Hello Jamie. Just love your style of Presenting. I thinks that was afaair assessment of the type of modellers that build Airfix. I cut my teeth on Aifrix back in the 70's a kid. I flip from subject to subject ie Armour, Aeroplanes, particularly British. When I'm asked about my hobbies and I say 'modelling' I more often than not say, " Like Airfix for example" and even none modellers know straight away what you mean. Back in the day the pins rarely met the holes unlike today. Yes I have gone back to Airfix and for me I am quite impressed, love what they have done with the Sea King, only wish they changed decals occasionally would love RN SAR. For mmy personal preference due to the limited knowledge of the subjects and therefore the small bits of fine detail would be wasted on me so I'm grateful for the cheaper option. It would be like if I was a Marlow in No 2 Rig I would end up looking like i was in No8's..lol. I once worked with an ex RAF BOBMF fitter and his opinion of the 1/24 kits was they would be grounded due to the huge panel gaps. Aall said and done if the prices are going up I do hope the Standsrd are. I am glad to see that Aifix are bouncing back, well in my opinion anyway
Great chat Jamie, I love the nostalgia of Airfix and it's a little disappointing to plunk down $20 +CDN on a 1/72 Bristol Bulldog and I swear it is the exact same kit I purchased in 1974 for $1.20 CDN [the 1974 one was in a bag] but I guess that's inflation for you, and then you see that a 1/35 new tooled? Ferret is on the way and it is going to be reasonably priced and all is right with the world, Airfix is not the only manufacturer re-releasing these ancient artifacts and Scalemates is a big help to modelers in that regard and retooling is expensive so I don't expect miracles and whenever I tackle these oldies I get out the sheet styrene and the rivet wheel and whatever greeblies I require and just dig in and have fun, luckily for me most of my stash was acquired some time ago, but the Tempest other new tooled Airfix aircraft look pretty damn decent so I may have to pry the old wallet open and do something I rarely do, make some purchases.
I grew up on Airfix, it holds a special place in my heart. My first kits were Airfix that I built in an afternoon. I still build Airfix for nostalgia or they have modern kit at the right price point. I have at least a dozen of their kits in my stash along side many other brands. They are a standard by which I judge modern kits. There are many kits that surpass that standard and there others that don’t. I do agree with your comments. They are designing kits for a specific audience and price point. With nostalgia builds I enjoy the challenge of adding extra detail and raising an old kit into a modern standard. This not for everyone, so my motto is “each to their own.”
I always think we talk about company's as if they have no business plan and don't know their own market share Games Workshop gets a lot of stick too . Me i build what i can afford , what pays me back in happy times at the bench and of course the subject matter . I have mental health problems so i leave all the negative baggage about kit manufactures to others . For me get the most out of any kit you can life's to short , non of that was aimed at you Jamie just its a hobby enjoy your bench time and the end product ( i should listen to my own advice sometimes 🙄) All the best marra . Regards Gav.
A really compelling analysis mate. For me a ‘model for the cabinet builder’ they work for me and I enjoy them. But…..you’re right, they are frustrating in terms of clunkiness, but with effort look great in the cabinet. I think the thing that effects Airfix kits worse is not necessarily the mousing but the impact the soft soapy plastic has in all aspects. That and the resulting short shots. The new 1/48 Buccaneer is harder plastic and I think that’s made a huge difference and it’s , to use your comparison now in the Kinetic sort of area. Anyway. Love the channel mate and do keep them coming.
I forgot to mention the 1:48 Hurricane, that is very crisp in harder plastic but I understand that was produced in the UK, but as such they didn't make any money! Thanks for the nice words mate, wilco!
Built the Airfix and Hasegawa 1/72 P51Ds side-by-side, despite the age considered the Hasegawa better due to the warped/twisted landing gear legs in the Airfix (no doubt caused by the soft plastic) and better decals (used the Hasegawa markings on both). But it was $10 off the shelf at Hobby Lobby. I imagine Airfix is making many of these kits to a price point for big retailers.
You echo so many of my thoughts! My only comment which differs a bit would be that kits like the 1/24th Mosquito are definitely not for the kitchen table modeler. I am currently building one, and my takeaway is that Airfix is over their head. I don't mind doing the extra work on smaller kits, but when you carry that effort to the huge kits, it becomes absurd. You find yourself looking into your stash of beautiful kits made by other manufacturers and wonder why you are spending so much time fixing Airfix mold issues. The only reason I'm building the Mosquito is because a friend wanted it for his office. The Airfix subject list is a major selling point for them, and the end result can be as pleasing as any other company, but you do have to labor at it to make it happen. Thanks for this mirror-like insight. Also, a new subscriber!
Great point about the customer base Jamie. I wonder what percentage of their customers actually know of another manufacturer? The new Katy is brilliant.. having said that it is an Academy production.. The 1/72 Vulcan was a wonderful build but the soft plastic and sinkage let it down. I hear the new Bucc is awesome, but in my opinion it is pricey. I have the new 1/24 Spit on order and am hoping it will be their best kit ever. It is certainly a bargain price!!
Good talk Jamie - lot of sense being spoken there 👍. My relationship with Airfix is that they're like a high maintenance girlfriend; you do your best to love her but she keeps doing crazy stuff that makes you want to throttle her. You mention the word frustration which would be my one word summary too, a couple of recent examples; I've just finished the Chippie (in Navy colours) lovely kit but oh my God that cowling! I too like to have things closed up to preserve the lines but I had a strong feeling it wasn't going to happen so painted the interior 'just in case'. You were more determined than me, I just had one try and resigned myself to having them open - I'll get used to the look eventually. Second example the 1/48 Sabre, again nice kit with some rough detail but looks every inch the Sabre when completed. Problem again is the open panels if you want to close them up. Airfix came up with a great solution for the gun panels and on the Stbd side the fit is seamless, on the port however there's a step of around a millimetre. Can I fix it - yep, but my argument is always why should I have to? Again, frustration, they are so close to getting it right but just keep tripping at the last. As you say I keep coming back because the subject matter is right in my line of interest, but I'm always waiting for the "gotcha" to appear. One observation I'd make is that the 1/72 I've built have been great (f-4F, Jet Provost, Vampire T.11 - all beautiful kits that go together well) what is is with 1/48? PS I'd suggest Eduard have or will overtake Tamiya. I built their little 1/72 Cmelak this year, fit was perfect but detail levels are off the chart ( I even used their decals same as always with great results). If the rest of the range is like that then they're right up there.
Hi Stephen. The Cmelak was the first model I did for the channel, feel free to take a look! Shame you couldn't wrestle the Hippie into submission, the Eduard PE is certainly the way to go for the open cowlings. As for the 1:72, I note you liked the Wildcat, go check out the Arma kit!!!!!
Have to agree with all your comments pal. But as you say it will not stop me from building Airfix kits either. The thing for me is the far east, wonder kit price tags that are being charged by Airfix. It is inevitable, but I feel they are not quite there yet in quality to charge those sort of prices. Point in case, the superb new 48th Buccaneer. Highly recommend it, but was surprised by the £70 price tag. I would have rated it around £50ish. Will not be the last Airfix kit I build though😄 The two exceptions to all this are the Hellcat and Typhoon in 24th...so they can do it.
This was a very interesting discussion. I am an old school modeller (although I am 4 years older than you 😉) , so I tend to build old Airfix kits Mike Grant style. Nevertheless I really appreciate the honest petitions and constructive critics you make. You never sounded negative. Thank you for not going negative, I think the modelling community needs dialogue, not hate and confrontation. Thank you for a fair and balanced chat on a sensitive issue like Airfix that might extend to other "Supermarket" brands..!
I agree on most points. I have the same issue with detail and panel trenches. Perhaps Airfix are missing a trick. Many serious modellers would pay more for better plastic and mould quality me being one of them. I have fond memories of sitting at the kitchen table with my Dad bilding my 1\24th Harrier. Generally they do make good models with more work. Perhaps the key point is, are you a shake and bake Tamiya guy or do you aim to turn a pigs ear into a silk purse. I like both so for me they are what they are. Having said that I would pay more for improved detail and quality and leave the classic range at a lower price point.
Jamie, as you know i too built the Airfix Buccaneer in 72 scale and my experience was largely similar to yours. I have the new 48th scale Buccaneer kit and while i haven't cut it from the sprues yet, it looks excellent and i think it's an effort by Airfix to come out with a rough equivalent to the Tamiya F-4B, in effort and ambition of scope if not parity in terms of fit. I also agree on the innovative things that Airfix is putting in their kits to facilitate construction. Haven't built a Walrus but heard nothing but good things. The Spitfires and the Lightning are mentioned frequently, but IIRC a Frenchman was brought in on a contract basis to design those kits. Whether that has a direct bearing on the cost to make the kit, i can't say. I agree that the end results with the newer releases are great but you have to work for it. However, i guess it's sort of relative, since i just finished a Roden VC10. I want to see Airfix succeed and i think the design staff is firing on all 8 cylinders now.
