JBOHMSS

Britmodellers help and advice please. I want to get a 1/24 FW 190, I had the Airfix kit way back when it was first released - I was young but I do remember that the fit was poor and it was not as good as the Stuka. If anyone has experience what is the best kit out there? If 1/24 is not the way to go then what about 1/32 - If I knew Tamiya were to release a 1/32 FW190 I might wait. Thoughts please?

Thank you for understanding...and you have proved the point I said earlier - if you look around you can get a deal. I thought the Javelin was over priced and didn't succumb at £50 - in fact I didn't get the Javelin because I was not fond of the type. I did get the Sea Vixen at £34.99 when it was released and several more at Model Zone when it was knocked down to £14!!! But my point about getting many kits are those at the high end - if you want a Tamiya Lanc what are you prepared to pay for it? £50 is your maximum - well on ebay Tokyo Hobby is doing it for that price including shipping - I just got one! As I say you look around and get a deal. But if you buy in this country you pay the consequences spelt T A X E S. And of course there is the waiting game - many of these kits if they don't sell then they reach a price acceptable - The Typhoon at £90 is I think reasonable - at £70 it is a deal. The Mossie will not get below £80 unless someone desperately needs space or has died and the executor of the estate is flogging them off cheap. But in the end you have to want these kits. The kits you mention have no interest for me whatsoever and they all may be bargains and good models but I prefer the subtlety's of the Japanese manufacturers...I took the Airfix Sea Vixen kit understanding it will not be as well engineered as other manufacturers. Conversely I bought the Tamiya 1/32 Spits, Mustang and Corsair knowing that all were possibly the best engineered kits of their types - again though I hunted the net and got a better deal than any UK supplier. But I knew I'd not get it below £70. Ultimately it is what you want out of the hobby - I wanted desperately a 1/48 Sea Vixen and I was so pleased with Airfix - I want a 1/48 Halifax and Vulcan - my wishes were once granted and they may be again. As for all the boxes going out of Telford - I cite the Mosquito yet again - 1500 units sold within one week enough for Airfix to get another 1500 in within the shortest time. For everyone customer for the hokey cokey 2000 there is usually 10 more wanting the same - general rule of thumb for marketing. 170 B17's sold very quickly when it was available - that's all that I know about so far. There are people that buy these kits ASAP...I know and realise not everybody can afford these kits and not even want them because of the size. I am a fan of 1/48 and bigger - I would not entertain 1/72 - and I can fully appreciate the work that is involved especially the superdetailing that can be achieved but I am cold on 1/72 and I am not the only one - that is why I feel that 1/48 Halifax and Vulcan and Sunderland and Blenheim and many others would be very well received. And if the reception of the 1/24 Typhoon is anything to go by this kit will be very well received too.

1/24 Halifax and 1/18 Sunderland -YES!!!! Now we're talking...actually 1/24 Vulcan is out there in vac form - you would have to use it as a coffee table. As for not paying more than £50 for a kit...that means that you will probably not be buying too many kits...The Javelin comes out at that and there are even some 1/72 coming out at that now. A kit as big as the 1/24 Mossie has to come in at those prices. The Typhoon at around £90 as projected is in my opinion not to bad. A 1/48 Lanc from a new supplier will be minimum £90 - a new release will be over the hundred for a Halifax a Vulcan minimum £90 - in my opinion such prices are not bad. The 1/32 B17 is around £250 is it worth it? Having looked at what is in the box I think it is value for money. The 1/32 Spitfires, Mustang and Corsair from Tamiya all are three figure costs in this country (search the net and get one sent from China or Japan it's cheaper) are they worth it? Looking at the engineering of these kits believe me there is value for money. It comes down to whether you want to pay for these or indeed can pay for them. I think the Mossie was a good price, and on the second hand market you can get them at the lowest I have seen is £80 (I missed that one!) Personally I would not pay £50 for a 1/72nd kit at all - even if it were a Galaxy. Certainly I would not pay £30 to 40 for a new 1/72 hokey cokey 2000 Japanese release all singing all dancing 1/72 single or even double engined fighter. I don't think that's value for money. If you are canny you will get these large kits at reduced prices if you look around. Hattons were doing pre order prices on the Typhoon at £20 below the recommended Retail. I paid that one quick. When you question prices of such kits a 1/48 Halifax and 1/48 Vulcan will be popular - the 1/32 B17 had an initial order of 170 units with one of the main model shops - all were sold in 48 hours...that is no mean feat. The 1/24 Mossie sold out of it's initial 1500 import from China in less than a week. That has to say something for large kits. 1/48 Halifax and Vulcan would be wanted on quite a few shelves I believe. Cost is a consideration obviously and not everyone can afford or will pay for such models but when I am at Telford and I see people marching out with huge boxes under their arms then I think that such releases would be positive.

