The Most Un-Airfix Airfix Kit I have ever reviewed and try fit of the new tool
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- čas přidán 26. 08. 2024
- This has to be a joke. Airfix has boxed someone else's kit. Is it from Tamiya, or Wingnut Wings, who could it be? Plastic is like Edward's, panel lines like Tamiya, fit and rigging like Wingnut Wings, frustration level like Italeri, over complications like Dragon. No. This is not an Airfix kit!
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But … but … Harry, everyone praises Wingnut Wings for doing cockpit cradle interiors that disappear forever when the fuselage halves are buttoned up. 🤣🤣🤣 Poor Airfix, they just can’t win. Honestly, I really don’t mind the cradle in this kit - I learnt how the cockpit is constructed in the Bulldog, but I agree with you on how a pilot figure would have been more useful. 😅 I would love this kit to be in 1/32 scale but this 1/48 model is on my build list because hell will freeze over before we see it in the larger scale from Airfix. And because it is a really nice kit overall. I hope Airfix has a Douglas Bader version planned … better still if in 1/32 and with a figure of Bader. 🤞🏻🤞🏻😜
Yes if it’s a WNW kit I expect it, but in 1/32… oh how Airfix have fallen hehe
They could include one of their little legless pilots for a giggle
A pilot would have been nice for sure, but so is a detailed interior
Am sure a 1/48 printed pilot is available from somewhere...scratch that...whenever I try to find some specific figures, Sod's Law dictates there is every kind of figure except the one I bloody well need!!! 😂😂
@@HarryHoudiniModels Airfix dont do 1.32. But they do do 1.24...
@Alan Rogers Yes that is true and in 1/32 the cradle makes sense… it’s almost like this was a Wingnut Wings design they got hold of then scaled the CAD down to 1/48. Should have gone the other way.. a 1/24 BullDawg with full interior makes sense!
I agree with the others it's a Wingnut wings kit made by Airfix just in 1:48 scale. What do you expect but yes bring back the pilots..👍👍
Yes Philip you hit the nail on the head. As a 1/32 WNW kit it makes sense. Even if Airfix put it out in 1/24 then all the wankfoolery Tomfuckery would justify a high price and hours of fettling.
I also hate it that no modern kits include pilots anymore. At least there's now some seated pilots by ICM (in 1:32 , I only build "man-scale"). But I'm honestly considering to make molds of some old Matchbox or even Revell pilots.
Great idea. If you have an iPhone there is a 3D scanner app. Then get heaps 3D printed.
Good to see your video, when you were cutting the plastic packaging I almost thought you were going to have to stop and smoke a cigarette. Another good video not pulling any punches a good honest review
I call them as I see them.
Nice looking kit harry is it price friendly ✌
I was lucky to have Becker get 2 with only one postage cost shared from a small shop in Blighty. Worked out to be 7 shekels ($70 AUD) posted each. Probably retail for that here down under when they arrive plus the cost of postage if you can’t physically get to a hobby store.
It looks like a beautifully detailed kit , there,s no pleasing some people🙄
It certainly is detailed, I have no argument with that. The over fiddly and pointless interior which will never be seen once assembled is my issue. Plus the problems in the instructions. Airfix knows better.
Hey Harry.
Honest as always mate! Valid points too and one of the reasons I won't buy an Eduard kit, I'm not spending 3 weeks building a cockpit which you can hardly see when the fuselage is closed up. Ive seen some build video's of this
I've seen some build video's of this kit and it does look really nice. That's why it's nice to see different people's reviews as you get a more rounded view of what you're getting and how it goes together.
I've already watched this twice as I really want you to build it!
Thanks Harry.
Take care mate 👊
My review is from the point of a 60 year builder of Airfix, who is now half blind and has wombat fisted hands. Not a youngster with 20-20 vision and nimble girlish fingers! LOL. But I do still want to build it. Thanks for the double watch.
@@HarryHoudiniModels 🤣🤣🤣 Ditto mate! I've finally come to terms with my crap eyesight and loss of dexterity! Well...... Airfix have announced a 1/24 Spitfire mkVIII today, and the IX got rave reviews so I'm considering it. Although referring to your go big or go home video, I won't have anywhere to put it! Oh the torment!
Take care Harry 👍
I like the the interior Harry, you don't need to see it you just know its there.
Spoken like a true Armour builder hehe. Thanks Paul
I’d love to see how this looks finished. I’m in the fence about getting this kit.
