Airfix

[Weaver]

I've not bought a new Airfix kit for some time now. Speaking as a customer, they simply aren't producing what I want to buy. No matter how many Spitfires they sell, will it matter a damn if they are losing custom from people who are sick of the same old, same old and, are turning to other manufacturers who are a bit more adventurous and imaginative?

Well I've bought a fair few of their new tools, in both 1/72 & 1/48, and have been impressed with them. I honestly don't understand this peculiarly British trait of of having to criticise everything of our own that is even remotely succesfull.    Don't people realise that without Airfix we wouldn't have a domestic "major" producer.

As for this "special announcement". Sure it has no interest for me whatsovever, but has it cost much ? Probably absolutely "B" all. It's purely an existing kit, issued with a few "extras" that might otherwise have been done by an aftermarket company. Their cost is probably minimal given the proliferation of 3D items available on the market nowadays. The "fanfare" was aimed at an existing subscription base and was timed for a specific event.

I really do think some people will only be happy when Hornby/Airfix (and remember Airfix are the junior partner in this) go bust yet again and we are left wiith no domestic injection moulded production company.

I'll put my Moderators hat back on now.

As have I, when they've made something I a) want and b) can afford. Their new-tool quality is excellent and praiseworthy.

One of the advantages of the social media age for companies is supposed to be the ability to get immediate, unfiltered feedback from their customers. If a significant percentage of Airfix customers are telling them that £130, 2-foot span models are too big and too expensive for them, then that should be getting fed back to their decision makers and allowing them to tailor their output to what their customers want. This should be GOOD for the company and ensure their success, not undermine it.

I don't think this is an example of the (admittedly real) British tendency to talk down our own. I think it's more a matter of ordinary British modellers, who have a strong emotional link to Airfix and have stood by them for decades, feeling increasingly frustrated and abandoned by their current policy of playing it safe with subject matter and focusing on the top end of the market. For many people, loyalty to a brand does not mean being a mindless cheerleader for anything and everything they do, it means telling them when they're getting it wrong so that they can get it right in future.

[PR19_Kit]

................. it means telling them when they're getting it wrong so that they can get it right in future.

So long as they actually read, mark, learn and inwardly digest...........................

[zenrat]

I'm looking forward to getting my hands on a Stolly.  I've not tried any of their new tool 1/35 stuff yet.
Mind you, I was also looking forward to the Rotodyne...

[Spey_Phantom]

yet another bloody spitfire, and its not even my scale 

[Weaver]

I'm looking forward to getting my hands on a Stolly.  I've not tried any of their new tool 1/35 stuff yet.
Mind you, I was also looking forward to the Rotodyne...

See that's another point of legitimate frustration. They've demonstrated before now that it's financially viable to do a Vintage Classics re-release with new-tooled clear parts. Everybody was hoping they'd do that with the Belvedere's irredeemably wrong glass or the Rotodyne's rear doors, and if they'd done it, everyone would be full of praise for their efforts. Some of these old kits could be massively improved for a fraction of the expenditure on an all-new tooling, but instead they just keep knocking them out, warts and all.

[Wardukw]

Reading this and of course being a long time builder of Airfix kits what you blokes have said are pretty much band on ,,im also wondering about a couple of other things not mentioned ...are Airfix either to lazy to build kits which aren't the norm or are they just plain scared ...sticking to the old ways and to afraid to venture out into the wider world of model kits .
The market is there for what if models ,,even the big named companies like Monogram got behind it in the early days and that was a success ,,now theres a very nice selection of wiffy kits out there  in aircraft and armour ...this i like .
The new Stolly has me very interested and i'd bet good money that at some point at least one will end up in my stash as i havent bothered with any other Airfix military vehicles because they are mostly just re hashes of other makers kits ,,Academy being one of them and there all kits i've built before anyway .
Here's hop[ing that Airfix bite the bullet and go more out of left field with their new releases in the future because if they don't ,,it might not be to bright a future for em in the end ,,which would be very sad indeed .   