I fear Bricks and Mortar shops are a thing of the past - overheads are too much - business rates, VAT, Income tax and all the stealth taxes...in the end you are working for the government owning a shop. If you have a chain of shops there are other factors. Retail is very tough these days. The high street landlords often over price their shops. That is why so many high streets are being turned over to charity shops, cafes and restaurants - you always make money with food and funerals - betting shops are popping up because enough people subscribe to the possibility of getting a fast buck. It really is a sad state but I do fear that shops and high streets are losing their identities. I have witnessed similar in the US as well. The internet has a lot to answer for - it makes for great convenience but we are losing part of our social make up.

My parents lived in Boscastle until early last year, I visited Truro quite a bit and I am familiar with all the shops you mention. I think it comes down to what you define as a proper model shop. To me it is a shop that will not only cover mainstream models but perhaps figures and after market items - not a full range but a smattering and the capability that will enable me to get x,y and z if the model shop carries such items. Model Time in Croydon fulfilled all this as does Dorking Models. I tend to disregard Games Workshop as a model shop - I feel that Games Workshop is a bit of a rip off - yes I know I am opening a can of worms here and I expect rebuttals. However when they have prices of £15 for one 28mm plastic figure and I can get a resin figure or white metal in 54mm that is far better sculpted etc. GW is a brand and they prey on parents and students, there are far better fantasy figures out there that are over looked for various reasons. I know there are overheads to take into consideration but if you take Orcs Cave in Shaftsbury Avenue in the centre of London who do not do GW - if they can keep going then there is a requirement for other brands than GW. The wargaming/fantasy shop in Truro is excellent and is a good illustration why GW is a rip off. As for the traditional model shop it is sadly on the demis. Truro may be an exception certainly in the season. The alleys and lanes are curious and people will seek such a shop out - in fact I think I know where you are. In rainy and off days the beaches are not so attractive so tourists do the city. The pasties from from Warrens are exceptional and awander round town with a pasty and finding a jewelers or model shop is ideal in Truro. But out of season Truro is very quiet indeed. Not many locals buy jewels or models. I was a retailer and you are right in your bsiness outlook. In the season in Truro seven days a week is right. The same could be said for Dorking - but Dorking is sleepy so the model shop is open three days a week. The internet has taken over the model shop - it is far cheaper to have a lock up with your stock than pay the atrocious business rates that high street land lords charge. I will never go back to a shop selling what I specialise in. Jewelry needs a show room as well as the internet. Models no longer need show rooms - a nice illustration of the latest kit and we all start putting our orders with our suppliers. My location had an abundance of model shops in the area - BMW Models near Plough Lane, ELS Model Supplies in Suton, Gamelys had a great model selection in Suton High Street, Model Time in Croydon, a big Beatties in Croydon, Mil Slides, Toffee King in Merton High Street, Mick Charles in New Malden, there were model shops in Guildford, Harrow had one of the best model shops, Comet miniatures in Battersea. Sadly all are lost. Unless you are a large corporation retail on the high street is out of the question so that means having a shop that is off the beaten track and then you hope customers will seek you out. The one I mentioned in Preston is not on the high street - it is superb but it is a matter of traveling to t if you are up there, airwaves in Solihull was on the main drag - out of town - a quaint little shop that did a great deal in mail order. It was a treat to visit, sadly gone. Nowadays it really is the show circuit where you can pick up your new models or mail/internet order. Having a model shop these days really is an indulgence. As for Hobbycraft and model zone I personally cannot take these outlets seriously - neither sell a full range of model manufacturers and none have staff that can help when a modeller wants a particular kit (if it isn't on the shelf then we don't have it). If I had lottery money I would set up a model shop along the lines of Hannants but I fear it would be an indulgence rather than a living. As a footnote there was a great little model shop in Launceston - rail, model kits, GW and odds and ends. A little shop in one of the outskirt roads - died a death I am afraid - no trade. I remember the two model shops in Plymouth - I know one finished - the other sold books as well and seemingly did a great trade in both models and military books.