There are a few full builds online already and some very pretty photos on the Airfix website William
Good one Harry now we need to see you build it 😊
going by the response I think that will be very soon
All the latest Airfix kits I’ve built lately from the 3 V bombers the new Buccaneer, Seaking and the Gannet have been excellent. Tamiya quality on fit and ease of build. Great see Airfix back in the game.
All you say is true and this is a good kit overall… but I do question the over engineered fiddly and interior with vague instructions. I am sure once I build the exterior then my love affair with Airfix will blossom again.
From what I've seen on CZcams, this is a very well-engineered kit with great fit. I agree with you that modern kits put an exaggerated emphasis on interior detail that nobody ever sees. However, some modellers seem to like this, so all power to them. On the other hand, I do think that a pilot would be a great addition and cannot understand why so few manufacturers include them. Then, one can choose how much interior detail to include.
CAD engineered to the limit yes, but is that a good thing for a scale model hobby? Airfix used to provide options, but in this kit you are forced to build an interior that will never be seen. In my follow up video I show how to use less parts and get a better result. It’s supposed to be a fun thing to do. Not an horrendous task you must succumb to whether you like it it not.
I made the Lindbergh 48th Bulldog which i think is the old pyro kit. I didn't think it was bad except the instructions were all on one sheet, no steps. I scratched all the interior that Airfix provide in this kit and i agree with you, it really was a pointless exercise. I've had a rethink on cockpits and interior detail and dont spend too much time if i can't see stuff. Pilots are are great way to cover up lack of details. Helps with keeping the mojo as well.
I am sure there are a few out there blowing their load over all that interior rubbish John. Good on them. This kit was made for them. As for the rest of us, and I would dare say the majority of buyers for this kit, I will show in my next video of this build how to not use 75% of the interior parts to quickly build up the bulkhead, seat, yoke and pedals for a fast and enjoyable interior you can actually bloody well see!
It said made in India on the box!
It certainly did Paul… I am as blind as a bat
@@HarryHoudiniModels Don't worry 'arry, its normal wear and tear. Well to be honest, you do look quite fit and well...
They DEFINITELY NEED to put a ""Douglas Bader" pilot figure in THIS kit. To pay tribute to the man cos this is the aircraft he crashed n cost him his legs. (& what an inspiration to any disabled person to see/learn what the man accomplished against all adversity). N I agree with Ronaldbyme3320 the cradle interior would teach the millennial kiddies about how these early aircraft were constructed. Maybe Airfix need to include a 2nd seat/simplified interior so that you can put the full cradle on display & have a simplified version for the interior. You know, give the model builder the option of either /or ??? As always Harry loved the show and found it very informative. Plus it made me realize that this is a kit that is a bit beyond my buggered up eyesight N I will just have to wait until Airfix release it in 1/24th scale if ever. HINT HINT AIRFIX staff/workers !!! Hope that you are watching cos you should be !!!🤪1/2 blind Shane-y signing off😎. Night night Harry.
I will show in a future how to throw away 75% of the pointless interior parts and just use the bulkhead, seat, yoke, footrest and pedals to make a fun, quick, and useful interior you can bloody well see!
@@HarryHoudiniModels That would be wonderfully helpful, thankyou Harry, thankyou. Because I Really want a "British, stiff upper lipped" Bulldog in my stash/collection &/or on my bookshelf on display (once complete). Cos it truly is such a beautiful looking little beasty, Cos it has a true elegance about it.
Bronco Models do a near complete interior in their 1/48 Curtis P-40’s but at least they provide transparent engine panels if you want to display the engine detail.
Bader crashed in one of these because he was arseing about doing low level acrobatics - which were specifically forbidden because of fatal accidents.
I share your frustration. Reminds me of their 1/24 Spitfire IX - why don't they produce a simplified kit WITH A PILOT and sell it for say 1/2 or 2/3 the price of the 'shows off everything' kit?
Now that is a sensible idea Neil. Pen a letter to Airfix.
Harry, you're consistent about not getting addicted and raving about all the goodies mfrs use to sell kits at ever higher prices. Not to mention all the aftermarket detail etc. that is such a huge market now. Airfix have done a great job with this one, a lot of quality and detail for the price, by todays standards. A lot of details I might have added on my own are there and I appreciate that, but I really enjoy DYI. A really good Pilot figure would be a fine addition. Anyways, I have an old Pyro 1:48 Bulldog which is not a bad kit, that I will get to one day.
Yes its still a good kit, just an absurdly over detailed interior. I will talk about it more and show a cut down interior you can make from much less kit parts that look just as good from the outside.
I always though that Monogram had the right idea in some of their kits where they would give you a pilot but also some standing figures that could used.
