Airfix 2012

[Bandwagon 106]

A quick note on the Skyhawk for anyone interested. The old Airfix kit was an A4D-1, or after 1962, A-4A. 166 were built and differed the rest of the family by having a faired over rudder. Every Skyhawk since then had the ribs on, it was supposed to be temporary, but never got changed! They also never had a refuelling probe fitted. The A-4B, or A4D-2, of which 542 were built, had the rudder mod and probe and could be fitted with AGM-12s. This version was sold to Argentina's Airforce and Navy, along with some C's.

HTH, Joel

[tonyot]

Hopefully a correction set for their new Halifax

Here here Woody, a new set of props for starters anyway!! I had hoped that they would have listened to opinion when the test shots appeared in public but obviously not? Why don`t modelling companies find an expert in a particular field and then send them the CAD drawings so that a snagging list can be drawn up before metal is cut for the moulds? Or is that too obvious? Speaking of Revell, what ever happenned to their 1/32nd Lynx?

Anyway back to Airfix, I may buy a Skyhawk or two if I can put RAN markings on the version that is being done but I`m not doing any more captured RAF Bf 109E`s, as that was my excuse for buying the 1/48th scale kit! Lynxes and Merlin are on my `to buy' list but I have a feeling that the Merlin at least will run on into 2013,...we shall see? Lets hope that Airfix surprise us with some new releases during the coming year.......a Mk.II/III Swordfish with enlarged oil cooler and metal skinning below the lower wings would be VERY WELCOME indeed!

All the best

Tony O

[Giorgio N]

Anyway back to Airfix, I may buy a Skyhawk or two if I can put RAN markings on the version that is being done

Tony, unfortunately the version kitted by airfix (A-4B) can't wear RAN markings as the australian scooters were based on the A-4E and this version is quite different... although at the RAN museum in Nowra there's an A-4C in australian markings and the C is not too difficult to build starting from the B. This aircraft never flew with the RAN though.

For an A-4B the only markings possible are USN and argentina (both air force and navy). With some work the malaysian A-4PTM and the singapore A-4SU can be built too, and I have to say that the arrival of this kit might prompt me to have a try at these versions.

[Bandwagon 106]

A's and B's had short noses, while the C was slightly longer to accomadate a radar (ground mapping I think). The profile is slightly different too. The RAN used the A-4G, an F model without the hump, and given the capability of carrying 4 sidewinders. Australia had 8 and a furthur 8 Fs were modified. 10 of these went to New Zealand. Giorgio, I think the C at Nowra might have been from New Zealand, which is an L on loan from the US, according to to Skyhawk.org...

Joel

Edited December 30, 2011 by Bandwagon 106

[Col.]

Will you lot stop moaning! That's a long list of kits being added to an already extensive sellection and even if I did spend most of my modelling budget with Airfix this year there are still plenty kits already out I'd like so chances are I'll be doing the same next year. So the the 48th Harrier/SHAR needs a bit of work. It's still better than the Tamiya kit and quicker that scratch-building the damned thing. Cheaper than finding one on Ebay as will I'm sure. Yes a new state-of-the-art tooling would have been nice but that may come after a few years more investment as I doubt making a good job of such a complicated set of shapes will come cheap. I'd have never guessed the Spit 22 or early model Skyhawk and the addition of floats to the Swordfish will save a lot of conversion work or aftermarket expense. The 0/400 is another unusual subject so it's only but right there are 'boring' Mustang & 109 kits to bring in the investment that gives us Sea Vixen. Let's face it, much as we hate to admit this, a new F-16 kit would have been a much bigger seller than a Sea Vixen.

[Giorgio N]

A's and B's had short noses, while the C was slightly longer to accomadate a radar (ground mapping I think). The profile is slightly different too. The RAN used the A-4G, an F model without the hump, and given the capability of carrying 4 sidewinders. Australia had 8 and a furthur 8 Fs were modified. 10 of these went to New Zealand. Giorgio, I think the C at Nowra might have been from New Zealand, which is an L on loan from the US, according to to Skyhawk.org...

Joel

I have to apologise for the wrong info: the aircraft at Nowra is actually an A-4B, Bu.No. 142871. I should have checked my pictures first... when I first visited Nowra in 2005 it was painted in the two grey scheme (and hanging from the ceiling) but when I visited again in 2009 the skyhawk was painted as 882 in the grey over white scheme.