Bob If I had lottery money I'd go along with something like you have suggested in the Spitfire range - My dad died last year and I dearly wanted to be able to treat him to a ride in a Spit - never got the cash, he would have loved it as his brother flew them during the war. If someone was to give me a 1/48 Halifax and Vulcan I'd keep them and believe it or not I'd make them in fact I'd be happy to buy the pair. I love 1/48 scale for aircraft. The thing was I saw that HPH 1/32 Catalina and fell in love - it has everything in it including the coffee cup for the navigator! The big problem is that once the fuselage is closed you can't see all that interior...so now I have to figure out how to show it all off and I haven't even started it!!! So I figured I only have room for one big cat lets make it the biggest! I also know for my 50th this year that I have a 1/32 Lanc on it's way - how mad am I? I know not where they will go! As for Vac form, I am going to indulge my self with the new vac form Vulcan certainly. This will be my second Vac Form.

Well there is Dorking Models - open Thursday Friday and Saturday - great shop. Then there is Hannants up near the RAF Museum - has all the new releases and a shelves with good choices, There is a great model shop in Preston lots of choice if you are new to the hobby but limited on wide variety of after market stuff. LSA in Brighton - huge choice. Thats about it for me I am afraid I live in South West London - Mick Charles is down the road but he is mainly RC. The days of proper model shops have gone I am afraid.

YES!!! This thread was started as a Campaign (tongue firmly in cheek) - it would be wonderful if any one of the manufacturers looked at this and said Yes we will grant your wishes...but it is a chat. Fun entertaining. When I go to my club and meet fellow modellers at shows we get chatting and enthusiastic. I WANT A 1/24 CORSAIR!!! And a ton of other people I have met would say yes indeed too! Thankfully there are people on here that are like minded - and not too serious. as for the Replica aircraft - what my point comes down to is that if a Spitfire were made with todays technology and materials it would not be the same - the best analogy are the AC Cobra Replica's - AC don't make the Cobra as such they even make replica's now and it is with todays specifications. If a flying Spit were produced same body but different under neath it would have to be called Spoutflames or some such. It would have to be a redesign under the skin to match todays specs. I do feel that there would be buyers. Of course who ever did take up the gauntlet would certainly have to explore all the ins and outs - but this is all hypothetical and is entertaining conversation. In fact because of legal reasons it wouldn't be called a Spitfire as probably that has a trademark...no it will be Vickers and Supermarine...same as we can't call a model of an American utility vehicle a Jeep or an American motorcycle a Harley Davidson. As for the Vacform Vulcan - do it man do it!!! There are some great examples that turn up at the shows especially Telford. I am sure the owners will chat if you need advice. Gaz - your list is out there - well most of it. Go for it man. The Catalina is actually a really nice kit. I sold mine though because of the HPH 1/32 - I must be mad. Any way back to the campaign 1/48 HALIFAX AND VULCAN!!! and Blenhiem and....you fill the space in.

