Crew,
Anyone else notice the HobbyBoss line of 1/700th scale Subs ? Most are the modern boats. I've managed to purchase several. Actually, they are not too bad, as much detail as is available in this scale. I have an Improved LA Class in production.
I have to give them credit. These kits are inexpensive and an easy "kill", if you will. It all depends how much the modeler wants to put into the realistic painting.
What I really am interested with is the conversion possibilities ! Many,Many of them. The reason is the size of the boats and this scale. The predesessor to the LA class was the Sturgeon Class. The LA class has a diameter of 33 ft, the Sturgeon was 32 ft. Obviously the length is quite a bit different, along with the sail position. But this bodes well for us to model a family in this scale, without killing yourself in super details or your wallet.
Any thoughts on this, Gang ? Keep building................Bruce

Those do look nice. You could easily make a nice “family portrait” no problem.

Hobby Boss subs have quite good price/quality relation

First, the initial molds are by Pitroad, used for Takara pre-built and painted sold as "trading kits"
Second were repackaged by Easy Model, again as pre-built and painted
And finally are being released, unbuilt and unpainted by Hobby Boss.

End of story
The list of the new models to be released is quite interesting:
- Gatos (1941 and 43 fit)
- More accurate soviet Typhoon
- USS Skipjack
(amongst many others)

and some more interesting themes, however is interesting to see the lack of British designs on the (so far known) release list
I am a big fan of this line
Cheers,
Rui

Skipper,
After getting into this build, I can see why you are a fan of this series. Depending on sales, I have no doubt the range will extend. As I previously stated, between the quality and price, you can't go wrong. These kits could allow folks who aren't normally into conversions to take the chance. Perhaps bring more of the "Fun" back into the hobby.
Trust me, the USS Columbia is proving to be one of the most fun projects I've had in quite a while. If you folks are looking for a quick,fun, and inexpensive kill - look no further. Take it easy...........Bruce

I have noticed now! less than 6USD at Great Models, look nice and detailed.. wish I had known this before I started on a lot of 1:700 ARII modern sub series... got them as a bundle cheap, but they list for 8-9USD. The HobbyBoss' look MUCH nicer and detailed. The ARII series is of really bad quality, 7 pieces each and not one fits! But GREAT practice on gluing ans sanding seams for a newbie like me Thanks for sharing this info!

Jim,
That's exactly the purpose in these boards as far as most of us are concerned, to help each other and the get the word out on our hobby. The Hobby Boss kits may not be Tamiya quality, but they are in that price range either.
As I stated previously, a decent simple kit, great for a quick kill and a lot of fun. Plus the conversion potential is unlimited. Enjoy ! ............................Bruce