Vampire

[Ian]

Kit - Airfix

Paint - Lacquers & Tamiya acrylics.

Decals - Xtradecal 48 220

Extras - None.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I've built it, I didn't enjoy it, at all !

 

There's an unintentional coincidence between Vampires being the subject of horror films and trying to get this kit to 'work'. Soft, poorly defined details, poor fit & engineering around the nose, simply an 'opportunity missed' in my opinion. Reminds me far too much of the old Hobbycraft kit from way back in the day - I actually gave-up on that one. What I find hard to get into my head is the lack of continuity across recent Airfix new releases; the wee JP, that I've also posted, the Blenheim, Dornier 17, B-25, 1:48 Hawk 81A and Mustang were all superb... the 1:48 Meteor, 1:72 Gnat and this... not even on the same page. Such a disappointment, honestly I couldn't wait to get it off the bench.

 

Please feel free to make any comments at all. Cheers.

 

 

Ian.

[franky boy]

Ian it’s turned out nicely even after all the troubles.
 

I agree with you about the hit and miss nature of recent Airfix releases. 
 

James

[jenko]

Totally agree with your comments. Not Airfix's finest hour.

 

Dick

[binbrook87]

Lovely end result despite your troubles. Can I add the 1/72 Me-262 to the list of 'what were Airfix smoking when they designed this' 🤔

[AntPhillips]

Nice build of what is not Airfix's cleverest design.

 

I started one of these back in January, hoping for a quick build that I could get on with whilst I recuperate after my hip op.

 

Unfortunately the lower fuselage and wing piece was well warped and although clamping it whilst glueing it to the wing spars has helped to straighten it out, the fit of upper and lower nose sections leaves a lot to be desired, so much so that it's gone back in the box and I'll pick it up another time.

 

 

[bigbadbadge]

Looks lovely to me,  great work,  got a couple in the stash myself waiting for an FB.31 conversion to be released.

Great work

Chris

[exdraken]

A great Vampire!

Love those new Airfix 48th scale kits!!

[Dave Klaatu]

Disappointment or not, you did a great job of it- looks great, love the paint!

[Lord Riot]

It looks brilliant, especially in camo with those nice squadron markings. One would never know you’d had so many issues with it. Mine was the same, particularly the fit of the nose area and intakes.

[Watto]

Well done for sticking with it, the result was worth the struggle. 

 

Looks like you really for your teeth I into the build..... I'm so sorry for that😞

[Samuraiwarrior]

Looks like it turned out alright in the end, despite your problems. 

Funny how some models seem to fight you all the way and others go together like a dream. 

Put this one down to experience, I feel you won't be doing another one soon, but take heart that you have done a great job of it. 

Thanks for sharing. 

Kevin 

[The Rat]

The end result is fine, so the struggle may have been worth it. Did you invent any new words while working? 😅

[Col Walter E Kurtz]

Actually it looks really nice. Thanks for showing it.

I've just completed the Vampire T.11 in 1:72 from Airfix and I must say it went together really well I thought. Certainly for a 1:72 scale kit.

Kind Regards

Andy

[Britman]

You have a nice Vampire there but I will have to be odd man out I'm afraid. I have built two and really enjoyed them one of which I converted to an F1 using Ben's lovely replacement booms. My friend of senior years has built five and excellent they are too. 

 

Keith 

[Sky Keg]

Ian…….a standing ovation is in order for your ability to fight through all of the problems that this particular kit had presented to you.  

I too, am baffled by the up and down nature of the subjects by Airfix.  While I cannot speak for anything outside of 72nd scale, I love the Airfix P-51D, B-17G, Hurricane Mk.I, Spitfire Mk.22, and A-4 Skyhawk but cursed mightily at the Canberra and MiG-17

 

Mike

[SAT69]

6 hours ago, Samuraiwarrior said:

Looks like it turned out alright in the end, despite your problems. 

Funny how some models seem to fight you all the way and others go together like a dream. 

Put this one down to experience, I feel you won't be doing another one soon, but take heart that you have done a great job of it. 

Thanks for sharing. 

Kevin 

Well said And I totally agree.

[Ian]

7 hours ago, The Rat said:

The end result is fine, so the struggle may have been worth it. Did you invent any new words while working? 😅

 

So many, and lots of colourful combinations too ! 

 

 

Ian.

[Britman]

The programs are on Yesteryear channel about Hornby tells us that each kit is assigned to individual designers and that maybe the reason for apparent inconsistencies. It was the same with Matchbox, the biplanes etc where better than the general product range. I have still to come across a current Airfix product that has disappointed me and look forward to more.

 

Keith 

[Keeff]

Your efforts have rewarded you with a lovely Vampire .... nicely finished in a 'warbird' style. 👌 

 

Aircraft are not really my thing, but it's interesting reading about some of the kits manufacturers produce to different quality and the battles involved in assembly. 

 

Keith 😁 

[wellsprop]

Beautiful

[Col Walter E Kurtz]

7 hours ago, Keeff said:

Your efforts have rewarded you with a lovely Vampire .... nicely finished in a 'warbird' style. 👌 

 

Aircraft are not really my thing, but it's interesting reading about some of the kits manufacturers produce to different quality and the battles involved in assembly. 

 

Keith 😁 

 Yes Airfix seem to be a bit hit and miss these days.. not sure why ? .Cheers! Andy

3 hours ago, wellsprop said:

Beautiful

I agree Wells!

Edited March 25, 2023 by Col Walter E Kurtz

[F-32]

A lovely clean build, looks awesome!