[Weaver]

Reading this and of course being a long time builder of Airfix kits what you blokes have said are pretty much band on ,,im also wondering about a couple of other things not mentioned ...are Airfix either to lazy to build kits which aren't the norm or are they just plain scared ...sticking to the old ways and to afraid to venture out into the wider world of model kits.

They said a few years back that they'll only do real-world subjects which they can either scan in a museum or obtain manufacturer's blueprints for. Apparently they're more scared of being inaccurate than of being boring. I can understand that mind you, given the past-the-point-of-ridiculousness that critique of accuracy has reached in some parts of the modelling world. However the counter-argument is that if you fact-check your project using the best available resources (even if imperfect), then nobody else can fact-check it more than you!

[Wardukw]

Reading this and of course being a long time builder of Airfix kits what you blokes have said are pretty much band on ,,im also wondering about a couple of other things not mentioned ...are Airfix either to lazy to build kits which aren't the norm or are they just plain scared ...sticking to the old ways and to afraid to venture out into the wider world of model kits.

They said a few years back that they'll only do real-world subjects which they can either scan in a museum or obtain manufacturer's blueprints for. Apparently they're more scared of being inaccurate than of being boring. I can understand that mind you, given the past-the-point-of-ridiculousness that critique of accuracy has reached in some parts of the modelling world. However the counter-argument is that if you fact-check your project using the best available resources (even if imperfect), then nobody else can fact-check it more than you!

I couldn't agree more ,,,man talk about limiting the hell out of yourselves ,,,seems like there's not a whole lot of imagination going on there becuase at some point no matter how good something is ppl will get sick of it in the end ....look at us lot ,,,we're here either because we got sick of off the shelf models cause its the same thing over and over again and we just got bored ...or we wanted a home where our brains can be let loose with other like minded nutters ...or in some cases both 
I'm in that category 
Car companies learned ,,other model companies learned ....stick with the same same and your next destination is the crapper . 

[McColm]

I'm looking forward to getting my hands on a Stolly.  I've not tried any of their new tool 1/35 stuff yet.
Mind you, I was also looking forward to the Rotodyne...

The Rotodyne has a few problems. The fuselage halves aren't the same length, the rear doors also need attention, sink holes and a bit of flash. Other than that it's good to go.

[Beermonster58]

Reading this and of course being a long time builder of Airfix kits what you blokes have said are pretty much band on ,,im also wondering about a couple of other things not mentioned ...are Airfix either to lazy to build kits which aren't the norm or are they just plain scared ...sticking to the old ways and to afraid to venture out into the wider world of model kits.

They said a few years back that they'll only do real-world subjects which they can either scan in a museum or obtain manufacturer's blueprints for. Apparently they're more scared of being inaccurate than of being boring. I can understand that mind you, given the past-the-point-of-ridiculousness that critique of accuracy has reached in some parts of the modelling world. However the counter-argument is that if you fact-check your project using the best available resources (even if imperfect), then nobody else can fact-check it more than you!

I couldn't agree more ,,,man talk about limiting the hell out of yourselves ,,,seems like there's not a whole lot of imagination going on there becuase at some point no matter how good something is ppl will get sick of it in the end ....look at us lot ,,,we're here either because we got sick of off the shelf models cause its the same thing over and over again and we just got bored ...or we wanted a home where our brains can be let loose with other like minded nutters ...or in some cases both 
I'm in that category 
Car companies learned ,,other model companies learned ....stick with the same same and your next destination is the crapper . 

I think you have got it surrounded!   Frankly, all Airfix knows how to do is play safe and, with a set of dinosaurs on their marketing team, I wouldn't be surprised if they ended up extinct themselves.  They can sell as many Spitfires as they like and, be as "accurate" as they like but, it'll count for nothing when fed up and frustrated customers vote with their wallets and take their business elsewhere because they're sick of the same old, same old.