Hello Jamie, I am an old git modeller who remembers how excited I was as a youngster to save my pocket money and purchase the (rather mediocre) Airfix 1:24 P-51D when it was released in the early 70s. In those days we kept up to date with what was going on in the hobby by reading magazines like “Scale Models”. To be a regular buyer of model magazines at that time I suppose it likely you would also have been a reasonably keen modeller. Nowadays I think it’s probable that even a casual modeller is going to be exposed to a good deal of hype surrounding new kit releases without having to buy a publication, in other words as far as marketing is concerned the boundary between serious modellers and casual modellers is perhaps more blurred than it was in the “old days”. Quite a few of those new 1:48 Buccaneers have probably been picked up by casual modellers who have heard about it from modelling pundits on social media/RUclips/FB etc. and are not random purchases of something they’ve spotted in a shop. Another point I thought worth mentioning, in my local model club disparaging comments can sometimes be heard regarding members who purchase a lot of kits but hardly ever make one, I am somewhat guilty of that. Such collectors should be praised because they are strongly supporting the hobby by keeping the kit manufacturers in business so that the builders can enjoy the hobby too. I like Airfix kits despite agreeing with all the shortcomings you mention, if you want to build a 1:48 Chipmunk then with care the Airfix one is obviously the best/only choice which can be built into a fine replica. ‘Enjoy your videos, thanks, Pete.
Pretty good assessment Jamie, I am also a fanboy of Airfix and really hope they up their game, I just completed a commission build of a Jag GR3 for and ex RAF techie and it was a fight from start to finish, it actually ended up costing me money due to the time it took to bash it into submission, as you say though it turned out great in the end and the Guy loves it. Come on Airfix, we all want you to do well !
All good and fair points and I certainly think their 1/48 Hurricane is the current ‘go to’ for that type unless HB can topple them. I have wanted to build a 1/48 Griffon Spitfire for ages but I have resisted their Mk XIV because it represents Airfix on a bad day . I shan’t risk the new Airfix Spitfire Mk 22/24 and like you hope that Eduard start on the Griffon engine Spitfires in the future. I am trying to move away from troublesome kits going forward after battling through a 1/32 SH Tempest V and 1/32 Trumpeter P47D this year (I have prescribed myself a course of Tamiya and Eduard kits for fast effective relief 😅 ) For this reason I’ll be steering clear of Airfix unless they radically change .
As an American modeler I ALWAYS get suckered in by Airfix's subjects!! I think the SEPECAT Jaguar is as sexy and as svelte as the Italeri F-7F Tigercat!! And the Harrier GR Mk.3?! Beats Tamiya's Sea Harrier hands down. That said, the orange peal surface?! Maddening as hell!! Again, everytime I find an Airfix kit that tickles my fancy as per subject matter? The basic cockpit, misalignment issues, and surface texture just drive me away. I'm excited about the 48th Buc but I'll hold off until I see one in real life.
I'm a relative newcomer to Airfix. I didn't build an Airfix kit until my late 30's. I've built two so far (1/48 P-40B, EE Lightning). I thought they were both good kits. I riveted both, and I'll assume every AF kit will require, at least, that. Seat belts too, they both required seatbelts. Still, they seemed good quality kits, and I'll consider them in the future. I've considered several, and they're likely the best place to go for British subjects in 1/72 and 1/48.
For me, having built a fair number of older kits and having lived through a period where I thought I would never see certain aircraft in 48th scale, I was pleased when Airfix started releasing their kits. Granted, the plastic is too soft and some are frustratingly painful to build, but the subjects, I mean who else produces many of these subjects. And even if they do, are they any better? Trumpeter can't seem to do a British aircraft to save their lives. Eduard does wonderful Spitfires, but have they done a Walrus, nope. For myself, I want certain aircraft in my collection and if I can get them from a good kit and not break the bank, then I go for it. But if Airfix is the only choice, then Airfix it is. Besides, sometimes the fun is in the challenges of making a silk purse out of a pigs ear, not that I consider Airfix kits , pig's ears (at least the newer ones).
The chipmunk is great . Happy memories of been in the A.T.C as a Cadet . Waiting in a room for what felt like days waiting for my turn up in one . And then for the pilot to say those magic words " You have control " followed by my excited reply " I have control Sir ! " . Thank you for the great memory 👍
@@thescalemodellingcafe haha , I got to do barrel rolls and loop after a few flights and was lucky enough to do a stall turn too . Did you ever get to see your pilot later when you became one ?
I positively remember building Airfix kits in my youth in the 90s. Some Airfix kits landed in my stash because of british subjects no other company willing to produce. These days the kits even upt in quality a lot, they don`t get me excited anymore. Here on the continent Airfix kits are sold very high in price compared to britsh prices. Most of the kits stay in the shelfs for one or two years until retailers have to decide to put those kits on special discounts 30-40% of the original sale price to get rid of em. If Airfix is continueing this route the market outside of britain will collapse near future.
Good points Jamie I am mid sixties came back to modelling 15 years ago made the Airfix Anson, painted with Humbrol enamels and put together with Humbrol glue, just as if I had never left the hobby!!Airfix is a big part of my generation and I think most of your points are valid, the Airfix Chipmunk is a good kit as I was delighted when it was launched.. !./32 is the best scale as you say, Come on Airfix lets have a 1/32 Tucano!!
I'm all in for the 1/24 mkIV Spitty, hung flat on the wall picture frame stylee, black velvet background, squadron badge, brass nameplate). Gimme a selection of 602 sqn aftermarket decais- (or out with the Cricut even) and I'll have 3. Gimme an easy mk1a conversion ( or just replace the legacy nightmare with a new mold) and I'll take 5 thenk kew Airfix peeps.
I grew up with Airfix and Matchbox, I love the former and dearly miss the later..... daydreaming 😌🥺😌.... I have my favourites that I'd love for Airfix release newly tooled (preferably in 1/48), I always get disappointed, but....that being said, they always release something that I never thought of and I end up thinking "huh, I want one or a couple of those"....Defiant, Blenheim and Chipmunk just to mention three, got a couple of Defiant in the stash, definitely gonna get the Blenheim and Chipmunk, also gonna get another Buccaneer for a Swedish "what if"! 😁 I hope that Airfix will improve with each new release....🤞🏻
intresting. actually the tooling is done in China and the manufacturing in India, but that in itself adds logistic costs. I agree largley with you thoughts on this. Airfix right now are doing two things to grow the brand, 1. focusing on starter sets and gift sets, in otherwords build revenue. 2. they are engaging and communicating with the modelling community more effectively than any other model company right now even Eduard who i would argue used to lead this. What I can see is that the conversation around Airfix has shifted in the last 24 months, your video proves this, from Airfix making bad kits to Airfix making kits that are not as good as... That is progress, in the last 12 months the plastic has changed from the plastic often slated for being to soft to somthing much harder, which appears to have helped with detail definition. Intrestingly there was an Airfix video put out where the chef designer talked about having to rain in other desiners part count to achive cost point. If they can continue to improve finish and match innovation in design and bank there good ideas I belive they can become the best at what they do, but I accept and i think Airfix accept not there yet. Cost of manufacture may well remain the weak link. great video again. 1/24 Swordfish is my wish.
I love the old girl, and they can be quite reasonable in price. They have subjects I want, and their designers have great thinking. However... The Whitley, a recent kit, has a great interior, and I loved the 'triangles' and 'ramps' which guide parts into place. Yet, the engine nacelles front to back seem to be two different scales. I gave up and presented it, part-built to a mate who's been published a fair bit, and he said, a few choice phrases too. Eventually, with loads of filler and sanding, it looks reasonable, but. The new Phantom I was so excited about, but the huge long fuselage underside part just didn't fit. Again, speaking to a few modellers they all, all, had the same issue. I had the worst (my cockpit I realised was misaligned, pushing out the fuselage sides), but, how, in a new kit, can be botched so badly? Thus, I am cautious now buying new Airfix releases, and read ahead. That's sad. I do have the 3 V bombers, but, the feedback is that the Vulcan has some real issues in places, especially around the intakes. I want, I really really want, the old girl to pick up her skirts and fly, but, given the choice, I always look to Eduard first both for quality and VFM, at present.