Love the vid Harry airfix new models are really good now even there tanks are good I come from Bristol and remember concord flying around Filton in the sixties 😀
I remember seeing the Concord at an airshow back in the 60’s. Was soooo loud.
Says "Made in India" on the side, I've had a warped kit from them before.Very nice kit though!
Yes I saw it too once large on the screen in replay. While shooting the video I could not read the fine print on the side of the box. There has been some issues with quality control from India
I think this shows how the original 1950s kit from Impact which was later reboxed by Pyro/Life-Like and lastly Lindberg was really not all that bad. Surely the Airfix made some improvements but really, especially so for the interior you cannot see anything once the fuselage comes together.
But let’s be honest it’s the radial details that’s the money maker for the bulldog. And airfix did a pretty good job on that aspect.
It was the radial engine that I really wanted to to build in this video K1NGM4S1V, but wasted hours on that stupid never to be seen interior. I look forward to doing the engine in the next video, where I hope to be enjoying the build, not yelling in frustration about tiny parts that will be hidden forever so just pointless to include.
Kit looks very ICMish. It looks great and I love the look of the aircraft. I need to find a color scheme with lots of yellow.
There were lots of different liveries. I am sure you can find a yellow one somewhere. If not just paint it up like a Tiger Moth!
That bottom wing can be used as a Skate Board, it's so thick. I added rib tapes to the wings on mine and thinned the trailing edges down considerably. The interior as you say is pointless
I have heard the complaint about the wing but have yet given mine much attention. Solving the over complex interior has been my priory in the next video up now. Where I use half the parts and drop 9 steps in the instructions to create the same interior as seen from the outside.
Really enjoyed the video. Really appreciate the dry fit you do on the kits you review, high lighting the problems that might be there.Don’t think anyone else does that.Like yourself I would like to see more manufactures include pilot figures. All the best.
Thanks Eric… I wanted to do more than guess from the plastic how good the kit was, so started doing dry fits then semi assembled sections. Glad you like my method of review.
Jesus .. Aifix if you are reading this .. give it up ..go back to producing basic crappy models .. because honestly you cannot win .. You produce a really nice kit of the Bulldog .. and all you are getting is moaned at .. Too much interior detail .. when sod that then .. give the punters no interior detail at all and go back to just a pilot on a peg for the detail .. afterall that's what they seem to want.
dunno why there is so much hate for Airfix ...
I don’t hate Airfix, far from it. Ive been a fan for 60 years. However I am disappointed that they have succumbed to this need for excessively ver engineered interiors that will never see the light of day when built. Pointless. Just a sham marketing tool. Airfix knows better!
There was no hate from Harry. He’s just pointing out the impracticality of that particular kit. More modern fighters have bigger canopies and the detail is visible.
Just a shame there not made in the uk as they should be
Economics… it did get the brand back up and running… but the bad QC and curry smell have been a disappointment
@@HarryHoudiniModelsbasically still a disappointment just don’t feel the same about airfix anymore
Nah! I love interior details, seen or not.
Good for you Piper.. you will love this kit. Hope you have good eyesight and nimble fingers for that fiddly cradle?
I'm impressed with Airfix, the Sea King I picked up has incredible detail. The parts options left me with quite a handful of greeblies that make you want to do some kind of post-pockyclips diorama... still, I look at the old 1/72 Catalina I have (original 60's box) and I'm tempted to do it for nostalgia's sake...
The new Airfix kits can be great and I have many I like.. but this new tool Bulldog is very strange and it only got worse as I built it.
@@HarryHoudiniModels I've had a hate on for biplanes, so I wouldn't have taken it on... The Walrus may be an exception, as we had them in Halifax during the war...
Yes please finish the build. Agreed, interiors are fine but only if they add to the model and if they can be seen when completed, probably Airfix biggest sin is providing interiors like the Wellington and Shackleton etc. and then none of it can be seen in the finished model. Giving various armament options plus loads of unused parts for other versions and forgetting about the crew is more than odd. I think if Airfix want to add value to their kits, add crew and either ground crew, and interior crew and or ground flying crew, and a simple airfield base like the old Matchbox armour kits . I'm always surprised that no other manufacture has copied this idea, after all compared to the cost of tooling for the model the cost of adding a few crew figures and or a semi-diorama type base must be minimal.. After all if the modeler doesn't use them that's their choice , the same as with other optional or unused parts.
