Airfix turning away from WWII models ?
Self Loathing Froggy
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Airfix turning away from WWII models ?
Not quite, but they want to "head 2,400 years into future"
More on The Beeb website
Reminds me I still have a 1/24 Spit MkI and an 1/72 ASK13 sitting in their boxes ...
More on The Beeb website
Despite the changes, Airfix has reassured fans of its more time-honoured models that the fighting machines of World War II will remain a key part of its business.
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Airfix have always endeavoured to spread their appeal with various products over the years, this is just the latest.
A good Airfix site.
http://www.djairfix.freeserve.co.uk/kits.htm
As someone of Gallic leanings you may be interested to know that Heller was the subject of a management buyout and is no longer part of the Humbrol group that owns Airfix.
A good Airfix site.
http://www.djairfix.freeserve.co.uk/kits.htm
As someone of Gallic leanings you may be interested to know that Heller was the subject of a management buyout and is no longer part of the Humbrol group that owns Airfix.
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'Fiddly' model kits?
I don't think so. Always loved building model kits, and it's still probably the only proper hobby I had as a kid. Still, glad to see that at least they are prepared to move with the times and do something to ensure their long term survival. Far too many businesses go bust by their grim determination to stick to outdates products and practices either as a result of pride or lack of imagination.
Not built a kit for maybe 15 years now, but I do still have a box in storage with some virgin kits for completion one day. Wonder how many of the little tins of enamel will still be useable?
I don't think so. Always loved building model kits, and it's still probably the only proper hobby I had as a kid. Still, glad to see that at least they are prepared to move with the times and do something to ensure their long term survival. Far too many businesses go bust by their grim determination to stick to outdates products and practices either as a result of pride or lack of imagination.
Not built a kit for maybe 15 years now, but I do still have a box in storage with some virgin kits for completion one day. Wonder how many of the little tins of enamel will still be useable?
Gentleman Aviator
Gosh Airfix models ... that's a blast from the past. I remember making loads when they came in poly bags for 1/11d (about 10p!), for the smaller 1:72 scale models like Spit, Hurri, Stuka, Zer0, Me109 etc etc......
But ISTR then that the transfers/decals carried no swastikas for the German ones (Only "Iron Crosses"), something to do with export sales to Germany?? Is this still the case?
But ISTR then that the transfers/decals carried no swastikas for the German ones (Only "Iron Crosses"), something to do with export sales to Germany?? Is this still the case?
The Series 1 kits were 2/-! And Airfix cement was an extra 4d (or Humbrol 77 for 6d).
First one we ever had was a Me 109 from the House of Hobbies in Taunton, circa 1958. And it didn't have swastikas, something to do with the display of the emblem still being illegal?
OK - who didn't ever fill in one of those 'Nature of Complaint' slips and send it off to Haldane Place in order to get some more machine guns etc for your modified aeroplane! There must have been some very benevolent people sending bits and pieces off to eager schoolboys in the 50s and 60s!
So much more fun than s*dding Microsoft Flight Simulator!
First one we ever had was a Me 109 from the House of Hobbies in Taunton, circa 1958. And it didn't have swastikas, something to do with the display of the emblem still being illegal?
OK - who didn't ever fill in one of those 'Nature of Complaint' slips and send it off to Haldane Place in order to get some more machine guns etc for your modified aeroplane! There must have been some very benevolent people sending bits and pieces off to eager schoolboys in the 50s and 60s!
So much more fun than s*dding Microsoft Flight Simulator!
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Gee, they got swastikas when I was a kid. Had a burst of energy a couple of years ago and made a bunch of Star Trek/Wars models, but haven't picked up a pot of cement for a while now. And the kids have been in the paint.
Got a Hurri II I'll do one day, there's a spot in the case next to a Spitfire!
Got a Hurri II I'll do one day, there's a spot in the case next to a Spitfire!
Self Loathing Froggy
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who didn't ever fill in one of those 'Nature of Complaint' slips and send it off to Haldane Place
Spoon PPRuNerist & Mad Inistrator
I adored making models when I was in school - after Uni I graduated to making real buildings!
I still have a complete set of unmade 1:24 WW2 Aircraft kits (2 x Spit, Hurri, Mustang, Me109, FW 190 & Stuka) put away for something to do in my dotage... as long as the eyesight is still up to it!
I could never afford them as a lad - now I haven't the time!
As I recall, Airfix 1/72 scale models of almost anything were poor in comparison to similar offerings from the likes of ESCI, Hasegawa, Revell, Monogram, Fujimi - even Matchbox! But they were better than Frog!
Happy days
I still have a complete set of unmade 1:24 WW2 Aircraft kits (2 x Spit, Hurri, Mustang, Me109, FW 190 & Stuka) put away for something to do in my dotage... as long as the eyesight is still up to it!
I could never afford them as a lad - now I haven't the time!
As I recall, Airfix 1/72 scale models of almost anything were poor in comparison to similar offerings from the likes of ESCI, Hasegawa, Revell, Monogram, Fujimi - even Matchbox! But they were better than Frog!
Happy days
Gnome de PPRuNe
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I've recently been collecting 1/48th scale kits, as Saab Dastard says, something to do in my dotage. I had ignored Airfix, but a mate tells me that their more recent offerings are really excellent, and up to the standards set by Tamiya et al.
Did you know that the name "Airfix" stems from the company's original business of making combs. Heard that in a pub quiz (we got the answer wrong), so it must true!
Did you know that the name "Airfix" stems from the company's original business of making combs. Heard that in a pub quiz (we got the answer wrong), so it must true!
