Airfix tank kits

[Edbert]

Excellent - looking forward to seeing the build!

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

 

[Rimmer]

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.

 

[Rimmer]

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.

 

[locomotive]

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


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.

Ok. Settle petal.

 

[the Baron]

I got a look at these kits yesterday at a club meeting, and they're nice kits. Would the AMPS/Hyperscale crowd wrinkle their noses at them? Sure, but they hate everything. I think most modelers could build these kits and enjoy them.
The 1/35 ambulance is apparently an original Airfix tooling, by the way, not ex-Academy.