I suppose, in defence of Airfix, they have been laughed at in the past for their blobby misshaped pilots in 1/72 and just assumed you would go aftermarket if you want a pilot figure in 1/48. No flight stand was included with the kit so again, I assume, they expect it to be just a pilotless wheels down display.
Love the humour, love the attitude, great review. I've got the kit and I'll not be wasting much time on invisible interior parts.
Thanks Duncan
This reminds me of the recent ICM 1/72 Po-2 bi-plane I did. Lots of little fiddly bits in that kit too but at least the cradle was moulded into the fuselage sides until, cough, I decided to add photo-etch. 🤦♀
It taught me one thing, though, Harry. From now on, I am not putting photo-etch in aircraft ever again! That will be just for ships from now on because, as you pointed out here, you can see it!
Oh, speaking of ships, I picked up a part built 1/350 scale Zvezda Russian Cruiser Varyag (no: 9014) for really cheap, a tenner in UK money! It's a pre-dreadnought ship from the very late 19th century and still has a fair bit of rigging to it. Only the hull halves and a few deck pieces are together, the rest is as is, still in its bags. Beautiful kit and well worth the photo-etch I got for it.
I'll watch how you get on with this Bulldog though, looks nasty!
I built the Varyag, although I am yet to rig mine, on my list. It is a surprisingly well made kit by Zvezda, who can be hit and miss at times. I made a lot of upgrades to mine. There is a whole playlist on my build. czcams.com/play/PLNv64WC6ItdyowGt1b5Z33J4Fu-fz827h.html
@@HarryHoudiniModels Ooh, thanks Harry, I will check it out. Already picked up brass guns and railings for me. Even only part built, I can see this is going to be a beauty, as long as I don't screw it up of course!
Made in India Harry, it is just under the Decals date on the box side. I might redeem some of my 'Flying Club hours' and treat myself to one, to sit alongside my 'Tangerine' Swordfish. Thanks for the review. Cheers from Blighty.
Thanks Nick, I noticed that in the replay but could not see for looking when shooting the video. My eyes have got so bad this year with floaters and blurred vision. I will need coke bottle lens glasses soon!
Of course Harry always interesting, complexity reminds me of 1/48 Anson. Yes, a pilot for a biplane would make sense. Thanks for sharing Harry.
My pleasure Cos… hope I wasn’t too grumpy? This kit really upset me.
Well I only model anything over 50yrs old so I car'nt really understand these new kits. I've heard it all " It's nice to know there is a full interior in TIGER TANK!" Crack on with that then🙄
So when are you putting a boiler room and engines in the Waspite.
Where does it end...🤔
Exactly Dave… no boils on my Warspite.. need to add those lifeboats and launches though :)
At last! Someone who speaks my language! Good stuff Harry. Great vid and great Aussie sense of humour. Look forward to more posts. Two thumbs up! 👍👍
Glad you got the humour and way I call a spade a spade. Thanks David.
@@HarryHoudiniModelsor even a bloody shovel , laughed all the way at at your Aussie humour ,brilliant mate !
Hi Harry would of loved seeing the real one built at filton in Bristol all I ever seen was Concorde flying around when I was a kid in the sixties
There are still a few museum examples Robert, and one was restored to flight status and used in a movie or TV series. Would be great to hear that radial engine fire up again, then roar off into the sky.
Hi Harry, hate to see you suffering. Tell you what: I'll relieve you of any WnW kits in your stash and give you some nice oldschool Airfix bags for in return. This nice MIG 15 for instance: 50% of the interior parts are for the pilot. And the whole interior is completely visible (through the intake)
You are a very charitable and kind person Axel. Thank you for your kind offer however I do prefer the Airfix sailing ship kits from the 60’s.
I understand where you're coming from with regard to the cockpit. I would think it would be an idea to do something along the line of the engine nacelles on the 1/32 Hachette Lancaster I'm building/have been building for some time. They give you clear plastic nacelles to make all the nice detail of the Merlins visible. That way you either leave it see through or paint it, I suppose that's one more piece and more gaps to fill but....
The one piece tailplane and elevators is nice, I've never seen the point of having individual moving elevators that never moved individually unless they were elevons. I also used to avoid rigging like it had the plague but these days I love it. I have no problems tackling WW1 fighters and I use stretched sprue. The Airfix sprues stretch nicely and it adds a whole new dimension to the model. There are limits though, I rigged a 1/48 Smer DH2 and only managed 30% before I did the Monty Python thing "Run awayyy!!!", but 1/48 is OK to try generally speaking.
I'd love to build the Bulldog but pocket money isn't sufficient to cover the cost right now, maybe down the track a bit.They are a pugnacious looking little unit, a bit like Douglas Bader who donated his legs to one of them.
