Airfix tank kits

[ScatPack]

So MegaHobby is having an Airfix tank kit sale. My question is are these kits any good?

 

[TimM63]

So MegaHobby is having an Airfix tank kit sale. My question is are these kits any good?

I have not built an Airfix tank kit yet but the aircraft kits are good kits. I've not had any problems with them.
This is a decent overview of their kits.

"Airfix tank model kits offer a range of experiences for modelers, from beginner-friendly to more challenging builds, depending on the specific kit and era. Some older kits may have inaccuracies or softer detail, while newer releases tend to have better detail and fit. Overall, Airfix kits are known for their affordability and can be a good option for those looking for a fun and relatively inexpensive build, especially if they are not aiming for top-tier accuracy."

Pros and Cons of Airfix Tank Kits:

PROS:

• Affordable:
  Airfix kits are often priced lower than some other brands, making them accessible to a wider range of modelers.
  
  
• Variety of subjects:
  Airfix offers a wide range of tank subjects, including popular choices like the Tiger I and Cromwell.
  
  
• Beginner-friendly:
  Some Airfix kits, particularly older ones, are known for being relatively straightforward to build, making them suitable for beginners.
  
  
• Fun builds:
  Many modelers find Airfix kits enjoyable to build, especially if they are not overly concerned with historical accuracy.
  

CONS:

• Potential for inaccuracies: Some older Airfix kits have inaccuracies in detail or dimensions.
  
  
• Softer detail: Detail in older kits may not be as crisp as in newer, more modern kits.
  
  
• Fit issues: Some older kits may have fit issues, requiring extra care and potentially filling or sanding.
  
  
• Limited modern features: Some kits may lack features like photo-etched parts or link-and-length tracks found in other brands

 

[Edbert]

Last time I ever touched an Airfix kit was over 40 years ago and it was a very negative thing. I have heard from many sources that the company has turned things around and their newer stuff is very nice.

Those two statements seem to align pretty well with what Tim posted. I also think that is true for most manufacturers, Tamiya kits from the 1970s are nowhere near as nice as the newest ones.

 

[ScatPack]

Elbert and Tim, thanks. I think I'll check one out. They are $17-$25, so it if it's not good I won't be too mad lol.

 

[Jakko]

The important thing here is: which Airfix tank kits? The 1:76 scale kits they released from the late 1960s on, or the 1:35 scale kits they began releasing a few years ago? The former range from "OK" to "better leave on the shop shelf", AFAIK, while the latter are good to pretty good. The early 1:35 scale releases are reboxed Academy ones, BTW.

 

[user 22148]

The only 'actual' Airfix kits in 1/35 are the Austin K2/Y Ambulance, the WWII British Army 30-cwt 4x2 GS Truck, The Ferret Scout car and (when it's released) the Alvis FV622 Stalwart Mk.2. All the rest (new in the red boxes) are Academy kits - most of which I've heard, seem to be nice kits, if a little old.

There are some really old 1/35 kits from the 60s/70s ish era that are also repops, but they won't be in red boxes.

 

[ScatPack]

This is the one I ordered just for the hell of it.

 

[user 22148]

Excellent - looking forward to seeing the build!

 

[Jakko]

That is definitely an Academy rebox. If you want an accurate Tiger, buy one by Dragon or Takom or someone, but those will be a lot more expensive and more involved to build.

 

[locomotive]

That is definitely an Academy rebox. If you want an accurate Tiger, buy one by Dragon or Takom or someone, but those will be a lot more expensive and more involved to build.

Yes but who would really know what's accurate or not?
I don't give a toss about being super accurate because
A. I build for my enjoyment.
B. No one I know would know what's accurate or not.
C. I build for my enjoyment.
D. If in doubt, refer to A and C

 

[Pantherman]

I had a bit of fun with this airfix kit, not a tank but close. Pantherman

 

[ScatPack]

I'm woth locomotive. I just didn't want to spend the money on something that was a total P.O.S. Accuracy isn't all that important. When I do build it, it'll be like the 2nd one I've built since the 1980's lol.

 

[locomotive]

The kit you've picked will be fine. It's not an engineering prototype you're building.
It's a pastime, a hobby, a craft, an art, self expression even.
Enjoy it.
Maybe even paint it pink like some other lunatic….?

