An aircraft worth modelling: the Douglas F3D Skyknight

On the various diecast aircraft fora there are routinely calls for such and such an aircraft to be modelled in diecast.   The Douglas F3D Skyknight almost never makes such lists, though it should.  And, frankly, I also suspect that it will be a big hit. 

 
Certainly, its ultimate popularity will be AT LEAST that of the SkyMax F84.

Ok, so why the Skynight?  Let me count the ways:

• Serverd in the Korean war with distinction.  As much as I love the F9F Panther and Korean-era Corsairs, it was the Skynight that ultimately destroyed more enemy aircraft in Korea than any other Navy or Marine fighter aircraft.
• Operated by both the USN and USMC, both proven diecast "movers."
• Many distinct and interesting liveries available - similar in scope to the AD Skyraider.
• One mould to rule them all: the F3D variants were basically the same as far as aiframe goes. So, it's possible to get a lot of mileage out of one mould.
• Weapon possibilities - nevertheless, there were a large number of weapon possibilities.

In short, the Skynight looks like a real winner.  The downside, of course, are that it was neither a WW2 nor Vietnam War aircraft, it was only operated by the United States, and that, well, how shall we put this, it's a bit portly.

Who should make this model?  Well, the 'default' answer these days for everything is Hobbymaster, Hobbymaster, Hobbymaster!   And, there's certainly a lot of validity in that (perhaps under its SkyMax brand).  At this point, we know what we're getting with HM and that it will be a consistently high quality product.  Furthermore, this aircraft doesn't veer too much into HM's problem areas of cockpits, pilots, and mottling too badly.

However, the opportunity is there for others, too.  I'm looking squarely at you, Falcon Models.  The SkyKnight falls right in your purview and it could be an opportunity for you to really distinguish yourselves.  Of course, the verdict is still very much out about you, a new company.

And, of course, Century Wings would be a wonderful candidate, but this seems unliekly, which is a pity, as they could really stake a nice claim.

I'd buy every Skyknight they'd make, at least in the four 'cardinal' liveries - Dark Blue, Trainer Dayglo Orange Ends, Navy White, and Night Black.