I've largely turned now to companies like Takom, Mikro Mir, Modelcollect & Roden (to name but four). All of them have a very eclectic and wide range of subjects. All have displayed a great deal of imagination and innovation in their subjects and, they all have one thing in common, they DON'T have a single Spitfire between them!   . I haven't actually bought a new Airfix kit for about three years largely because there's been nothing of interest. The only ones I have bought have mostly been Vintage Classics. I recently got the Modelcollect 1/72 scale P.1000 Ratte. Never thought I'd ever see a kit of a 1500 ton tank armed with two 28cm guns!     Now, THAT'S what I call imaginative!

[The Rat]

Well, there goes my hopes for a 1/57th scale Farley Fruitbat FBGA.4 with Chartley & Figgins 2-stage Bandicoot engines.

I have it on good authority that Airfix technicians visited the PDRV last week and LIDAR scanned the restored example at Dadswell Bridge.  So you shouldn't have too long a wait (although it'll be in 1/48)

        

[Wardukw]

Reading this and of course being a long time builder of Airfix kits what you blokes have said are pretty much band on ,,im also wondering about a couple of other things not mentioned ...are Airfix either to lazy to build kits which aren't the norm or are they just plain scared ...sticking to the old ways and to afraid to venture out into the wider world of model kits.

They said a few years back that they'll only do real-world subjects which they can either scan in a museum or obtain manufacturer's blueprints for. Apparently they're more scared of being inaccurate than of being boring. I can understand that mind you, given the past-the-point-of-ridiculousness that critique of accuracy has reached in some parts of the modelling world. However the counter-argument is that if you fact-check your project using the best available resources (even if imperfect), then nobody else can fact-check it more than you!

I couldn't agree more ,,,man talk about limiting the hell out of yourselves ,,,seems like there's not a whole lot of imagination going on there becuase at some point no matter how good something is ppl will get sick of it in the end ....look at us lot ,,,we're here either because we got sick of off the shelf models cause its the same thing over and over again and we just got bored ...or we wanted a home where our brains can be let loose with other like minded nutters ...or in some cases both 
I'm in that category 
Car companies learned ,,other model companies learned ....stick with the same same and your next destination is the crapper . 

I think you have got it surrounded!   Frankly, all Airfix knows how to do is play safe and, with a set of dinosaurs on their marketing team, I wouldn't be surprised if they ended up extinct themselves.  They can sell as many Spitfires as they like and, be as "accurate" as they like but, it'll count for nothing when fed up and frustrated customers vote with their wallets and take their business elsewhere because they're sick of the same old, same old.

I've largely turned now to companies like Takom, Mikro Mir, Modelcollect & Roden (to name but four). All of them have a very eclectic and wide range of subjects. All have displayed a great deal of imagination and innovation in their subjects and, they all have one thing in common, they DON'T have a single Spitfire between them!   . I haven't actually bought a new Airfix kit for about three years largely because there's been nothing of interest. The only ones I have bought have mostly been Vintage Classics. I recently got the Modelcollect 1/72 scale P.1000 Ratte. Never thought I'd ever see a kit of a 1500 ton tank armed with two 28cm guns!     Now, THAT'S what I call imaginative!

Money talks and BS ..well boredom in our case walks and at one time or another every modeller here has experienced it ,,either with a brand or just models as a whole .
I know i have and that went on for five yrs ...course the spell got me again ,,or curse depending on how ya look at it 
I'll admit tho i am happy to be cursed again because i wouldnt have met you like minded nut cases and wouldn't have opened up a ton of new ideas ....which leads me to Airfix .
Like you i've got the markers i like ..Takom..Revell,,Das Werk ,,Hobbyboss and so on and yes Airfix is in the pile too ,,I do love their Mk19 and up Spitfires ..anything below that its a case of been there ,,done that ..Airfix's new stuff is beautiful in detail and their Buccaneer ,,the new one is leaps and bounds ahead of their first one in 48th ...but i'm also a picky bugger when it comes to what i build aircraft wise now because of how many i built before ,,so its the weird and wonderful which get my attention ,,sadly Airfix havent got that attention from myself and each yr i suspect  many other fellow modelers as well .
Its the "The good ol days" mentality of the higher ups at Airfix which i'll bet are the problem ...i'll also bet theres ppl there who want to go more into left field but arent let out to play .