Shane no not browbeating but enthusiasm. This forum attarcts some regular contributors but not the mass of modellers - looking at the shows especially Telford a 1/48 Halifax would be welcome as would a 1/48 Vulcan. And you haven't done something I dislike, you have just taken a brief sample of who and what...I talk to all and sundry and believe me when I say the model shops and model suppliers whom I have spoken with all have said they could sell easily 1/48th Vulcans and Halifaxes. Lets face it we didn't really expect 1/24 Mossie to sell like it did, did we? And I don't expect such a release - I didn't expect 1/48 Sea Vixen but I was granted my wish without campaigning...I want a 1/48 Halifax and Vulcan - if enough people out there said hey I'd like one too...a modelling manufacturer might just grant that wish. Monogram did with the 1/48 Catalina - a bad example though because sales were poor. Ultimately though these threads are for discussion and humour as well as inspiration and enjoyment. It seems that if I write a reply and it is not liked then surely I am being brow beaten. As for Replica cars and replica aircraft: I use the DB4 GT Zagato as a reference this particular car as a replica is very expensive - it uses new technology with old Aston parts only 19 were built plus 4 sanction II vehicles - rich people drive the replicas as they do with replica Ferrari 250 GTO's and Replica Aston Martin DBR1's D Type Jaguars and many more(because these cars are not available in any quantity the same can be said about Spitfire aircraft) such equivalent people who cannot get hold of (because of the limited amount available) would fly a replica Spit - how many are actually flying today? Less than 30, as opposed to P51D Mustangs, so I submit that if replica Spits were made at around £500K (A figure that seems reasonable), rich pilots would take them on. Warbird flyers are different. Of course original aircraft are more desirable and if are available a better bet. But as I say I feel that there are a good handful of pilots world wide that would take to the skies in a replica spit...The same as those who have taken to the roads in replica Aston's Ferrari's etc. I am not brow beating but entering into discussion I hope you can see my points as I do see and observe yours...Shane and Giorgio I shall abstain from further comments on these topics and get back to the thread - 1/48 Halifax and Vulcan please...any manufacturer as long as it isn't Fonderie!

Well there we have it the UK is as ever stuck well into the backsides of bureaucracy - in South Africa they can fly Lightnings, in the USA they can fly FW 190's and Me 262's. The UK won't let it happen. But I say I don't care if the UK will not allow these replicas to fly - at east they fly elsewhere and there are a lot of rich pilots who would buy a replica Spitfire if there was an opportunity as there are not enough originals to go round. I don't have to be familiar with air worthiness as long as somewhere in the world they fly FW190's and 262's. Should an enterprising company start making Spitfires from the latest materials and new technology no it would not be a Spitfire it would be a replica...much as there are replica Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato's made from fibreglass as opposed to lightweight aluminum. The only way we would be able to settle this discussion is if we could poll pilots with enough money to by an airworthy Spit replica. Believe me there are enough drivers who but replica supercars because the original is way out of the ball park.

Shane Wow....I cannot comprehend your lack of humor. These blogs are for the less serious as well as the very serious. And think about the marketing men who go by the rule of thumb for every one who wants a unit there are ten more behind them. If you don't want a Vulcan or Halifax i 1/48 then might I suggest you are reading the wrong thread. Troy As for not covering the restrictions - Mmm I would say that a new build with new materials and todays technologies that such aircraft would be allowed to fly - Focke Wulfe 190 and Me 262 are two replicas that are flying and neither were based on original parts. Sorry my mistake on the Whirlwind dates...I would argue that the Whirlwind is more left field than the Seafang and piteful as the latter two are Spitfire derived planes and therefore are a natural progression for those modellers in love with the type and will complete their collection - I would say there are more Spitfire fans than Whirlwind. And as for left field all the paper planes from the Axis concept aircraft files have to be in that category when none actually were made or flown - but they seem to be doing ok sales wise. As for 1/144th scale - not my bag I am afraid. There must be a requirement for such scales but I wouldn't be taking part. And finally being careful for what I wish regarding Trumpeter - there are too many people condemning Trumpeter for releasing kits that have inaccuracies - if you don't lik it don't buy it but at least they have released kits that are new, different and fill a gap. Most of these kits take a few alterations and you get the type you require. Wyvern, Spiteful etc. Many criticized the Wellington my answer is go and buy another 1/48 Wellington. At least you have one on the market - same with the Lancaster Tamiya's is the only 1/48 from a mainstream manufacturer - it is dated it is old and it needs detailing go and find another in the same scale. If Trumpeter were to look to doing a 1/48 Lanc or Halifax I am sure there will be the rivet counters complaining but if it is better than the Fonderie kit then I am up for one right now.