 

[Pantherman]

The kit you've picked will be fine. It's not an engineering prototype you're building.
It's a pastime, a hobby, a craft, an art, self expression even.
Enjoy it.
Maybe even paint it pink like some other lunatic….?

That would be me. Pantherman

 

[TimM63]

This is the one I ordered just for the hell of it.
View attachment 151485

I just ordered one of these. It will go in the stash with my Airfix aircraft.

 

[Jakko]

Yes but who would really know what's accurate or not?

You would. Other people who see it when you post it online would, too.

A. I build for my enjoyment.
B. No one I know would know what's accurate or not.
C. I build for my enjoyment.
D. If in doubt, refer to A and C

A and C (and therefore D) are non-arguments: I build for my enjoyment too, and part of that enjoyment for me is trying to make an accurate replica of the real thing. If that's not your goal, fine, it's your model, so you should build it the way you want to — but it's better to not presume other people build models with the same goals in mind as you have. Some/many do want to know that a kit isn't particularly accurate even if they "only" build them for themselves.

For that matter, B is a non-argument as well: if you're not building for anybody's enjoyment but your own, it doesn't matter who you know that might comment on accuracy.

 

[Elm City Hobbies]

So MegaHobby is having an Airfix tank kit sale. My question is are these kits any good?

All of the Airfix 1/35 armor kits are reboxed Academy kits. Most are decent, but they are nothing like modern armor kits. That being said, they are not priced like modern armor kits.

The few exceptions are the K2Y trucks, Cromwells, Stalwart, Ferret. These are new tools by Airfix. Possibly they are still made for them by Academy, but they are new tools none the less.

 

[user 22148]

That would be me. Pantherman

View attachment 151501

Sorry I have to ask - What on earth is that all about?

Love it though, I especially love the Beaker Commander - that's awesome.

 

[airdave]

Because I design models and put a huge amount of my effort into researching things and trying to make the kit look as accurate as possible,
I cannot look at a model any more and not nit-pick it to death.
I do my best to restrain myself when it comes to commenting online, but sometimes it slips out.
So yes, accuracy in a design is not only important, it's something model companies have had to deal with for decades.

But...if it's not important to you(the builder) then the kit should at least be buildable.
Part fit is in my opinion what makes the build enjoyable or not*.
(*notwithstanding the personal satisfaction of the hobby itself and the subject matter).

But...but...having said that, I cringed when I read the criticisms of "old vs new".
I built Frog and Airfix kits in the 60s, then MPC, AMT and Monogram kits in the 1970s.
They were often poor at best (re part fit and quality, detail, etc) but they were perfect, I loved them!
It's what we had, it was in many cases the best we had, and we loved buying them, building them, bashing them.

Stop calling them out for what they were, admit they were the originals, and they taught you what you know today.
I love the fact that companies like Airfix still have these models and haven't touched them.
If you want to spend three times the price for a more technically accurate model, go ahead.
Same goes for a better fit model.
Although I don't know why they have to be as expensive as they are, look at what Meng puts out for half the price!

 

[airdave]

Sorry I have to ask - What on earth is that all about?

re View attachment 151501
- it's the Pink Panther.


This is my Pink Panther. But it's "paper not plastic".

Sorry, what was this thread about?

 

[Edbert]

Excellent - looking forward to seeing the build!

Agreed, keep us updated, love the in-progress stuff!

 

[user 22148]

re View attachment 151501
- it's the Pink Panther.


This is my Pink Panther. But it's "paper not plastic".

Sorry, what was this thread about?

Pink Panther LOL! of Course! God that went right over my head that did!

 

[Elm City Hobbies]

Stop calling them out for what they were, admit they were the originals, and they taught you what you know today.
I love the fact that companies like Airfix still have these models and haven't touched them.

That's just it these aren't Airfix kits, they are reboxed Academy kits. So these aren't some historical artifact from Airfix of yesteryear. Airfix never made 1/35 armor kits until recently. The Cromwell tanks, K2Y Trucks, Ferret Armored Cars, and the forthcoming Stalwart are the only ones they have made, and have only be available in the last 3-4yrs or so.

Although I don't know why they have to be as expensive as they are, look at what Meng puts out for half the price!

They are that expensive because there are far more detail and accuracy put into the kits, more parts, etc, etc. Not to mention costs have gone up. Meng is no exception, their 1/35 kits have become some of the more expensive ones out there.