As for your RATT Monster mate ,,hell cool aint it ?   
Shows tho Modelcollect took the jump into wiffy land but they also took the leap with something out of the norm ..like Hobbyboss did with their DORA rail gun in 72nd ,,,mate i still want one ,,but the 35th kit from Soar Art Workshop    

[zenrat]

I'm looking forward to getting my hands on a Stolly.  I've not tried any of their new tool 1/35 stuff yet.
Mind you, I was also looking forward to the Rotodyne...

The Rotodyne has a few problems. The fuselage halves aren't the same length, the rear doors also need attention, sink holes and a bit of flash. Other than that it's good to go.

No it was not "good to go".  I know what the original releases were like, I've built them.  There were not perfect by any means but they were of their time.
Have you seen one of the new vintage classics ones?  The moulds are damaged and needed a freshen up.  There is evidence of corrosion on them plus ejector pin damage.  And then there is whatever is causing the rear door hinge pins to be snapped off instead of coming out of the moulds.  Airfix would have know all this after knocking out some test shots and could at that stage have then carried out what was needed to make them as good as new.


As for the Airfix Scan/Plan pledge.  We all know from the latest Mosquito what happens when they scan something in a museum which isn't exactly what they think it is.

[Beermonster58]

Reading this and of course being a long time builder of Airfix kits what you blokes have said are pretty much band on ,,im also wondering about a couple of other things not mentioned ...are Airfix either to lazy to build kits which aren't the norm or are they just plain scared ...sticking to the old ways and to afraid to venture out into the wider world of model kits.

They said a few years back that they'll only do real-world subjects which they can either scan in a museum or obtain manufacturer's blueprints for. Apparently they're more scared of being inaccurate than of being boring. I can understand that mind you, given the past-the-point-of-ridiculousness that critique of accuracy has reached in some parts of the modelling world. However the counter-argument is that if you fact-check your project using the best available resources (even if imperfect), then nobody else can fact-check it more than you!

I can certainly relate the "point of ridiculous" aspect. Over in a well known site I will not name,  there was a comment about the recent Revell 1/32 Hurricane II kit. Someone was complaining that type of tailwheel in the kit was incorrect for one the aircraft featured in the decal options! 😲😲.

Initially, I thought it was just tongue in cheek but, looking at some of the other nit pickingly trivial "issues" and, considering the mindset of a lot of people using the site, I determined it was genuine! 😂😂.
People like that need serious help!

[Weaver]

Reading this and of course being a long time builder of Airfix kits what you blokes have said are pretty much band on ,,im also wondering about a couple of other things not mentioned ...are Airfix either to lazy to build kits which aren't the norm or are they just plain scared ...sticking to the old ways and to afraid to venture out into the wider world of model kits.

They said a few years back that they'll only do real-world subjects which they can either scan in a museum or obtain manufacturer's blueprints for. Apparently they're more scared of being inaccurate than of being boring. I can understand that mind you, given the past-the-point-of-ridiculousness that critique of accuracy has reached in some parts of the modelling world. However the counter-argument is that if you fact-check your project using the best available resources (even if imperfect), then nobody else can fact-check it more than you!

I can certainly relate the "point of ridiculous" aspect. Over in a well known site I will not name,  there was a comment about the recent Revell 1/32 Hurricane II kit. Someone was complaining that type of tailwheel in the kit was incorrect for one the aircraft featured in the decal options! 😲😲.

Initially, I thought it was just tongue in cheek but, looking at some of the other nit pickingly trivial "issues" and, considering the mindset of a lot of people using the site, I determined it was genuine! 😂😂.
People like that need serious help!

It's all a matter of perspective. I'll point out inaccuracies with kits for interest's sake, but it's rare that I think they make the kit worthless or unbuildable. In fact, from a what-if point of view, the inaccuracies can sometimes open up possibilities.