That Dinghy is very cool.

Vac form is not so much having patience as to be honest the one I made was boring...it's the cutting down and sanding to the correct shape for joining that puts us off I feel. Once that bit's over with then it's reasonably plain sailing. Or Sail Planeing...

The Shell haus Raid would be an excellent movie especially if the beginning of the film had the successful Aarhus Gestapo raid first. And yes what poignancy to record in movie form?

Yes Toys for very rich boys indeed - Spitfires are £1m plus, if a company were making flying replicas I am sure there would be a few more in the skies and could be made at a less price for the rich who don't want to fly the real thing in case the antique got broke! As for the mainstream v limited production kits there are merits for both. I would venture that some of the kit subjects are not so wanted - Fairey Battle, Bolton Paul Defiant, Wellsey Bomber and many more would not be so popular as say the Halifax, Vulcan and Sunderland. I pick these three for some selfish reasons but also looking at shows and talking to modellers. The Stirling has been mooted here on this thread and I think right now it would be popular because of the DDay and Arnhem Airborne Tug use - I think it would be limited in interest as a bomber to go with the Lanc etc. Our thread here can have over 100 people disagree with me and all say I want a 1/48 Stirling - but 100 is not a world wide seller. The Tamiya Lanc proved very popular when it was released and is still popular for several reasons...not least it is a decent model and is the main kid on the block in 1/48. The Halifax did as much work in anger as the Lanc, the Vulcan is famous for being the only Brit bomber to be used in anger post war...much as I would love a Victor in 1/48 I don't think that it is plausible as a World Wide seller, but it did serve as much value in Operation Black Buck as did the Vulcan. If I were a manufacturer of main stream kits I would be looking to produce 1/48 Vulcan, Halifax and Sunderland - these three big kit aircraft would be popular - no doubt when you see the shows and talk to modellers. Of course cost is a consideration - someone mentioned a Sea Vixen at £50 - well when it was first released it was £34 - the Javelin was £50 (overpriced), the Sea Vixen was good value for money. Was the Sea Vixen worthy? The Jury is out - maybe, for me I was gagging for the Sea Vixen, I sold my Javelin on...didn't interest me in the end. In the end it is what takes our fancy but looking at the show tables I have seen a few 1/32 B 17's and many large 1/48 so I would argue that the Vulcan and Halifax would be viable as would a Sunderland...I don't think mainstream Battle, Defiant's and similar would be as viable. One of the revelations is Trumpeter's Whirlwind...a left field release if anything was...I can't wait - I know it was a late war aircraft and little used but it floats my boat. I don't think it will be a big seller though. I hope I am wrong. In the end it is popular types that sell well and that is why I put Halifax Vulcan and Sunderland in that category...Take the Catalina though - a worthy 1/48er if ever there was a type...but it was not a big seller despite the FSM poll at the time. I don't have mine any more - I sold it...I havd the HPH 1/32 version MAD FOOL that I am! I still campaign for the Vulcan and Halifax in 1/48.

I have often wondered why replica's of actual aircraft are not made. I know we have a Mosquito flying again yet I could never fathom why it took so long as surely the raw materials were/are very much available, I suppose now the jigs are made a few more can be turned out. As for a 1:1 Vulcan or Stirling well I would say that it isn't too preposterous to build but surely there are a few Vulcan's that need to be restored for static display at least. A replica Stirling would make sense. And I cannot understand why thee is no one producing flying Replica Spitfires - I would say like some replica cars that a Spitfire would be desirable enough for a flyer to own and fly, certainly there are enough companies that can manufacture a Merlin - but with todays technology I would assume a new engine plant would do the job and the raw materials would not necessarily be required as in the original - surely carbon panels, lighter metals etc. Maybe I am just pondering. As for the plastic model versions 1/72 is not my bag so I would vote no against new toolings on the V bombers, that's just me. 1/48 all the way for the Halifax, Vulcan and on....I may well succumb to the vac form Vulcan.

That P51 subject would make a good movie, 616 too. I'd like to see the biography of Guy Gibson, I know he was a bit cocky and aloof in many ways but I'd like to see the Beaufighter period as well as 617 filmed.