It did not come from New Zealand, where there should be an A-4L posing as an A-4K (the one probably mentioned on Skyhawk.org). Both aircrafts are on loan from the USN and I remember the story of this aircraft was explained in a panel just beside it: as no E could be found for the museum, the USN loaned a B and this was kind of modified to look like a G. I believe that now there is a proper G in Australia, don't know if and when it will be exhibited though.

Re. the longer A-4C nose, yes this would be part of the conversion from the B, but at least the two versions have the same intakes, reworking the nose should be feasible.. and probably easier than finding a fujimi C.. In any case, I'm very happy about the choice of the B.

Edit: here's a pic of the aircraft as it was in 2005

Edited December 30, 2011 by Giorgio N

[keefr22]

Will you lot stop moaning!

Never!! Well, not until they release a family of 1/72 Lightnings (& yes, a Sea Vixen) to the same standard as their 48th ones.....

K

[Bandwagon 106]

Thanks for that Giorgio. Funny thing is, I completely forgot about the intakes ! I know that Hasegawa released an Argentine issue that had both noses in 1/48. Hope it is a new kit for those who do 1/72 and it comes with options for all the J-65 powered Skyhawks.

Joel

[GreenDragon]

Glad about the Skyhawk, Fujimi's are very hard to find at a reasonable price.

Not really sure there's anything else that hadn't been held over from last year that I'm into. Wait to see what the P-51D is like in a review coz I've already got loads from every over company in the stash.

Out of the reissues I may get another MiG29, far more accurate than all others for an early machine far as I can remember, and a Tucano though I'd prefer a normal Embraer version.

Very sad there's no Super King Air 200, so many operaters all over the planet. Very surprised the Sea Vixen didn't get shrunk to 72nd, same with the Lightning.

Paul Harrison

Edited December 31, 2011 by GreenDragon

[AnonymousAA72]

Will you lot stop moaning!

So the the 48th Harrier/SHAR needs a bit of work. It's still better than the Tamiya kit and quicker that scratch-building the damned thing. Cheaper than finding one on Ebay as will I'm sure. Yes a new state-of-the-art tooling would have been nice but that may come after a few years more investment as I doubt making a good job of such a complicated set of shapes will come cheap.

Stop Moaning? Why? Where's the fun in that?

I've lost count on how many Airfix SHars/Harriers I've butchered to within an inch of their miserable lives - because they needed "a bit of work" Col!

I actually have a couple in the stash - so probably won't be indulging this time around - though nice new cartograf decals won't go amiss!

[Haggis]

Both the RAF and RN use the type as well as several other militaries, so there would be no shortage of decal options for the aftermarket to pick up on.

The FAA version is called the Avenger and they're still grounded owing to contractual problems. We did have some perfectly good Jetstreams with plenty of life left, 100 grand a month they cost to run. The Avenger is costing 400 grand a month, and it's not flying!

Anyway, FAA politics aside, I agree, a model would be nice, a new tool state of the art Jetstream as well but there's little chance of either I fear.

I'm glad to see the old Chippie back, if I won the Euro millions lottery I'd commission Tamiya to do a 1:32 new tool, now that would be nice! One day.......

[Dave Fleming]

The FAA version is called the Avenger and they're still grounded owing to contractual problems. We did have some perfectly good Jetstreams with plenty of life left, 100 grand a month they cost to run. The Avenger is costing 400 grand a month, and it's not flying!

Anyway, FAA politics aside, I agree, a model would be nice, a new tool state of the art Jetstream as well but there's little chance of either I fear.

And some nice modern-ish T3s untill one day ACM Torpy had to take a ride in one.....

I'd also like some Brotish Beechs- you'd need a couple of kits to do the RAF and RN ones - the RAF trainers and the shadowy ZK457 are Beech 200s, the Avengers and Shadow R1s are Beech 350s, which have a longer fuselage, redesigned engine cowling and new wing tips.

[GreenDragon]

Saw a SKA 200 in British Airways colours at Heathrow several times and Bristows Helicopters G-BFOL looked pretty good too. We get the overall blue calibrator SKA 200's a lot but hardly any others now, at least it seems that way. Wouldn't mind one of the USNavy's Mildenhall based C-12's from the 80's on my shelf.

Didn't the Argentinians use them in the Falklands war? Certain they operated some so theres the 30th anniversary as an excuse to do a kit!

Paul Harrison

[Albeback52]

: :lol:

Calm down Dave & Bill or, it will be glue tubes at dawn for both of you !!

