this can’t possibly be the first time Hobby Master made a DC-4!!!!. The detail is superb with the space where the wings attach to the fuselage is absolutely miniscule. I have seen some models by other companies and could drive a Mack truck through the joint.

I also noticed the weight of the model, it has a lot of heft so right away I knew there wasn’t much plastic involved. The horizontal stabilizer is plastic but the main wings and fuselage are all metal.

The packaging is quite nice with color graphics on a multi-shade of blue box. Printed on the inside of the front flap of the box you’ll find some history about the aircraft and specifications. Inside you’ll find Hobby Master’s standard they use for their military models, a 2-piece clear plastic shell that holds the DC-4 firmly in place and protects from damage. The only thing I would like to see is all the little pieces put in plastic bags instead of in indentations in the plastic shell. When you go to remove the aircraft from the protective shell you have to push in some small tabs and usually this cause the small parts to jump out and could be lost. There you have it, my one peeve about this model but it is the same for all models packaged in this manner.

The colors and markings are excellent, clear and crisp with no sign of smudges or smear. All the parts are extremely well built using metal and the degree of fit and finish are superb. The propellers turn and don’t have any droop like some other models. The undercarriage is easily changed from the up position to the down position by removing a couple of small panels (doors) and inserting the one-piece undercarriage. The inside of the fuselage where the undercarriage fits has two notches. One is larger than the other so there isn’t any way you could accidentally insert the gear backwards. The wheels on the main gear are rubber and roll while the nose wheel is die-cast and fixed in position. The model can be displayed on the enclosed stand or it can sit on its wheels. There is absolutely no tail sitting.

Hobby Master has really added a lot of detailedmarkings and the paint quality is second to none. I have seen some models where the metal finish looks like some 99 cent store toy. Hobby Master is known for their fit, paint quality, outstanding markings and die-cast content and they didn’t let us down.

Everything about this model excites me. Like I said at the beginning, I’ll leave to rivet counting to the few that find it necessary but as far as I’m concerned the shape, size and everything about this model is #1.

Pan Am is an icon in the commercial aviation world and no collection would be complete without their DC-4. Look no further than HL2001. If it seems that I’m going on and on it is because I really do like this model. It is sold out at the manufacturers so it is in high demand and destined to be a real collector’s item.

Personally I love the 1/200 scale; it seems to be just the right size for looking at, for storage space and detail. If good looks, great detail and weight aren’t enough, Hobby Master has priced their models to be very competitive and I consider an excellent purchase.

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.