wellsprop

I'll check what references I used when I CAD modelled my Scimitar's refueling pod. I don't believe the pod is on display at the FAAM anymore, @TimB may be able to advise!

Superb!

Beautiful

Stunning!

I'm not sure about that; in 2022 Airfix released a 1/24 Spitfire, in 2023 they released a 1/48 Sea King AND 1/48 Gannet. I expect we'll see at least one 1/48 new tool announced in January, possibly followed by another later in the year.

Using the same logic as in my post from a few years ago Based on Airfix’s recent new tool releases (since 2020, ignoring re-boxings and new-parts) there seems to be a pattern/criteria for kits, as listed below; Popular/Iconic British aircraft - It’s got to be something people have; worked on, flown, or seen at airshows. Collection - It must fit into Airfix’s range; for WWII we have Anson, Lysander, and Spitfire IX. For Cold War; Gannet, Vampire Chipmunk, Sea King, Buccaneer, Jaguar. Saleable/Reboxable - It has to sell well and has to continue to sell (linked to point 1)! This means it needs a variety of marking options (e.g. Sea King – Navy, Commando, RAF). Therefore, I suggest Airfix are likely to release one of the following in; Phantom 1/48 Popular – Very! Collection – Yes, cold war British jets. Saleable – Yes, Navy & RAF, lots of marking options – Airfix already have 4 boxings of the 1/72 kit. Hawk 1/48 Popular – Yes, everyone has seen the Red Arrows. Collection – Yes, cold war British jets. Saleable – Yes! Red Arrows, various training schemes in all manner of colours, lots of export options and lots of special schemes. Harrier (Early) 1/48 Popular – Yes, the iconic “Jump Jet” with Falklands service. Collection – Yes, cold war British jets. Saleable – Yes, Airfix could use a common fuselage and wing to make a boxing for a Harrier GR.1/3 and a separate boxing (new nose/cockpit section and canopy) for a Sea Harrier FRS.1 (an FA.2 would be possible, but would need a longer fuselage, different radome and slightly different wing – therefore unlikely, but development potential). Now WWII Hawker Typhoon 1/48 Popular – Very! Collection – Yes, WWII British single engine. Saleable – Surely?! Airfix have tooled it in both 1/24 and 1/72! New boxings: Sea King HAR.3 Or Jagiar Trainer

Wow!

In short, no. A lot of people scratch build becuase they enjoy it, nothing will change that. I both scratch build and 3D print, albeit for me (ex CAD engineer), 3D printing is my go to method.

This is a very common misunderstanding, there is no "scaling up" or "scaling down", of modern model kits. There is no magic button to take a kit and quickly make it in another scale. To redo the same aircraft in a different scale requires new CAD, usually from the ground up. What is possible, is to reuse the surface geometry and supports (planes, guides, surfaces, LIDAR, etc). But this doesn't really save a huge amount of time anyway. If Airfix have the data to produce a 1/72 kit, they've got all the data to produce the same kit in 48th. It simply takes more time in 48th due to having to add more detail, therefore giving a more complex parts breakdown.

Excellent!

Excellent!

I'm not surprised about this... For Airfix to kit something, generally it has to meet the following 3 criteria; Iconic/classic British Popular Plenty of re-release options The Merlin HC3 saw comparatively limited service in a support helicopter role. It's also sufficiently different from any other variant that (without retooling the fuselage due to windows/doors) that it can only be made into a Merlin Mk.3, which only came in green. Despite being the only helicopter I've spent a significant amount of time flying in, I can hardly call it iconic. Whilst the Chinook is also big and green (therefore a bit boring), it at least has an unusual design and iconic "blade slap", as well as an extensive service history.

The rumour that has been floating around the model club near me is there will be a 1/48 Phantom from Airfix. I have no idea what this was based on, but it's a sound suggestion. I'll post a bit more later of my assessment of what Airfix are likely to release. Of the 7 aircraft I suggested Airfix would kit (way back in 2022), they have produced 3, the Phantom was also on that list....

I think the flaps were always down when parked too.

😁