At Sea

Getting perilously close in the alphabet to K & M…

I’ve been fondling mine since it arrived and am having to use all of my self control to complete my 1/24 Typhoon first! Cons: 1) The larger cannon breech covers look very squared off on the leading edge to my eyes. 2) I bought 2 kits as I want one in flight hung up in my garage, there is no pilot. Boo! Pros: 1) It looks amazing. 2) There is definitely other versions coming as the tail wheel area being sectional means a retractable tail wheel option exists. The way they have designed the kit up to the firewall bulkhead allows multiple engine versions. If Airfix bring out a Mk.VIII (Shark Teeth) and a Mk.XII / Mk.XIV (Griffon) versions I will be giving them a lot of money over the next few years. Well done Airfix!

I’d quite like a 1/72 Hampden to complete my Bomber Command cabinet.

Please be an accurate Halifax BIII.

Anything with folding wings in 1/24 is a winner! Imagine: Seafire XV Seafire 47 Corsair Martlet Hellcat Sea Fury all in FAA schemes, in a glass display cabinet. Wings folded, cowlings open. As an aside the Mk.IX Spitfire does lend itself to allowing the after market guys a lot of Griffon based possibilities. Seafire XV, Spitfire XII / XIV.

I’m really enjoying the 1/24 Typhoon I’m building right now. a new Hurricane to the same standard (especially a Desert IIc) would be fabulous. I also think a 1/24 Tomahawk would be fab.

Better for the environment, I can see it now: "...Join the Army, where it's not just the colour that makes our tanks green!"

The Airfix kit has Katy too, and Princess Elizabeth’s vehicle as well. just not on the official list of options, which may have been due to copyright sensitivity. I bought the Airfix kit because: 1) I didn’t even know Gecko models existed. 2) I wasn’t looking for an Ambulance but when it popped up on my Airfix email notifications I thought it looked like a fun build. However this could perversely work out well for Gecko, I rarely build much other than aircraft, and the world of armour modelling contains many brands I’m unfamiliar with so wouldn’t ever gave stumbled on the Gecko kit. I have now looked at their website and will probably buy something from them now I know they are there. I bet I’m not alone.

This is bonkers. It has mystified me why Mustangs & Phantoms need a ‘Boeing Licenced product’ sticker when it’s arguable that a) Those companies, North American Aviation & McDonnell Douglas are defunct & b) those aircraft are essentially ’public domain’ as the shape is so iconic. If true that this is happening with all models where does it end? Corporate lawyers trying to justify their salary by raking in pennies of royalties. Yee gads!

I think not including ‘Katie’ from the film is a massive oversight, presumably because of copyright issues? I bought one on pre-order because I love the film & think it would make a nice change from aircraft. Airfix will do well with this release I think. As for ‘Katie’, I expect the aftermarket decal chaps will be along shortly.

Lovely work.

Looking at the way it goes together it is remarkably similar to the 1/72 version. Hoping for a 1/48 Phantom FG.1 to join it!

2x Typhoons very low over Poole just now. very unusual place to see them. Wonder if they have been doing a spot of affiliation with the Tank chaps?

I wonder if the GR.3 (or to be more precise the laser nose bits as GR.3 refers to the airframe not the nose I think?) sprue is included? If so XtraDecal did a great GR.3 sheet in 1/48 they could upscale. I hope the 1/24 Harrier is out there to test the market. Thinking of equivalent sized British jets kitted in smaller scales by Airfix a 1/24 Hawk or Lightning could be a possibility if there is sufficient uptake. I would love a 1/24 Folland Gnat. I don’t know if the 1/24 kits make much money for Airfix or a prestigious loss leaders. But I am pleased they are aiming high.

In 1/48 to complement Eduard’s excellent Spitfire Vc would be welcome too!