Hi mate that B25 you have in the video is a fantastic kit , i have all the B25’s they do,the interior on these kits is just brilliant so i hope they do not change this for cheapness sake,i also have their B17’s which are far better than the Revell kits,i think the same can also be said for their shackalton over the Revell kit,as you can see i like Airfix kits,i have been modelling for more years than you are in years in age when i look back over the years at Airfix they now do produce some excellent kits, i heard you say you had the Border model’s 1/32Lancaster,this has been slated as not being worth the £620 price tag,it does not fit very well together,it has been rumoured that the moulds are perhaps the prototype i mean £620 thats an awful lot of money for a model in these days of high price tags and saving on bills,anyway like your channel you do a great job, well done mate.
I think Airfix will always have a place in our hearts has many of us started this hobby with an Airfix kit… mine was a 72nd Spitfire VB in baby blue plastic in a poly bag with the cardboard topper… and being 7 at the time I painted it in a wrap around camo of white and emerald green..!!!! Don’t ask… I still can’t explain why..!! Lol. But it’s a core memory of my hobby. Airfix currently do some great subjects but I do agree they can shoot them selves in the foot with the odd error or quality issue…. 1/48 TSR.2 has a few prize winners..!!! Lol. But I do feel the desire within the company to push Airfix forward is there with the current designers and current product line from them is improving, the 1/72 Vulcan and the 1/48 Buccaneer are great examples of that and also has a company they are listening to us. So I’m hoping for a new tooled 1:48 SEPECAT Jaguar.
I recently built and trashed a Canadair 4 Sabre. For the price asked and the resulting poor fit issues I was disgusted. Yes, I have 55 years of experience, but for the price I shouldn't have to USE it all to correct a crummy kit. Airfix needs to up their game or suffer the consequences. Dane
Any kit is just a raw material for the good model. Especially Airfix. However, they do 1/48 models of some alternative-less subjects like Buccaneer, DH Moth, DH Chipmunk, BP Defiant, EE Lightning, EE & B-57 Canberras, Griffin Spitfires, Anson you name it. The only drawback is their price and thus price/quality ratio.
I just watched this and it as incredibly helpful. I realized I am one of the 90% that just wants a simple kit to throw together with a pilot and wheels up option. I am not like you, and that is ok.
Agree on all points. Airfix remain up there with my favourite brands due to their choice of subject matter. As an avionics techo, like you I’ve spent a lot of time around aircraft. Nothing bores me more than another grey aircraft. I’ll happily build Airfix because they generally choose colourful schemes to bring in younger modellers and at 53 I consider myself still young 😁. In Australia, two local car manufacturers closed down within the past decade- Holden and Ford Australia. When Holden disappeared, so did their rebadged brands like Vauxhall. You can criticise these brands for not being as nice as Audi and suchlike, but they were colourful, cheap and cheerful...like Airfix. You don’t appreciate what you’ve got ‘til they’re gone. I therefore will choose Airfix because they continue to tick all my boxes. To each their own.
To be fair it depends what build mood you are in. I’m 57 and British so obviously Airfix is synonymous for the word model kit for me. I consider myself a little more than a casual modeller but it’s still for fun. My favourite thing about them for me is the cost. I can afford to try something new with them and if I stuff it up what have I lost. Make a mistake with a Tamiya kit and you have lost a big chunk of change. You need to put a bit more work in at times but it’s a hobby so I’ve got time to do it. Also if you fancy adding photoetch or resin it’s still a cheap model due to the low cost of the base kit. Okay I’m rambling the point being if I fancy a quick ish disposable kit Airfix is a fun way to spend my time. If you want something more involved then other options are there from other companies . Horses for courses really there is a place for simpler kits to unwind with no mater what your skill level…… that may just be me though
I too grew up with Airfix. I was a sucker for the box art, but even then hated the poor fit. I remember crying about the B-26. Like a lot of comments, I agree regarding the lack of finesse and detail generally, but on the costs no. Compare the 48th Eduard weekend range on price for example, and the Bucc is comparable to a Tamiya F-14 and more than GWH recent kits. The choice of subject is excellent, but not the execution, for example, I just got the 24th Spitfire IX, and the clear parts are mediocre at best.
Growing up in the 70's Airfix kits were for the most part all I ever built,thrown together in an afternoon and played with soon after,then the likes of Monogram and Hasegawa in the 80's soon showed that Airfix needed to up their game which they never did in my opinion,the most recent kit of theirs that I have built was the new tool 1/48 Stuka,a lovely kit but was just lacking that piece of ooomph to make it great,maybe the latest releases will have it.
Really simple for me - I love airfix as they do subjects no one else does - I also don't see the 'extra' effort (built and new tool 72 Lanc , 72 Valiant - and no more trouble than anything else from Tamiya etal), but any subject that has optons from Tam/Edu is a pass - eg Spitfire/P51, Bf109 - pass (thought their P51 is actually only second the Eduard) - building the 1/24 Hellcat - wonderful... but remember the Lightning WAS a 1998 tooling - so always look at the tooling date... Doing a Airfix new tool from the last 2-4 years are close to perfect for me - I actually love their P51, as it's so much easier than the Eduard one, but I concede the Eduard IS technically better, but the Airfix is FUN! About to do their new 72 Tempest as a pair with the Arma P51 - it will be interesting to compare/contrast.
Hi Tony. For me, the extra effort is in getting a refined and detail finish. Take the P-51, the Eduard kit is exceptionally detailed and refined, to get an equivalent finish from the Airfix kit will require a LOT of effort with detailing, refining all the panel lines, riveting, the list goes on and on. An example is the Buccaneer in 1:72 I did (yes, I know it's the only game in town), but that took way more effort than it should to get the result I ended top with.
It completely depends what you want from modelling. You seem from your analysis you just want to click it all together, glue it and paint it. Other modellers like the "challenge". It's horses for courses. Pay money for a click together kit, pr pay less and spend more time building.
I Havn’t built a Airfix kit for over 10 years. I’ve got a Mk1 spitfire in stash but don’t know if i should buy Eduard instead. Id like too but when i do reserarch into a kit theres always a better one out there. Ive been tempted to buy the 1/48 Walrus. I remember my dad made me a 1/72 yellow one back in the 80s and i loved it. Dont know if it was Airfix or Matchbox!?Cant see another company making that. I see a Airfix where one of the employees said they would love to make better quality moulds but its harder than you think to find quality toolmakers
I pick kits based on subject first, and then look for the best kit available of the subject. Blenheim Mk.I in 1/48 scale? Airfix. Buccaneer in 1/48 scale? Airfix. Hawker Sea Fury? Airfix. Sea Vixen? Airfix...I reckon you see where I'm going with this. I'll build Airfix kits because they'll kit the subject in the scale I build in....and I won't whine about them...I may bitch! But a bitchin' Sailor, is a happy Sailor as the saying goes. 😀
On the subject of Airfix 1/24 scale kits, they have recently re released the Harrier, I was give this kit back in the mid 70s when it first came out, but I was to young to put it together at that time, so I think my Dad threw it together for me, so when I heard it was been re released I was very excited to get one and revisit it, but the price tag! £90 + for a nearly 50 year old tooling, it’s crazy pricing by Airfix, it’s not far off what you would pay for one of their latest 1/24 kits, I think £60 would be fairer, let’s be honest, it’s a fairly basic rendition of the early Harrier so nothing special, I’ll wait and hopefully it will drop in price, would be interesting to know how well it’s selling at that price
It's a corporate issue. You must have design and product management ops in-house, with leaders with vision and continuity. In a way it is a cost issue, but more than that, it's a management issue, and management is a cost, the impact of which, that most cannot grasp.
As a designer, yes, you do get a little frustrated working to the limitations of tooling and production, but there is also the matter of designing to your builder, who can be of any skill level and you never know what that will be. A model company can, to some extent, choose who they want to design for, by establishing a understanding of who buys their kits and who they want to buy their kits, then developing an understanding of what that means for design for build and manufacture. The reason you see some companies seeming to surmount the limitations that others seem to struggle with is that: working closely with a tooling shop allows a designer and production team to begin to work as a well-functioning team and to push those limitations to just below the fail point (short shots, soft molding, parts so thin they melt away when you use Tamiya thin, etc...). Tamiya, who I imagine is a tight nit team of long term employees, excel at this. Beginners come into the studio and can take years of working under experienced, skilled design engineers to hit their stride. This is true in every position. Designers, production engineers, tooling shop guys, production staff all take time to get up to skill level. On top of each individual position requiring years to master, each team can take a long time to integrate as a team. Having people pop in and out of the team, as is common in freelance and corporate environments these days, shuts off this process. Anyway it's a complicated topic but you have at least started a good conversation. Thanks!