I respectfully suggest the pair of you are arguing about semantics here! How do you define "challenging" or "needing a bit of work"? Depends on how you approach your model & what you look for from it does it not? I've built both Airfix 1/48 Harriers. Agreed, they were both quite basic but, I built them both into decent replicas with a modicum of effort straight from the box. But then, that's me. I'm fundamentally lazy & refuse to go looking for "errors" or creating work for myself by "correcting errors" that, in all likelihood won't even be obvious after the correction has been done!!

I will use my meagre skills in producing a good model ( acceptable to ME that is!!) out of what I get in the packet! . I genuinely respect and admire the dedication of those who DO strive for perfection. They are far better modellers than I! It's just not an approach I like.

By the way, just a thought, but does it really matter if Panther tanks were not used in North Africa? The box art is there to draw attention.It's a nice picture & I'm pretty sure that that little Johnny or Joanne are not going to bother too much. They'll see the nice picture & buy the model anyway ? Just for the record, I didn't know they weren't used in the desert either!

Sorry, that's digresing slightly.

Yes, a very lack lustre & disappointing line up. I'm surprised they didn't include an F16 just to complete the line up of of already done to death subjects like Spitfires, Mustangs, Bf-109s............................!!!!! I am of course realistic enough to accept the sound commercial reasoning behind the release choices. Apart from the Gnat, Skyhawk re tool & Valiant PR/Tanker , there is nothing there to tempt me to produce cash from wallet. I already have a good stash of the re-releases that I want so, that will keep me busy in 2012

ps - I'd just like to say I'm very happy with the Revell Halifax as, I'm sure most of the kit 's buyers will be. Would have been nice if Airfix had updated the B.111 kit though! It has been suggested on this forum, that faults were apparent in the Revell test shots. I don't know if that's true but, I suspect Revell may have made a commercial decision to go ahead anyway knowing that most customers would be quite happy & the kit would sell anyway? Just a thought. I neither praise nor condemn Revell in this matter.

A good 2012 to everyone & I will now pray to every god I don't believe in that someone, somewhere will give me a decent 1/72 VC-10....................................!!!!!

[Haggis]

And some nice modern-ish T3s untill one day ACM Torpy had to take a ride in one.....

That *%&*ing man! Came into the job and made it his mission to delete the FAA. We're not allowed to say his name, it's like Voldermort in HP! Definitely a case of small man syndrome, may the fleas of a thousand camels infest his armpits and all his children have small willies, including the girls.

Right, back to the modelling theme.

I just hope that the new tool stuff has fine panel lines, they'll need to go some to better the ICM 109 for quality and price. I think they've cracked it looking at the test shots of the Lynx at Telford. I am soooooo looking forward to this one, the Merlin as well.

Chatting to the chaps there these will be their last helicopters (for goodness sake, never call them choppers or helos pleeeeease) for a long time. I asked them about maybe a Puma to complete the set and the answer was a definite NO! Gen, not cards close to the chest corporate stuff, it was a no.

[Dave Fleming]

Thinking about the Spit 22, I wonder if, bearing in mind Airfix's recent love of the obscure, the kit will have Syrian markings?

Chatting to the chaps there these will be their last helicopters (for goodness sake, never call them choppers or helos pleeeeease) for a long time. I asked them about maybe a Puma to complete the set and the answer was a definite NO! Gen, not cards close to the chest corporate stuff, it was a no.

I must admit that, in terms of helicopters and Airfix, the release I'm most looking forward to is Aviation Workshop's release of the 1/72 Lynx AH kit upgraded to AH7 standard.

[AnonymousAA72]

: :lol:

Calm down Dave & Bill or, it will be glue tubes at dawn for both of you !!

I respectfully suggest the pair of you are arguing about semantics here! How do you define "challenging" or "needing a bit of work"? Depends on how you approach your model & what you look for from it does it not? I've built both Airfix 1/48 Harriers. Agreed, they were both quite basic but, I built them both into decent replicas with a modicum of effort straight from the box. But then, that's me. I'm fundamentally lazy & refuse to go looking for "errors" or creating work for myself by "correcting errors" that, in all likelihood won't even be obvious after the correction has been done!!

I will use my meagre skills in producing a good model ( acceptable to ME that is!!) out of what I get in the packet! . I genuinely respect and admire the dedication of those who DO strive for perfection. They are far better modellers than I! It's just not an approach I like.

A good 2012 to everyone & I will now pray to every god I don't believe in that someone, somewhere will give me a decent 1/72 VC-10....................................!!!!!