You have answered what I would be saying - the Tiffie has an awful lot of plastic looking at the item at Telford last year and a Vulcan I would venture would be similar amount of plastic. That being said Yes a 1/24 Tiffie is about 400mm wingspan and a 1/48 Vulcan about the same as a Tamiya Lanc - all in my opinion well within the acceptance range with the spate of large scale models recently. I still want a 1/48 Halifax and Vulcan and I'd go for a Blenheim too!

Wow! Some interesting comments on the campaign for trail. The Vulcan in 1/24th? Now you're talking - There was a vacform version or fibreglass at Telford once - awesome but you'd need to use it as a coffee table! The Halifax is a must in 1/48th Injection as are many others on the list I would welcome a Blenhiem MK2 I must admit. And yes a Vulcan in 1/48th is not that big when thought about. As for pricing the 1/24 Tiffie is due soon - I would venture a kit that would be similar in size to 1/48 Vulcan, the Tiffie is around the £90 mark - this would make a 1/48 Vulcan acceptable - and I would say a 1/48 Halifax would be in the same area. The Tamiya Lanc is costing so much in this country - check out Lucky Model between $70-95 US that's around £50-80 and shipping from them is cheap. So Model shops and suppliers in this country are either making a profit or having to pay some high shipping/import duties. The cost of a Tamiya Lanc in Japan is a whole lot less than here. But I digress - if Airfix can release a 1/24 Tiffie for under £100 then a 1/48 Halix and Vulcan will I submit be in the same league. So I repeat COME ON TRUMPETER, TAMIYA, MENG, AIRFIX Lets be having you! Release these much wanted models. And worthy mentions would be 1/48 Sunderland, Blenheim, Stirling and Glider....and on and on....

Well the Aeroclub Vulcan's can reach £400 or more on ebay - if you can find them...I have left my details for Sangers - but I think the Vac Form of the 1/48 Vulcan put people off of buying it from Aeroclub. Making a Vac Form is not the most attractive side of model making we all know that who have attempted such a model. There are not many of us who will get a vac form. As for the size of the Vulcan it will not take up the room that you think - about as much as a 1/48 Hercules having seen a few Aeroclub's made ups on show stands at Telford. Lets face it the wingspan is not much different than a Lancaster.

I'll be going to Telford and I second the notion that this should be in the comp.

I am not a fan of 1/72, I grew out of that scale many years ago due to in my opinion the lack of detail - however I find the comments interesting here between three manufacturers. I would always expect Hasegawa to be the best and Revell the worst. I find Airfix hit and miss. But looking at this thread it is nice to see that Airfix has good reports with a few niggles. I would suggest though, what about a kit bash? Would it make a good model to take the best elements from each of the Revell and Airfix kits...if Hasegawa is the poorest in detail. Just a thought.

OK good people of Britmodeller, I am starting this thread with tongue slightly in my cheek. Elsewhere on this forum there is a thread that shows the evolution of a 1/32 Halifax which if you haven't seen it yet take a look and be prepared to have your gob smacked! It is truly turning into a work of art. However some of us cannot attain the heady heights of modelling god and nor do we have the room for a 1/32 Halifax. But I feel it is necessary to start a campaign here for two kits that I think would be very well received in 1/48 scale. We have a pretty god Lanc in 1/48 albeit a little dated and we have a pretty good Wellington... We need a very good Haliax in 1/48 - So I implore the modelling manufacturers to take a look at this thread and take note. Also we could very much do with a 1/48 scale Vulcan which judging by the shows around the country and internationally would also be very well received. COME ON AIRFIX, TAMIYA, TRUMPETER, MENG...two decent 1/48 kits Halifax and Vulcan...is it asking too much?

I think, like many on this thread, my gob is ready to be smacked! Looking great.

Tom me old mucker I am well with you...the gods of Tamiya, Airfix, Trumpeter any of you who can produce a half decent 1/48 Halifax...come on!!! Don't you think it's over due? Now back to that 1/32 Halifax, I take it the exposed Merlin will actually turn over and blow exhaust fumes...you will be letting the side down if it doesn't.