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Airfix 2013, some interesting new releases!


Rob P

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The re-tooling of the hawk was actually quite extensive. the layout of the parts on the sprue was completely changed, suggesting a completely new tool. the panel lines were much finer second time around too.

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The re-tooling of the hawk was actually quite extensive. the layout of the parts on the sprue was completely changed, suggesting a completely new tool. the panel lines were much finer second time around too.

Fair enough, I look forward to Airfix doing the same with them there Shars then....

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Yes a Mk II Lancaster would be good, and we might just get it. However, my money is on a re-tooled Dambuster.

I've not seen the pictures, but I have read that one is of Sir Michael Redgrave in his role of Barnes Wallis.

My two'pennorth then is this:

It's a reference to the film "The Dambusters", not to Barnes Wallis himself (rule out a new Wellington and/or a Grand Slam Lancsater).

Next year is the 70th anniversary of Operation Chastise. Airfix is not going to miss a marketing opportunity like that.

In order to maximise sales during the anniverasry it should be announced before May.

The current Dambuster Lancaster is only available in a gift set and could do with updating.

The thing is, what scale? Most likely 1/72, but considering the current price of Tamiya 1/48 Lancs, could Airfix mount a coup and bring one in consideably cheaper?

If we are going to get a new Lancaster my money is on definitely on the Dambuster.

Cheers

The current Airfix Lancaster kit is 30 years old and it has to be one of Airfix's perennial biggest sellers. Therefore, I'm thinking we'll see a new 1/72 Lanc kit that's been tooled to allow all the 'Specials' and the B.II to be produced. And if Airfix is really smart they'll also tool up a set of Manchester wings and vertical tail surfaces to cover that option. (A new kit in 1/48th would also be nice as the base Tamiya kit is close to 40 years old now).

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Or maybe Airfix is pulling everyone's leg with the pictures behind the calendar doors and none of its actually true? :whistle:

Would like a new mold 1/72 Lightning though, could replace my old Airfix Lightnings then! :)

Edited by Hypnobear
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Anyone know if the typhoon will be in 48th?

Cheers

More likley 1/72 to replace the rather tired Series 1 kit, possibly along with the FW-190D, and Gloster Gladiator.

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The current Airfix Lancaster kit is 30 years old and it has to be one of Airfix's perennial biggest sellers. Therefore, I'm thinking we'll see a new 1/72 Lanc kit that's been tooled to allow all the 'Specials' and the B.II to be produced. And if Airfix is really smart they'll also tool up a set of Manchester wings and vertical tail surfaces to cover that option. (A new kit in 1/48th would also be nice as the base Tamiya kit is close to 40 years old now).

I must admit that thought dawned on me too that the Lancaster B.II might be a new tool rather than a modification, with the Dam Busters raid also being hinted at. Start with a lesser known variant and a special before bringing in a new mainstream B.I/III to replace their existing kit. I agree a Manchester would be nice spin off, but so would later versions such a the B.IV, MR/ASW, the Lincoln and possibly eventually the Shackleton, hell they may even consider doing the York.We'll just have to wait till end of the year to find out whats planned and thus what the possibilities are.

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Therefore, I'm thinking we'll see a new 1/72 Lanc kit that's been tooled to allow all the 'Specials' and the B.II to be produced. And if Airfix is really smart they'll also tool up a set of Manchester wings and vertical tail surfaces to cover that option.

Entirely logical but Airfix haven't shown themselves particularly wedded to that approach so far: each time they've done a Spitfire (XIX, IX, I, 22) they've started from scratch giving us 4 different interpretations, both in terms of levels of detail and dimensions of components that ought to be the same. And if there was/is any intention to do a Swordfish II or III, it's not obvious, to me at least, from the layout of the Swordfish I sprues.

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A Lincoln and a Shackleton(s). Now that would be brilliant! If the old wives' tale holds true, I suppose I need to get cracking on my Manchester conversion so they can bring that out also. Still, even if they only come out with a Lanc B.II, that would be most welcome, especially if it's all new-mould.

Regards,

Jason

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Yes a Mk II Lancaster would be good, and we might just get it. However, my money is on a re-tooled Dambuster.

I've not seen the pictures, but I have read that one is of Sir Michael Redgrave in his role of Barnes Wallis.

My two'pennorth then is this:

It's a reference to the film "The Dambusters", not to Barnes Wallis himself (rule out a new Wellington and/or a Grand Slam Lancsater).