To me, the only real problem with Airfix kits is the price. I know life has got more expensive now but I think the prices have crept a bit too high, especially for the series 1 kits. If you wanna capture that general audience you need to price the kits as an impulse purchase. The new simplified Spitfire kit is a good example, but it ought to be cheaper than it is.
I'm an Airfix fanboy from way back (1960s), but disillusioned the other day when looking for a 1/72 Sea King. Sorry, but I refuse to pay the equivalent of 37 GBP for a small 1/72 kit. ☹️
Just thinking about Airfix kits with new tooling and bench-marking against the likes of Eduard. Yes, Eduard are superb, I recently built a 1/72 MiG 21 and it's very nice. Now to Airfix, got hold of a MiG 17 and built that. OK, not as nice and I had a couple of niggles with it. However, I think Airfix made the effort to get a new kit on the shelves and go someway beyond bare bones basic. I think to get to the standard of an Eduard kit they would need to put in a disproportionate amount in terms of cost for stuff like highly detailed cockpits and so on. Also don't think Eduard would release a MiG 17 as it has much better known cousins like the MiG 15 and MiG 21 which they probably see commercially as better bets.
It's horses for courses, I'd gladly pay 4, 5 times the price for an Eduard kit over the Airfix version and get just as much fun from it as someone who's happy with the Airfix kit.
Let's face it, their core market has always been the casual buyer, right from the early days of the two bob kit in a bag. As long as that remains the case, I can't so them changing their approach. As your say, they have made attempts, but I don't think those attempts resulted in the profits they want and need. They have even used a better quality plastic. I bought their 1/72nd Avro Shackleton, which was produced in the UK, and the quality was so much better. I see that the 1/24th Spitfire Mk.IX is also to be produced in the UK and it remains to be seen if the quality of that is an improvement. I'll be buying it - I do have 79 year old eyes - so I'll be able to see what I'm doing.
@@thescalemodellingcafe I'll be buying them as long as they make them, too. After all, they do take me back to my childhood, and I have great memories of days spent browsing through their offerings in my local Woolworths, pocket money clutched in my hand.
Jamie, I think you are echoing the thoughts of many British modellers. Airfix are getting so much right these days- box art, instructions, decals and especially their choice of subject matter. It makes it so frustrating that they can’t quite make that final leap. Also their kits vary. For example the 1/48 Walrus is, as you say, superb and yet the 1/48 Hunter is, well, alright. Yet it could have been the definitive kit of the aircraft. It seems almost like they missed an open goal.
It's a fascinating discussion, simply put No Airfix aren't bad, they've been let down by the lack of Quality Control, they are listening to the Modeller, look at the1/48th Buccaneer and the 1/72nd Mossie & Vulcan for examples of Jigs and masking templates. Yes they've produced a hell of a lot of Spitfires, they must of sold some lol. I've built some gems of new tool kits (Wimpy, Defiant (both in1/72nd & 1/48th), F-51D Mustang, P-40, Shackleton (x2),typhoon (1/24) )and an absolute dog of a 1/24th kit (Spitfire MK.VB) Yes Other Manufacturers might produce them, but they have crap decals, rubber tracks and ejector pins - oh and simplified detail. Airfix are listening to people's Feedback, so I know who to blame for the Blackburn Blackburn when it's announced as new tool next year lol
i like to convert and sratchbuild bits and pieces for my models. i dont buy after market bits as these are the bits i like to replace with scratchbuilt pieces so an airfix is perfect to do this as i dont have to purchase an exspensive kit to get the basic hull /fuselage wings etc and if you are mainly a painting and camo painter then interior details dosent realy mater ....horse for courses
I suppose you have to think about the fact that Airfix is the only Western mainstream kit manufacturer going strong? Revell went bankrupt, Heller is barely clinging on, Testors are gone for good. I suppose Airfix are filling in that middle ground of serious adult hobby and kids toys of old. Without Airfix is there a manufacturer in that niche, all the others went bang or are struggling?
Hi Jamie. Nice chat. I’m building the 1/48 Bucc at the moment and I must say it’s a disappointing build. You used the word ‘clunky’ when talking about the 1/72 offering. I would say the same about the 1/48 kit. Seats are over scale in my opinion. Surface detail is great on the outer wings and tail but poor everywhere else. Wing fold detail is poor at best, which is a shame as I was intending to build mine with wings folded, but looking at the over scale detail I just couldn’t do it. By chance I looked at the 1/72 instructions on scale mates and when you stand the two kits side by side I would say that 80% of the 1/48 kit is just a scaled up version of the 1/72 kit, which might explain the clunky detail in places and the over scale seats. And the price……. When you consider that you can get a Tamiya or a ZM F-4 for the same money as the Airfix Bucc, the differences in the quality of the kits are night and day. But if you want a 1/48 Bucc, there’s only really one pony in the stable…. I watched a RUclips video of the designer talking about the kit. He was asked why they had not gone for a folding radome as an option and he commented that ‘the part count limit of the kit had been reached’ If they are charging Tamiya and ZM money for a kit, should there really be a part count limit….? Cheers and keep the vids coming.
Totally agree. I too am building the 1/48 Bucc and as you put it clunky is a perfect description, it just lots of little niggles for a kit which is in price comparison to a GWH Su-35 or F-15 or a ZM or Tamiya F-4. I feel they try to charge as much as possible for as little effort as if you compare the kits in this price range Airfix is far below average. They really need to up their game or lower there prices in future.
Totally agree. I too am building the 1/48 Bucc and as you put it clunky is a perfect description, it just lots of little niggles for a kit which is in price comparison to a GWH Su-35 or F-15 or a ZM or Tamiya F-4. I feel they try to charge as much as possible for as little effort as if you compare the kits in this price range Airfix is far below average. They really need to up their game or lower there prices in future.
Grew up with Airfix kits here in Australia, in the seventies. That said, even as a kid I migrated to the Matchbox kits as soon as they hit the local newsagents shelves. Sure they are crude by today's standards, but they beat the older Airfix tooling for a kit to put together and the packaging of the Matchbox kits was hands down better and more appealing to a kid too. Later I moved to Hasegawa and Tamiya in the 90's and never went back to Airfix until five or so years ago. The newer tooling is a significant improvement, but I couldn't believe they were still reboxing their older kits until recently in new style boxes. Talk about shooting themselves in the foot. In the end they have raised the bar with their newer kits and I would call them ok. That is, if I cant find a reasonable alternative, I will consider Airfix's newer tooled offerings and I do have quite a few in the stash. I don't see them as a first tier company though and with a company that has so much history as Airfix, that is kind of sad. Maybe they need to engineer their kits in two tiers. A standard and premium boxing. Much like Eduard do with their weekend and profipack kits. The much talked issue with their quality of plastic and molding, also needs to be addressed for all their kits. The competition has simply left them behind on that score and it impacts on even the casual modeller.
Hello Jamie. Just love your style of Presenting. I thinks that was afaair assessment of the type of modellers that build Airfix. I cut my teeth on Aifrix back in the 70's a kid. I flip from subject to subject ie Armour, Aeroplanes, particularly British. When I'm asked about my hobbies and I say 'modelling' I more often than not say, " Like Airfix for example" and even none modellers know straight away what you mean. Back in the day the pins rarely met the holes unlike today. Yes I have gone back to Airfix and for me I am quite impressed, love what they have done with the Sea King, only wish they changed decals occasionally would love RN SAR. For mmy personal preference due to the limited knowledge of the subjects and therefore the small bits of fine detail would be wasted on me so I'm grateful for the cheaper option. It would be like if I was a Marlow in No 2 Rig I would end up looking like i was in No8's..lol. I once worked with an ex RAF BOBMF fitter and his opinion of the 1/24 kits was they would be grounded due to the huge panel gaps. Aall said and done if the prices are going up I do hope the Standsrd are. I am glad to see that Aifix are bouncing back, well in my opinion anyway
Thanks Peter, the Sea king is a great kit
Great chat Jamie, I love the nostalgia of Airfix and it's a little disappointing to plunk down $20 +CDN on a 1/72 Bristol Bulldog and I swear it is the exact same kit I purchased in 1974 for $1.20 CDN [the 1974 one was in a bag] but I guess that's inflation for you, and then you see that a 1/35 new tooled? Ferret is on the way and it is going to be reasonably priced and all is right with the world, Airfix is not the only manufacturer re-releasing these ancient artifacts and Scalemates is a big help to modelers in that regard and retooling is expensive so I don't expect miracles and whenever I tackle these oldies I get out the sheet styrene and the rivet wheel and whatever greeblies I require and just dig in and have fun, luckily for me most of my stash was acquired some time ago, but the Tempest other new tooled Airfix aircraft look pretty damn decent so I may have to pry the old wallet open and do something I rarely do, make some purchases.