Yes, Him
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More triv, the editor of Airfix Magazine was later the ed of Recognition Journal, Barry something?
My first kit was the Spitfire which cost 1/6d I think. Twas painted a garish emerald green and royal blue.
which as a 6-year old looked quite er... dunno.
My first kit was the Spitfire which cost 1/6d I think. Twas painted a garish emerald green and royal blue.
which as a 6-year old looked quite er... dunno.
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This thread brings back some good memories.
I was bored a couple of months back and decided to look in my attic and found some old kits that had been kicking around for about 15 years and felt the urge to make an old Heller Constellation that had been given to me many years before.
Used to have loads of Airfix kits as a kid but over the years they ended up in the bin or smashed up by myself in a fit of rage when something went wrong while making them!I now find that my patience is more tolerable the older I get.
Was never really a fan of Airfix the older I got as I found the quality and detail lacking as opposed to the likes of Monogram, Hasegewea, Tamiya, Fujmi and Italeri.
Now prefer 1/48 scale now as opposed to the tiny 1/72 which are more fiddly the older you get.
You can pick some good bargins on ebay quite a bit cheaper than in the shops.
I was bored a couple of months back and decided to look in my attic and found some old kits that had been kicking around for about 15 years and felt the urge to make an old Heller Constellation that had been given to me many years before.
Used to have loads of Airfix kits as a kid but over the years they ended up in the bin or smashed up by myself in a fit of rage when something went wrong while making them!I now find that my patience is more tolerable the older I get.
Was never really a fan of Airfix the older I got as I found the quality and detail lacking as opposed to the likes of Monogram, Hasegewea, Tamiya, Fujmi and Italeri.
Now prefer 1/48 scale now as opposed to the tiny 1/72 which are more fiddly the older you get.
You can pick some good bargins on ebay quite a bit cheaper than in the shops.
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"This thread brings back some good memories."
It certainly does. In the late 50's I was employed as a trainee draughtsman with a design company based in Cranleigh Surrey. The nature of the work was designing modifications, repair schemes etc for all types of commercial aircraft from Tri-Pacers to Constellations. All members of the staff were keen aviation enthusiasts. All new production Airfix Kits in those days were first stocked by Woolworth's Stores and new issues were always eagerly awaited. Whenever a new model was issued there would be a race within the office to see who could bring in the new model in a finished condition. However, one could be assured that it would be subject to serious inspection and criticism regarding the accuracy of the model, its markings and the skill of the modeller. For a young trainee this could be very daunting and with apologies to Air Clues "I learnt about 'modelling' from that…"
It certainly does. In the late 50's I was employed as a trainee draughtsman with a design company based in Cranleigh Surrey. The nature of the work was designing modifications, repair schemes etc for all types of commercial aircraft from Tri-Pacers to Constellations. All members of the staff were keen aviation enthusiasts. All new production Airfix Kits in those days were first stocked by Woolworth's Stores and new issues were always eagerly awaited. Whenever a new model was issued there would be a race within the office to see who could bring in the new model in a finished condition. However, one could be assured that it would be subject to serious inspection and criticism regarding the accuracy of the model, its markings and the skill of the modeller. For a young trainee this could be very daunting and with apologies to Air Clues "I learnt about 'modelling' from that…"
One nearly finished
http://greengoscale.fotopic.net/p18218106.html
Tamiya 1/48th Beaufighter
Having built a few kits over the years, of late Airfix has started to bring the quality of their releases up to the standard of some of the Japanese kits, which is nice. keeps me off the streets at night and sometimes in beer money too!
Free cyber pint to who can spot the deliberate error! I only found out about it after painting and cant be bothered to fix it!
http://greengoscale.fotopic.net/p18218106.html
Tamiya 1/48th Beaufighter
Having built a few kits over the years, of late Airfix has started to bring the quality of their releases up to the standard of some of the Japanese kits, which is nice. keeps me off the streets at night and sometimes in beer money too!
Free cyber pint to who can spot the deliberate error! I only found out about it after painting and cant be bothered to fix it!
Last edited by jumpseater; 7th Oct 2005 at 12:23.
Gnome de PPRuNe
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Funny thing: I've just ordered the Airfix 1/48 Seafire III/Spitfire V - you get the best part of two kits and can get an after-market (and more expensive) kit to make up the mising bits to complete the Seafire as a 17.
I believe same applies to their Seafire 47 and Mossie PR.XVI/B.XVI which contains two fuselages, two sets of wings and virtually everything else you need to build both, bar cockpit, u/c and props.
Why don't they just add a few more parts and sell you two complete kits in the same box? Odd...
I believe same applies to their Seafire 47 and Mossie PR.XVI/B.XVI which contains two fuselages, two sets of wings and virtually everything else you need to build both, bar cockpit, u/c and props.
Why don't they just add a few more parts and sell you two complete kits in the same box? Odd...
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Archimedes,
Yep, in the "Autumn" which is er, now.http://www.airfix.com/frame_set.htm
Yep, in the "Autumn" which is er, now.http://www.airfix.com/frame_set.htm
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See their Spitfire IX is nearly ready as well... That was due in the "Summer" - perhaps they are working to Antipodean seasons...!
UTR
its not airbrushed, I've used Tamiya acrylic spray paints. The feathering is by using blue tack in a small diamter roll, and then joined with masking tape. When I do airbrush I use a Badger-200 single action, with a compressor.
its not airbrushed, I've used Tamiya acrylic spray paints. The feathering is by using blue tack in a small diamter roll, and then joined with masking tape. When I do airbrush I use a Badger-200 single action, with a compressor.