Next year is the 70th anniversary of Operation Chastise. Airfix is not going to miss a marketing opportunity like that.

In order to maximise sales during the anniverasry it should be announced before May.

The current Dambuster Lancaster is only available in a gift set and could do with updating.

The thing is, what scale? Most likely 1/72, but considering the current price of Tamiya 1/48 Lancs, could Airfix mount a coup and bring one in consideably cheaper?

If we are going to get a new Lancaster my money is on definitely on the Dambuster.

Cheers

Complete agreement here! The Airfix Lancaster is a fine kit despite its age but, a new mould is perhaps appropriate. They already gave us a Dambuster & Grand Slam Lancaster so, I'd be delighted to see them give the old girl a makeover as the base kit for a series -maybe even a Tallboy armed Lanc?. Hercules engined Mk II would really be the icing on the cake!!

I'm sure the 1/72 VC-10, brand new Vulcan B1/B2 & Victor B1/B2 are also hidden away as yet along with the brand new Halifax BIII & Short Stirling. (prays fervently to every god he doesn't believe in!!). Well, if you are going to have fantasies, you might as well go for rthe good ones!!

Allan

Edited by Albeback52
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........If we are going to get a new Lancaster my money is on definitely on the Dambuster.

Cheers

I reckon so too. Especially as next year will be the 70th Anniversary of the raid!

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hn, a new Lancaster next to the good and cheap Revell one? They wouldn't sell many of them, since most Lancaster fans already got their. I see a difference to their "smaller" kits like the Hawks or Spits - higher number sold (rather cheap, blocking little shelf space), and much smaller manufacturing costs due to the small sprues. If I remember correctly, most new large Airfix kits had little or just outdated competition, like the Canberras or the Nimrod.

Alex

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hn, a new Lancaster next to the good and cheap Revell one? They wouldn't sell many of them, since most Lancaster fans already got their.

Not necessarily. Nice kit though the Revell one is I hate the lack of dihedral on the wings, & I don't know whether I can be bothered to correct it on the 4 I still have in stock. I'd be more than happy to replace them with Airfix ones of equal or better quality - as long as the wings are right...!! (& I'd add a couple of MK II's if they did do that version...!!)

Keef

Edited by keefr22
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hn, a new Lancaster next to the good and cheap Revell one? They wouldn't sell many of them, since most Lancaster fans already got their.

It's an well versed arguement, but Revell kits don't make Airfix any money. And the Airfix market will be different to Revell's. NO doubt thier sales figures for the existing kit would tell them if a new one would sell, when you include the 'shiny new' factor as well.

e.g. the causal airshow sales of 'Battle of Britain' sets.

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Airfix has had a Lanc in their range every year, they must sell continuously. The 32 year old Airfix Lancaster mould is very tired now with flash everywhere, maybe they just need to replace to tool, regardless of what other kits are out there.

A sensible and logical answer...................... 3 planes that are always in their range... Spit, Hurri, and Lanc

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A sensible and logical answer...................... 3 planes that are always in their range... Spit, Hurri, and Lanc

Plus following the recent outrage in the newspapers zee Germans will be banned from being allowed to make and sell any British aircraft which will leave the field open to Airfix..

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A sensible and logical answer...................... 3 planes that are always in their range... Spit, Hurri, and Lanc

And a Red Arrows Hawk :)

Not having a decent Lancaster kit in the range is not really an option for Airfix. Yes, Revell have a fairly new kit readily available, but I'd turn that argument on it's head. If Revell make a decent Lancaster (faults accepted) then that is even more reason for Airfix to replace their old tooling as well. It makes perfect sense, commercially, as Airfix need to be able to compete with their main rivals. Same goes for any company manufacturing consumer goods. If Ford, for example, were still trying to flog Mk I Escorts instead of the latest Focus, they'd go out of business.

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I said ages ago that it could be cool if they did a whole stable of Avro stuff - the Lancs, a York, Shackletons, a Lincoln. Think of the box sets they could have! I'm sure the Shacks would be sellers, the York, well I wonder if they could just get away with producing their own conversion kit for the base Lanc, along the lines of their Valiant tanker conv set ? The Lincoln would probably need it's own moulding, not impossible but maybe not that high up the list to do

Agreed with other comments though, would LOVE the definitive 72nd scale LIghtning (at last!)

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