You make some excellent points mate
I grew up on Airfix, it holds a special place in my heart. My first kits were Airfix that I built in an afternoon. I still build Airfix for nostalgia or they have modern kit at the right price point. I have at least a dozen of their kits in my stash along side many other brands. They are a standard by which I judge modern kits. There are many kits that surpass that standard and there others that don’t.
I do agree with your comments. They are designing kits for a specific audience and price point.
With nostalgia builds I enjoy the challenge of adding extra detail and raising an old kit into a modern standard. This not for everyone, so my motto is “each to their own.”
I prefer an easy life mate, I try to avoid older kits at all costs!
I always think we talk about company's as if they have no business plan and don't know their own market share Games Workshop gets a lot of stick too . Me i build what i can afford , what pays me back in happy times at the bench and of course the subject matter . I have mental health problems so i leave all the negative baggage about kit manufactures to others .
For me get the most out of any kit you can life's to short , non of that was aimed at you Jamie just its a hobby enjoy your bench time and the end product ( i should listen to my own advice sometimes 🙄)
All the best marra .
Regards Gav.
Gav, we all doing modelling as an escape. Some people take things far too seriously!
A really compelling analysis mate. For me a ‘model for the cabinet builder’ they work for me and I enjoy them. But…..you’re right, they are frustrating in terms of clunkiness, but with effort look great in the cabinet. I think the thing that effects Airfix kits worse is not necessarily the mousing but the impact the soft soapy plastic has in all aspects. That and the resulting short shots. The new 1/48 Buccaneer is harder plastic and I think that’s made a huge difference and it’s , to use your comparison now in the Kinetic sort of area. Anyway. Love the channel mate and do keep them coming.
I forgot to mention the 1:48 Hurricane, that is very crisp in harder plastic but I understand that was produced in the UK, but as such they didn't make any money!
Thanks for the nice words mate, wilco!
Built the Airfix and Hasegawa 1/72 P51Ds side-by-side, despite the age considered the Hasegawa better due to the warped/twisted landing gear legs in the Airfix (no doubt caused by the soft plastic) and better decals (used the Hasegawa markings on both).
But it was $10 off the shelf at Hobby Lobby. I imagine Airfix is making many of these kits to a price point for big retailers.
You echo so many of my thoughts! My only comment which differs a bit would be that kits like the 1/24th Mosquito are definitely not for the kitchen table modeler. I am currently building one, and my takeaway is that Airfix is over their head. I don't mind doing the extra work on smaller kits, but when you carry that effort to the huge kits, it becomes absurd. You find yourself looking into your stash of beautiful kits made by other manufacturers and wonder why you are spending so much time fixing Airfix mold issues. The only reason I'm building the Mosquito is because a friend wanted it for his office. The Airfix subject list is a major selling point for them, and the end result can be as pleasing as any other company, but you do have to labor at it to make it happen. Thanks for this mirror-like insight. Also, a new subscriber!
I'd agree with that mate.
Great point about the customer base Jamie. I wonder what percentage of their customers actually know of another manufacturer? The new Katy is brilliant.. having said that it is an Academy production.. The 1/72 Vulcan was a wonderful build but the soft plastic and sinkage let it down. I hear the new Bucc is awesome, but in my opinion it is pricey. I have the new 1/24 Spit on order and am hoping it will be their best kit ever. It is certainly a bargain price!!
I think you'll do a great job on the Spitfire mate, right top your boulevard!
Chap, if those kits at the end are all airfix, youre doing better than the bear when it comes to building. hats off
Thanks mate
Good talk Jamie - lot of sense being spoken there 👍. My relationship with Airfix is that they're like a high maintenance girlfriend; you do your best to love her but she keeps doing crazy stuff that makes you want to throttle her. You mention the word frustration which would be my one word summary too, a couple of recent examples;
I've just finished the Chippie (in Navy colours) lovely kit but oh my God that cowling! I too like to have things closed up to preserve the lines but I had a strong feeling it wasn't going to happen so painted the interior 'just in case'. You were more determined than me, I just had one try and resigned myself to having them open - I'll get used to the look eventually. Second example the 1/48 Sabre, again nice kit with some rough detail but looks every inch the Sabre when completed. Problem again is the open panels if you want to close them up. Airfix came up with a great solution for the gun panels and on the Stbd side the fit is seamless, on the port however there's a step of around a millimetre. Can I fix it - yep, but my argument is always why should I have to? Again, frustration, they are so close to getting it right but just keep tripping at the last. As you say I keep coming back because the subject matter is right in my line of interest, but I'm always waiting for the "gotcha" to appear.
One observation I'd make is that the 1/72 I've built have been great (f-4F, Jet Provost, Vampire T.11 - all beautiful kits that go together well) what is is with 1/48?
PS I'd suggest Eduard have or will overtake Tamiya. I built their little 1/72 Cmelak this year, fit was perfect but detail levels are off the chart ( I even used their decals same as always with great results). If the rest of the range is like that then they're right up there.
Hi Stephen. The Cmelak was the first model I did for the channel, feel free to take a look! Shame you couldn't wrestle the Hippie into submission, the Eduard PE is certainly the way to go for the open cowlings. As for the 1:72, I note you liked the Wildcat, go check out the Arma kit!!!!!
Have to agree with all your comments pal. But as you say it will not stop me from building Airfix kits either. The thing for me is the far east, wonder kit price tags that are being charged by Airfix. It is inevitable, but I feel they are not quite there yet in quality to charge those sort of prices. Point in case, the superb new 48th Buccaneer. Highly recommend it, but was surprised by the £70 price tag. I would have rated it around £50ish. Will not be the last Airfix kit I build though😄 The two exceptions to all this are the Hellcat and Typhoon in 24th...so they can do it.
All good points James
This was a very interesting discussion. I am an old school modeller (although I am 4 years older than you 😉) , so I tend to build old Airfix kits Mike Grant style. Nevertheless I really appreciate the honest petitions and constructive critics you make. You never sounded negative. Thank you for not going negative, I think the modelling community needs dialogue, not hate and confrontation. Thank you for a fair and balanced chat on a sensitive issue like Airfix that might extend to other "Supermarket" brands..!
Thanks Juan. I wish I had the skill and patience of Mike!
I agree on most points. I have the same issue with detail and panel trenches. Perhaps Airfix are missing a trick. Many serious modellers would pay more for better plastic and mould quality me being one of them. I have fond memories of sitting at the kitchen table with my Dad bilding my 1\24th Harrier. Generally they do make good models with more work. Perhaps the key point is, are you a shake and bake Tamiya guy or do you aim to turn a pigs ear into a silk purse. I like both so for me they are what they are. Having said that I would pay more for improved detail and quality and leave the classic range at a lower price point.
I'm definitely a shake and bake guy if I can get one! If I can't, I'll go with the best one available!
Jamie, as you know i too built the Airfix Buccaneer in 72 scale and my experience was largely similar to yours. I have the new 48th scale Buccaneer kit and while i haven't cut it from the sprues yet, it looks excellent and i think it's an effort by Airfix to come out with a rough equivalent to the Tamiya F-4B, in effort and ambition of scope if not parity in terms of fit. I also agree on the innovative things that Airfix is putting in their kits to facilitate construction. Haven't built a Walrus but heard nothing but good things. The Spitfires and the Lightning are mentioned frequently, but IIRC a Frenchman was brought in on a contract basis to design those kits. Whether that has a direct bearing on the cost to make the kit, i can't say. I agree that the end results with the newer releases are great but you have to work for it. However, i guess it's sort of relative, since i just finished a Roden VC10. I want to see Airfix succeed and i think the design staff is firing on all 8 cylinders now.
You deserve a medal for finishing a Roden kit! Fingers crossed for future Airfix releases...
Hello Jamie, I am an old git modeller who remembers how excited I was as a youngster to save my pocket money and purchase the (rather mediocre) Airfix 1:24 P-51D when it was released in the early 70s. In those days we kept up to date with what was going on in the hobby by reading magazines like “Scale Models”. To be a regular buyer of model magazines at that time I suppose it likely you would also have been a reasonably keen modeller. Nowadays I think it’s probable that even a casual modeller is going to be exposed to a good deal of hype surrounding new kit releases without having to buy a publication, in other words as far as marketing is concerned the boundary between serious modellers and casual modellers is perhaps more blurred than it was in the “old days”. Quite a few of those new 1:48 Buccaneers have probably been picked up by casual modellers who have heard about it from modelling pundits on social media/RUclips/FB etc. and are not random purchases of something they’ve spotted in a shop. Another point I thought worth mentioning, in my local model club disparaging comments can sometimes be heard regarding members who purchase a lot of kits but hardly ever make one, I am somewhat guilty of that. Such collectors should be praised because they are strongly supporting the hobby by keeping the kit manufacturers in business so that the builders can enjoy the hobby too. I like Airfix kits despite agreeing with all the shortcomings you mention, if you want to build a 1:48 Chipmunk then with care the Airfix one is obviously the best/only choice which can be built into a fine replica. ‘Enjoy your videos, thanks, Pete.