Dave and I are okay - we go back to the dawn of t'internet! Plastic cement duels will not be necessary!

You asked how I define "Challenging" with regards to the Airfix Harrier...now - where to begin!!! My approach to building these are reasonably well documented - in build articles in SAMi and on various websites - maybe even on here? These describe how I've attempted to tackle these challenges. I can provide links to some , if necessary!

Failling that I'd seriously suggest anyone wishing to build a decent replica of this most iconic of aircraft visit the HARSIG website - where SIG Leader Nick (NG899 on here) has provided copious notes on how to improve both the SHAR and the GR3. You can pick and mix or ignore to your hearts content!

Of course all of this is subject to the ambitions and skills level of any individual modeller. Kits are as easy or as difficult as the individual chooses! Some may be happy with an OOB with this kit, others like me - are not! There's nowt wrong wiith either approach.

Each to their individual own I say!

And I'd prefer a decent 1/72nd Lightning to a VC10 anyday!!

(EDIT: Incidentally I don't think that I've stated that I found these challenges unenjoyable BTW! It'd just be nice to build a decent 1/48th Harrier without all of these mods!!)

Edited December 31, 2011 by Bill Clark

[Bobski]

Well I for one and very happy with Airfix's list. There aren't any real surprises, but considering that they announced much of their 2012 list at the same time as their 2011 list, and also that much of their 2010 list was delayed until 2011, I wasn't expecting any. What is there ticks lots of boxes for me though.

Not too fussed about much of their 1/72 output as I don't usually build 1/72, although I'll probably have a Gnat and a Swordfish and I may be tempted by a Tucano or two. In 1/48 I will have a couple of the Harriers (I've built about six of them and enjoy the challenge), plus pretty much everything in their new-tool list including the vehicles. I'll also take the 1/350th Daring, as the pre-production test model they had at Telford was absolutely stunning.

I await the lists from other manufacturers, but so far, with the exception of the 1/48th Supermarine Attacker from Trumpeter, everything I want for next year, for the third year running, is Airfix.

Edited December 31, 2011 by Bobski

[Rob P]

Mind you, we've not had their 3rd of Jan announcement yet. Let's see if they tease us with a couple of 2013 releases as they did last time.

Less than 12 hours until we see Revells list as well

[John]

Thinking about the Spit 22, I wonder if, bearing in mind Airfix's recent love of the obscure, the kit will have Syrian markings?

603 (yeah!) and 607 in the first release, if I read it right. Who knows about future gift sets or additional boxings though???

John

[Geoff_B]

I await the lists from other manufacturers, but so far, with the exception of the 1/48th Supermarine Attacker from Trumpeter, everything I want for next year, for the third year running, is Airfix.

Bob

You forgot the Trumpeter 1/350th Type 23 Frigate HMS Kent and the respective Lynx & Merlin

(I known you will want one of them)

Cheers

Geoff

[Dave Fleming]

603 (yeah!) and 607 in the first release, if I read it right. Who knows about future gift sets or additional boxings though???

John

Nooooo! Not more red and blue checks! Does every mk 22 have to have 603 in it?

A quick note on the Skyhawk for anyone interested. The old Airfix kit was an A4D-1, or after 1962, A-4A. 166 were built and differed the rest of the family by having a faired over rudder. Every Skyhawk since then had the ribs on, it was supposed to be temporary, but never got changed! They also never had a refuelling probe fitted. The A-4B, or A4D-2, of which 542 were built, had the rudder mod and probe and could be fitted with AGM-12s. This version was sold to Argentina's Airforce and Navy, along with some C's.

HTH, Joel

The catalog says the kit is an A-4B

[GreenDragon]

I must admit that, in terms of helicopters and Airfix, the release I'm most looking forward to is Aviation Workshop's release of the 1/72 Lynx AH kit upgraded to AH7 standard.

Same here Dave, as well as the AH.7 I'm interested in the Agusta 109, AS350B, S76 and the SKA 200 too! Plus their 48th Strikemaster, Gnat and Tucano.

Paul Harrison

[Bobski]

Bob

You forgot the Trumpeter 1/350th Type 23 Frigate HMS Kent and the respective Lynx & Merlin

(I known you will want one of them)

Cheers

Geoff

Sorry, what? I hadn't seen that! I'll take two!

[Bandwagon 106]

The catalog says the kit is an A-4B

That's really good news Dave, it's a re-tool, might even be brand new. Be nice if Hasegawa did an A-4A in 1/48, I don't think anybody apart from Airfix ever did this version.

Joel