This sale is actually a clearance thing. I have multiple suppliers that carry Airfix, and Mega Hobby/Stevens International are not the only once marking their 1/35 Airfix, Academy reboxed kits down in price. They have likely been discontinued, and suppliers are blowing them out to get rid of them.

 

[Edbert]

Stop calling them out for what they were, admit they were the originals, and they taught you what you know today.
I love the fact that companies like Airfix still have these models and haven't touched them.
If you want to spend three times the price for a more technically accurate model, go ahead.
Same goes for a better fit model.

I do not feel like I was "calling them out", I was stating my opinion that modern kits are better than older ones in general, even from the same Manufacturer.

I am very happy to hear that 1st of all Airfix is still in business, Monogram was the OG for me (in the states) but they are with the Dodobird. secondly, I'm even happier to hear that Airfix is competing in the quality realm with other brands. They were quality kits in the '70s too when compared to Italeri or Monogram, but not compared to today's standards.

That is good for all of us I think, I've been building Kotare/Zoukei-Mura kits lately, have some GWH items on my wish list, I'm willing to pay premium prices for premium quality. But I also like the cheaper ones from time to time, but I refuse to have to fight poor instructions or crappy fit.

One exception would be the Monogram F8 Crusader I have in my stash, with all the raised panel line glory. yes I am afraid to start on that one

(sidebar...I heard the correct way to pronounce that brand is "eat a larry")

 

[airdave]

My comments, re old Airfix models, were not directed at anyone specific. Relax.

And... I was referring to the constant negative criticism and comparisons of old kits (original Airfix, old Monograms and Revells, or whatever).

I don't care what Airfix is selling now, whether they be reboxed Academy kits or not.
I didn't point fingers at any kits in particular, other than the original models from the 1960s and 70s.
I sure as heck didn't mention 1/35 Armour kits.

My comments stand.
When I was a kid I built 1960s Airfix and Frog kits. I built Monograms and MPCs and Auroras in the 1970s.
Many models had poor fit, messy details, and twisted parts.
I learned how to build and I was proud of what I built.
These kits to me, will always be the best, no matter how much models have improved.

People seem to spend a lot of time comparing new to old and criticizing the "originals" as I call them.
It's fine to point out the improvements, but also recognize the origins of these sometimes ill-fitting models.

I've got that big Airfix 1/24 Hurricane kit which is apparently the same kit from the 70s (in a new box).
And it shows.
Fitting the fuselage halves together is going to be a real challenge.
I see twist and too much flash and poorly molded areas.
But I will imagine I am back in my bedroom, listening to 1970s AM radio, and enjoying my Airfix trip back in time!
I will swear and complain about how the kit isn't going together, and say out loud "this is the best!! Thanks Airfix!"

.

 

[Jakko]

That is why, a few months ago, over on the TWENOT forums, we had an old-school Tamiya group build and will be having a similar one with (almost certainly) Italeri kits later this year.

 

[Edbert]

I apologize if I rubbed anyone wrong here, definitely not casting aspersions anywhere.

 

[user 22148]

I apologize if I rubbed anyone wrong here, definitely not casting aspersions anywhere.

Oh I don't think so - to be honest it's all a bloody pointless debate - just like the old ones we used to get about film vs digital cameras.

I've seen awesome builds of old clunker kits, and totally crap ones of new uber kits, and vice versa.

Yes some kits are more accurate than others, and yes some are cheaper and more easier to build, but other than that a kit is a kit is a kit. It's all totally dependant on what the builder wants and what's important to them, and having a debate on it is a waste of energy.

Beauty as they say, is in the eye of the beholder.

 

[airdave]

I apologize if I rubbed anyone wrong here, definitely not casting aspersions anywhere.

no rubbers were flung as far as I can see

 

[Richard55]

Sure its enjoyment and an individuals hobby for sure.We are all different with many having great skills and like uber accuracy.If models are posted online then expect comments and of course unsavoury ones.AI comes into play sometime.I used to produce resin busts and got quite a lot of snide comments online.Some just like to rile people up but after going to fair few shows then most modellers are ok apart from a few Princesses who get their nik nix in a twist.I applaud those who can do scratch building and etch work.Me im just clumsy and get bored bogged down in too much stuff and half the time stress over doing a crap job on a great kit.