Thanks Peter, you make some good points there.
The fact that this question is asked sort of speaks for itself.
Yarp!
Pretty good assessment Jamie, I am also a fanboy of Airfix and really hope they up their game, I just completed a commission build of a Jag GR3 for and ex RAF techie and it was a fight from start to finish, it actually ended up costing me money due to the time it took to bash it into submission, as you say though it turned out great in the end and the Guy loves it. Come on Airfix, we all want you to do well !
That sounds like a lot of work!
All good and fair points and I certainly think their 1/48 Hurricane is the current ‘go to’ for that type unless HB can topple them.
I have wanted to build a 1/48 Griffon Spitfire for ages but I have resisted their Mk XIV because it represents Airfix on a bad day .
I shan’t risk the new Airfix Spitfire Mk 22/24 and like you hope that Eduard start on the Griffon engine Spitfires in the future.
I am trying to move away from troublesome kits going forward after battling through a 1/32 SH Tempest V and 1/32 Trumpeter P47D this year (I have prescribed myself a course of Tamiya and Eduard kits for fast effective relief 😅 )
For this reason I’ll be steering clear of Airfix unless they radically change .
That's ideal medicine mate!
As an American modeler I ALWAYS get suckered in by Airfix's subjects!! I think the SEPECAT Jaguar is as sexy and as svelte as the Italeri F-7F Tigercat!! And the Harrier GR Mk.3?! Beats Tamiya's Sea Harrier hands down.
That said, the orange peal surface?! Maddening as hell!! Again, everytime I find an Airfix kit that tickles my fancy as per subject matter? The basic cockpit, misalignment issues, and surface texture just drive me away.
I'm excited about the 48th Buc but I'll hold off until I see one in real life.
I know what you mean about the surface texture, I always polish it.
I'm a relative newcomer to Airfix. I didn't build an Airfix kit until my late 30's. I've built two so far (1/48 P-40B, EE Lightning). I thought they were both good kits. I riveted both, and I'll assume every AF kit will require, at least, that. Seat belts too, they both required seatbelts. Still, they seemed good quality kits, and I'll consider them in the future. I've considered several, and they're likely the best place to go for British subjects in 1/72 and 1/48.
I thought about riveting the Lightning but just didn't have the time!
For me, having built a fair number of older kits and having lived through a period where I thought I would never see certain aircraft in 48th scale, I was pleased when Airfix started releasing their kits. Granted, the plastic is too soft and some are frustratingly painful to build, but the subjects, I mean who else produces many of these subjects. And even if they do, are they any better? Trumpeter can't seem to do a British aircraft to save their lives. Eduard does wonderful Spitfires, but have they done a Walrus, nope.
For myself, I want certain aircraft in my collection and if I can get them from a good kit and not break the bank, then I go for it. But if Airfix is the only choice, then Airfix it is. Besides, sometimes the fun is in the challenges of making a silk purse out of a pigs ear, not that I consider Airfix kits , pig's ears (at least the newer ones).
Trumpeter are very frustrating when it comes to accuracy of British subjects, watch out for a video on them!
The chipmunk is great . Happy memories of been in the A.T.C as a Cadet . Waiting in a room for what felt like days waiting for my turn up in one .
And then for the pilot to say those magic words " You have control " followed by my excited reply " I have control Sir ! " .
Thank you for the great memory 👍
On my first trip he asked if I'd flown before, I lied and said "yes" so I could do aerobatics!
@@thescalemodellingcafe haha , I got to do barrel rolls and loop after a few flights and was lucky enough to do a stall turn too . Did you ever get to see your pilot later when you became one ?
I positively remember building Airfix kits in my youth in the 90s. Some Airfix kits landed in my stash because of british subjects no other company willing to produce. These days the kits even upt in quality a lot, they don`t get me excited anymore. Here on the continent Airfix kits are sold very high in price compared to britsh prices. Most of the kits stay in the shelfs for one or two years until retailers have to decide to put those kits on special discounts 30-40% of the original sale price to get rid of em. If Airfix is continueing this route the market outside of britain will collapse near future.
I'm not sure I agree with you, but then I don't have access to their marketing data
Good points Jamie I am mid sixties came back to modelling 15 years ago made the Airfix Anson, painted with Humbrol enamels and put together with Humbrol glue, just as if I had never left the hobby!!Airfix is a big part of my generation and I think most of your points are valid, the Airfix Chipmunk is a good kit as I was delighted when it was launched.. !./32 is the best scale as you say, Come on Airfix lets have a 1/32 Tucano!!
I think we'll see that released just after Satan buys some skiing gear!
I'm all in for the 1/24 mkIV Spitty, hung flat on the wall picture frame stylee, black velvet background, squadron badge, brass nameplate). Gimme a selection of 602 sqn aftermarket decais- (or out with the Cricut even) and I'll have 3.
Gimme an easy mk1a conversion ( or just replace the legacy nightmare with a new mold) and I'll take 5 thenk kew Airfix peeps.
I wonder if they would update the Mk. 1a, I'm sure it would do very well.
I grew up with Airfix and Matchbox, I love the former and dearly miss the later..... daydreaming 😌🥺😌....
I have my favourites that I'd love for Airfix release newly tooled (preferably in 1/48), I always get disappointed, but....that being said, they always release something that I never thought of and I end up thinking "huh, I want one or a couple of those"....Defiant, Blenheim and Chipmunk just to mention three, got a couple of Defiant in the stash, definitely gonna get the Blenheim and Chipmunk, also gonna get another Buccaneer for a Swedish "what if"! 😁
I hope that Airfix will improve with each new release....🤞🏻
Wtf....😳😲....LOVE the USN Buccaneer, brilliant! 🥰😍😎
It will be interesting to see what they announce for 2023, I'm hoping for a Hampden or Battle in 1:48.
It was fun to do!
intresting. actually the tooling is done in China and the manufacturing in India, but that in itself adds logistic costs. I agree largley with you thoughts on this. Airfix right now are doing two things to grow the brand, 1. focusing on starter sets and gift sets, in otherwords build revenue. 2. they are engaging and communicating with the modelling community more effectively than any other model company right now even Eduard who i would argue used to lead this. What I can see is that the conversation around Airfix has shifted in the last 24 months, your video proves this, from Airfix making bad kits to Airfix making kits that are not as good as... That is progress, in the last 12 months the plastic has changed from the plastic often slated for being to soft to somthing much harder, which appears to have helped with detail definition. Intrestingly there was an Airfix video put out where the chef designer talked about having to rain in other desiners part count to achive cost point. If they can continue to improve finish and match innovation in design and bank there good ideas I belive they can become the best at what they do, but I accept and i think Airfix accept not there yet. Cost of manufacture may well remain the weak link. great video again. 1/24 Swordfish is my wish.
Some good points raised mate, and I agree with the Swordfish although we won't see one owing to Trumpeter's 1:32 kit I suspect.
I love the old girl, and they can be quite reasonable in price. They have subjects I want, and their designers have great thinking. However... The Whitley, a recent kit, has a great interior, and I loved the 'triangles' and 'ramps' which guide parts into place. Yet, the engine nacelles front to back seem to be two different scales. I gave up and presented it, part-built to a mate who's been published a fair bit, and he said, a few choice phrases too. Eventually, with loads of filler and sanding, it looks reasonable, but. The new Phantom I was so excited about, but the huge long fuselage underside part just didn't fit. Again, speaking to a few modellers they all, all, had the same issue. I had the worst (my cockpit I realised was misaligned, pushing out the fuselage sides), but, how, in a new kit, can be botched so badly?
Thus, I am cautious now buying new Airfix releases, and read ahead. That's sad. I do have the 3 V bombers, but, the feedback is that the Vulcan has some real issues in places, especially around the intakes.
I want, I really really want, the old girl to pick up her skirts and fly, but, given the choice, I always look to Eduard first both for quality and VFM, at present.
I think we're on the same page!
Hi mate that B25 you have in the video is a fantastic kit , i have all the B25’s they do,the interior on these kits is just brilliant so i hope they do not change this for cheapness sake,i also have their B17’s which are far better than the Revell kits,i think the same can also be said for their shackalton over the Revell kit,as you can see i like Airfix kits,i have been modelling for more years than you are in years in age when i look back over the years at Airfix they now do produce some excellent kits, i heard you say you had the Border model’s 1/32Lancaster,this has been slated as not being worth the £620 price tag,it does not fit very well together,it has been rumoured that the moulds are perhaps the prototype i mean £620 thats an awful lot of money for a model in these days of high price tags and saving on bills,anyway like your channel you do a great job, well done mate.
I'm looking forward to doing the B-25, no idea when I'll get round to it though!
I think Airfix will always have a place in our hearts has many of us started this hobby with an Airfix kit… mine was a 72nd Spitfire VB in baby blue plastic in a poly bag with the cardboard topper… and being 7 at the time I painted it in a wrap around camo of white and emerald green..!!!! Don’t ask… I still can’t explain why..!! Lol. But it’s a core memory of my hobby. Airfix currently do some great subjects but I do agree they can shoot them selves in the foot with the odd error or quality issue…. 1/48 TSR.2 has a few prize winners..!!! Lol. But I do feel the desire within the company to push Airfix forward is there with the current designers and current product line from them is improving, the 1/72 Vulcan and the 1/48 Buccaneer are great examples of that and also has a company they are listening to us. So I’m hoping for a new tooled 1:48 SEPECAT Jaguar.
That would be nice!
I recently built and trashed a Canadair 4 Sabre. For the price asked and the resulting poor fit issues I was disgusted. Yes, I have 55 years of experience, but for the price I shouldn't have to USE it all to correct a crummy kit. Airfix needs to up their game or suffer the consequences. Dane
Look at their recent stuff, they have certainly upped their game, by a long way!
Any kit is just a raw material for the good model. Especially Airfix.
However, they do 1/48 models of some alternative-less subjects like Buccaneer, DH Moth, DH Chipmunk, BP Defiant, EE Lightning, EE & B-57 Canberras, Griffin Spitfires, Anson you name it. The only drawback is their price and thus price/quality ratio.
I tend to agree with you, looks like the quality is getting better though!
I just watched this and it as incredibly helpful. I realized I am one of the 90% that just wants a simple kit to throw together with a pilot and wheels up option. I am not like you, and that is ok.
As long as we all have fun mate, that's all that counts
Agree on all points. Airfix remain up there with my favourite brands due to their choice of subject matter. As an avionics techo, like you I’ve spent a lot of time around aircraft. Nothing bores me more than another grey aircraft. I’ll happily build Airfix because they generally choose colourful schemes to bring in younger modellers and at 53 I consider myself still young 😁. In Australia, two local car manufacturers closed down within the past decade- Holden and Ford Australia. When Holden disappeared, so did their rebadged brands like Vauxhall. You can criticise these brands for not being as nice as Audi and suchlike, but they were colourful, cheap and cheerful...like Airfix. You don’t appreciate what you’ve got ‘til they’re gone. I therefore will choose Airfix because they continue to tick all my boxes. To each their own.
Some great points John
To be fair it depends what build mood you are in. I’m 57 and British so obviously Airfix is synonymous for the word model kit for me. I consider myself a little more than a casual modeller but it’s still for fun. My favourite thing about them for me is the cost. I can afford to try something new with them and if I stuff it up what have I lost. Make a mistake with a Tamiya kit and you have lost a big chunk of change. You need to put a bit more work in at times but it’s a hobby so I’ve got time to do it. Also if you fancy adding photoetch or resin it’s still a cheap model due to the low cost of the base kit. Okay I’m rambling the point being if I fancy a quick ish disposable kit Airfix is a fun way to spend my time. If you want something more involved then other options are there from other companies . Horses for courses really there is a place for simpler kits to unwind with no mater what your skill level…… that may just be me though
Good ramble mate! For me I want detail, finesse and ease of build. Unfortunately it's usually the finesse that is lacking with Airfix.
I too grew up with Airfix. I was a sucker for the box art, but even then hated the poor fit. I remember crying about the B-26. Like a lot of comments, I agree regarding the lack of finesse and detail generally, but on the costs no. Compare the 48th Eduard weekend range on price for example, and the Bucc is comparable to a Tamiya F-14 and more than GWH recent kits. The choice of subject is excellent, but not the execution, for example, I just got the 24th Spitfire IX, and the clear parts are mediocre at best.
Hopefully with the UK production quality will improve
Growing up in the 70's Airfix kits were for the most part all I ever built,thrown together in an afternoon and played with soon after,then the likes of Monogram and Hasegawa in the 80's soon showed that Airfix needed to up their game which they never did in my opinion,the most recent kit of theirs that I have built was the new tool 1/48 Stuka,a lovely kit but was just lacking that piece of ooomph to make it great,maybe the latest releases will have it.
Fingers crossed!
Really simple for me - I love airfix as they do subjects no one else does - I also don't see the 'extra' effort (built and new tool 72 Lanc , 72 Valiant - and no more trouble than anything else from Tamiya etal), but any subject that has optons from Tam/Edu is a pass - eg Spitfire/P51, Bf109 - pass (thought their P51 is actually only second the Eduard) - building the 1/24 Hellcat - wonderful... but remember the Lightning WAS a 1998 tooling - so always look at the tooling date... Doing a Airfix new tool from the last 2-4 years are close to perfect for me - I actually love their P51, as it's so much easier than the Eduard one, but I concede the Eduard IS technically better, but the Airfix is FUN! About to do their new 72 Tempest as a pair with the Arma P51 - it will be interesting to compare/contrast.
Hi Tony. For me, the extra effort is in getting a refined and detail finish. Take the P-51, the Eduard kit is exceptionally detailed and refined, to get an equivalent finish from the Airfix kit will require a LOT of effort with detailing, refining all the panel lines, riveting, the list goes on and on. An example is the Buccaneer in 1:72 I did (yes, I know it's the only game in town), but that took way more effort than it should to get the result I ended top with.
It completely depends what you want from modelling. You seem from your analysis you just want to click it all together, glue it and paint it. Other modellers like the "challenge". It's horses for courses. Pay money for a click together kit, pr pay less and spend more time building.
I'll take on the challenge if I have to, if I don't then I'd rather spend more for the easy life!
I Havn’t built a Airfix kit for over 10 years. I’ve got a Mk1 spitfire in stash but don’t know if i should buy Eduard instead. Id like too but when i do reserarch into a kit theres always a better one out there.
Ive been tempted to buy the 1/48 Walrus. I remember my dad made me a 1/72 yellow one back in the 80s and i loved it. Dont know if it was Airfix or Matchbox!?Cant see another company making that.
I see a Airfix where one of the employees said they would love to make better quality moulds but its harder than you think to find quality toolmakers
But Eduard, trust me!
I pick kits based on subject first, and then look for the best kit available of the subject. Blenheim Mk.I in 1/48 scale? Airfix. Buccaneer in 1/48 scale? Airfix. Hawker Sea Fury? Airfix. Sea Vixen? Airfix...I reckon you see where I'm going with this. I'll build Airfix kits because they'll kit the subject in the scale I build in....and I won't whine about them...I may bitch! But a bitchin' Sailor, is a happy Sailor as the saying goes. 😀
I'm the same as you mate
On the subject of Airfix 1/24 scale kits, they have recently re released the Harrier, I was give this kit back in the mid 70s when it first came out, but I was to young to put it together at that time, so I think my Dad threw it together for me, so when I heard it was been re released I was very excited to get one and revisit it, but the price tag! £90 + for a nearly 50 year old tooling, it’s crazy pricing by Airfix, it’s not far off what you would pay for one of their latest 1/24 kits, I think £60 would be fairer, let’s be honest, it’s a fairly basic rendition of the early Harrier so nothing special, I’ll wait and hopefully it will drop in price, would be interesting to know how well it’s selling at that price
I'm sure you could get one much cheaper, especially an older boxing.
It's a corporate issue. You must have design and product management ops in-house, with leaders with vision and continuity. In a way it is a cost issue, but more than that, it's a management issue, and management is a cost, the impact of which, that most cannot grasp.
I get that mate
As a designer, yes, you do get a little frustrated working to the limitations of tooling and production, but there is also the matter of designing to your builder, who can be of any skill level and you never know what that will be. A model company can, to some extent, choose who they want to design for, by establishing a understanding of who buys their kits and who they want to buy their kits, then developing an understanding of what that means for design for build and manufacture. The reason you see some companies seeming to surmount the limitations that others seem to struggle with is that: working closely with a tooling shop allows a designer and production team to begin to work as a well-functioning team and to push those limitations to just below the fail point (short shots, soft molding, parts so thin they melt away when you use Tamiya thin, etc...). Tamiya, who I imagine is a tight nit team of long term employees, excel at this. Beginners come into the studio and can take years of working under experienced, skilled design engineers to hit their stride. This is true in every position. Designers, production engineers, tooling shop guys, production staff all take time to get up to skill level. On top of each individual position requiring years to master, each team can take a long time to integrate as a team. Having people pop in and out of the team, as is common in freelance and corporate environments these days, shuts off this process. Anyway it's a complicated topic but you have at least started a good conversation. Thanks!
Thanks for the insight mate
@@thescalemodellingcafe My pleasure. I am really liking the channel BTW.
To me, the only real problem with Airfix kits is the price. I know life has got more expensive now but I think the prices have crept a bit too high, especially for the series 1 kits. If you wanna capture that general audience you need to price the kits as an impulse purchase. The new simplified Spitfire kit is a good example, but it ought to be cheaper than it is.
Still an extremely cheap hobby when compared to loads of others though.
I'm an Airfix fanboy from way back (1960s), but disillusioned the other day when looking for a 1/72 Sea King. Sorry, but I refuse to pay the equivalent of 37 GBP for a small 1/72 kit. ☹️
@@adrianaustralia9135 whoa is that what it goes for? I got one for 12 quid I didn't realise it cost so much over there
Just thinking about Airfix kits with new tooling and bench-marking against the likes of Eduard. Yes, Eduard are superb, I recently built a 1/72 MiG 21 and it's very nice. Now to Airfix, got hold of a MiG 17 and built that. OK, not as nice and I had a couple of niggles with it. However, I think Airfix made the effort to get a new kit on the shelves and go someway beyond bare bones basic. I think to get to the standard of an Eduard kit they would need to put in a disproportionate amount in terms of cost for stuff like highly detailed cockpits and so on. Also don't think Eduard would release a MiG 17 as it has much better known cousins like the MiG 15 and MiG 21 which they probably see commercially as better bets.
It's horses for courses, I'd gladly pay 4, 5 times the price for an Eduard kit over the Airfix version and get just as much fun from it as someone who's happy with the Airfix kit.
Let's face it, their core market has always been the casual buyer, right from the early days of the two bob kit in a bag. As long as that remains the case, I can't so them changing their approach. As your say, they have made attempts, but I don't think those attempts resulted in the profits they want and need. They have even used a better quality plastic. I bought their 1/72nd Avro Shackleton, which was produced in the UK, and the quality was so much better. I see that the 1/24th Spitfire Mk.IX is also to be produced in the UK and it remains to be seen if the quality of that is an improvement. I'll be buying it - I do have 79 year old eyes - so I'll be able to see what I'm doing.
It's a delicate balancing act, but as long as they stick around I'll be happy, even if I get frustrated by the quality.
@@thescalemodellingcafe I'll be buying them as long as they make them, too. After all, they do take me back to my childhood, and I have great memories of days spent browsing through their offerings in my local Woolworths, pocket money clutched in my hand.
Jamie, I think you are echoing the thoughts of many British modellers. Airfix are getting so much right these days- box art, instructions, decals and especially their choice of subject matter. It makes it so frustrating that they can’t quite make that final leap. Also their kits vary. For example the 1/48 Walrus is, as you say, superb and yet the 1/48 Hunter is, well, alright. Yet it could have been the definitive kit of the aircraft. It seems almost like they missed an open goal.
I'd love to see an Eduard/Special Hobby/Clear Prop/Arma (etc) Hunter!
It's a fascinating discussion, simply put No Airfix aren't bad, they've been let down by the lack of Quality Control, they are listening to the Modeller, look at the1/48th Buccaneer and the 1/72nd Mossie & Vulcan for examples of Jigs and masking templates. Yes they've produced a hell of a lot of Spitfires, they must of sold some lol.
I've built some gems of new tool kits (Wimpy, Defiant (both in1/72nd & 1/48th), F-51D Mustang, P-40, Shackleton (x2),typhoon (1/24) )and an absolute dog of a 1/24th kit (Spitfire MK.VB) Yes Other Manufacturers might produce them, but they have crap decals, rubber tracks and ejector pins - oh and simplified detail. Airfix are listening to people's Feedback, so I know who to blame for the Blackburn Blackburn when it's announced as new tool next year lol
I've done the Defiant, that was nice, but I made it into a Post Apocalyptic model!
i like to convert and sratchbuild bits and pieces for my models. i dont buy after market bits as these are the bits i like to replace with scratchbuilt pieces so an airfix is perfect to do this as i dont have to purchase an exspensive kit to get the basic hull /fuselage wings etc and if you are mainly a painting and camo painter then interior details dosent realy mater ....horse for courses
Horses for courses certainly sums it up.
I suppose you have to think about the fact that Airfix is the only Western mainstream kit manufacturer going strong? Revell went bankrupt, Heller is barely clinging on, Testors are gone for good. I suppose Airfix are filling in that middle ground of serious adult hobby and kids toys of old. Without Airfix is there a manufacturer in that niche, all the others went bang or are struggling?
Airfix did sort of go under in the 1990s. They have done well recently, but did go through a terrible patch and barely survived.
They do make some great subjects, I just hope they keep improving (and ditch that horrid plastic once and for all)!
Hi Jamie. Nice chat. I’m building the 1/48 Bucc at the moment and I must say it’s a disappointing build. You used the word ‘clunky’ when talking about the 1/72 offering. I would say the same about the 1/48 kit. Seats are over scale in my opinion. Surface detail is great on the outer wings and tail but poor everywhere else. Wing fold detail is poor at best, which is a shame as I was intending to build mine with wings folded, but looking at the over scale detail I just couldn’t do it. By chance I looked at the 1/72 instructions on scale mates and when you stand the two kits side by side I would say that 80% of the 1/48 kit is just a scaled up version of the 1/72 kit, which might explain the clunky detail in places and the over scale seats. And the price……. When you consider that you can get a Tamiya or a ZM F-4 for the same money as the Airfix Bucc, the differences in the quality of the kits are night and day. But if you want a 1/48 Bucc, there’s only really one pony in the stable…. I watched a RUclips video of the designer talking about the kit. He was asked why they had not gone for a folding radome as an option and he commented that ‘the part count limit of the kit had been reached’ If they are charging Tamiya and ZM money for a kit, should there really be a part count limit….?
Cheers and keep the vids coming.
Totally agree. I too am building the 1/48 Bucc and as you put it clunky is a perfect description, it just lots of little niggles for a kit which is in price comparison to a GWH Su-35 or F-15 or a ZM or Tamiya F-4. I feel they try to charge as much as possible for as little effort as if you compare the kits in this price range Airfix is far below average. They really need to up their game or lower there prices in future.
Totally agree. I too am building the 1/48 Bucc and as you put it clunky is a perfect description, it just lots of little niggles for a kit which is in price comparison to a GWH Su-35 or F-15 or a ZM or Tamiya F-4. I feel they try to charge as much as possible for as little effort as if you compare the kits in this price range Airfix is far below average. They really need to up their game or lower there prices in future.
That's disappointing to hear!
Grew up with Airfix kits here in Australia, in the seventies. That said, even as a kid I migrated to the Matchbox kits as soon as they hit the local newsagents shelves. Sure they are crude by today's standards, but they beat the older Airfix tooling for a kit to put together and the packaging of the Matchbox kits was hands down better and more appealing to a kid too. Later I moved to Hasegawa and Tamiya in the 90's and never went back to Airfix until five or so years ago. The newer tooling is a significant improvement, but I couldn't believe they were still reboxing their older kits until recently in new style boxes. Talk about shooting themselves in the foot. In the end they have raised the bar with their newer kits and I would call them ok. That is, if I cant find a reasonable alternative, I will consider Airfix's newer tooled offerings and I do have quite a few in the stash. I don't see them as a first tier company though and with a company that has so much history as Airfix, that is kind of sad. Maybe they need to engineer their kits in two tiers. A standard and premium boxing. Much like Eduard do with their weekend and profipack kits. The much talked issue with their quality of plastic and molding, also needs to be addressed for all their kits. The competition has simply left them behind on that score and it impacts on even the casual modeller.
I agree Dan.
Worst when I was kid
They are good now, but as I mentioned never quite reach their potential.
There was a time when I would have agreed with you but not now ,you obviously haven't built airfix 48th Anson or Blenheim
I really fancy the Anson, but I'm waiting for the long nosed Blenheim!
@@thescalemodellingcafe I used to hate airfix but I'm a convert since the Blenheim and Anson the latter is a Jem
Clear parts, sad.
On the B-25 I'm going to glue them, then sand off all the detail!