Thanks for commenting matey… you make lots of sense, they should hire you at Airfix!
@@HarryHoudiniModels nah mate I'd be walking out at smoko with boxes of models shoved up me jumper !.
@@HarryHoudiniModels nah mate, I'd be walking out at smoko with boxes of models stuffed up me jumper !!
This looks like a great kit Harry, and should look fantastic when built and painted. Can’t wait to see it on the bench. By the way, from what I saw, the box text just under the year of manufacture, etc, it said ‘Made in India’.. Cheers for now mate!
Yes it does say India, when you see it enlarged on a big screen. When shooting the video my old bandicoot eyes could not read the fine print. LOL
1/24 spit was uk and all the quick kits as far as I know.
Thanks Bill
Great vid Harry ,great Aussie humour and fair dinkum analysis ,nailed it !
Glad you enjoyed it matey
Well Harry I shall build the Merit kit that is in my stash, you have saved me some money sir and I thank you.
Is the Merit kit in 1/24 or 1/32? That would be a much better scale for this subject.
DON'T! I made the mistake of buying this kit. An absolute bit of crap that really shows its age. For heaven's sake, it has the raised outline where all the decals go. Better to just bin it directly.
Yes please finish the build mate. And I fully agree with you why have all that detail if you can't see it. As always stay safe and happy modeling everyone 👍
Thanks Anthony and yes I will finish it. Looking forward to making that radial engine. That should put the fun back in this build.
Quite the kit. It's possible that they did the interior like that so someone could make a display piece out of it, though I've not seen anything like that in 1/48. If it was 1/24 then you could maybe understand it. It's a case of "We can do it, so we will!". I've been caught out like that myself. I have been a bit of a Star Wars fan and did a Bandai kit of one of the little Walkers from the third movie. I made up a really nice interior, looking like the effects models did, I was really proud of it. Then, I put it inside the head and realised that, even through the windows, you couldn't see a damn thing because it was all enclosed and no light could get in!
Over here, we got this nice TV show called Hornby: A Model World. It took you behind the scenes and showed you the modern Airfix design process. Well worth a look if you can find it.
I think the “horn” took the “air” and “fix” out of the hobby Roger. This is just another soulless CAD kit that won’t be remembered in 50 years the way we adore the Airfix kits from the 60’s and 70’s.
@@HarryHoudiniModels Maybe. I guess they were damned if they did or didn't. Their old tools were getting past it and were surpassed by other manufacturers. If Airfix didn't embrace the technology they'd be gone and all the old stuff would be consigned to history.
Box says Made in India.
Yes it does… thanks for finding my Easter Egg
I agree with you make interesting pilots
Yes we need more pilots! Luckily I have a 3D printer so can source some figure files online and print my own at what ever scale I need.
Should look good next to their 1/48 scale Hawker Fury, looking forward to seeing the build.
It will be interesting to see them side by side Michael
Can never understand detailed cockpits that can't be seen when the fuselage is put together. And yes, give us a bloody pilot. They always used to. Looks stupid if displayed flying. Loving the new Airfix stuff though. Just one thing. On an enclosed canopy, why don't they make the canopy frame out of plastic and then fit the clear part inside? Also, and this is going off on a bit of a tangent but...... Hornby trains. Put a driver in it. Especially something like the Stephensons Rocket model. People make highly detailed dioramas only to have a train going round the track driverless. And, so to bed. To calm down a bit. BTW Airfix, Hornby. If you read this please use these ideas free of charge.
They do watch my videos… hope they read your advice and suggestions Mark
Yes, complete the kit.
Thanks William I will!
Douglas Bader lost his legs in this aircraft.
That is true…
Im totally with you on your pilot V interior comments. Question for ya... See all those swirls in the plastic on the wing parts, How do you paint them and get rid of it showing through. I have tried a few different primers and rattle can primers but they usually show on the final paint coat.
Those swirls are due to silver colouring in the styrene which separated during injection Alan. I have experienced this with other kits, but once primed disappears entirely. So it won’t pose any issues.
It actually said Made In India under the design and decals details on the box
Yes I noticed it while replaying the first edit… could not see a thing while doing the video. Left my mistake in to see if anyone picked it up. You did. Well done.
@@HarryHoudiniModels Sherbets?
@@HarryHoudiniModelsAirfix seem to have QC issues with their Indian supplier generally.
@@HarryHoudiniModelsSure you did....😂😂😂
@@HarryHoudiniModelsSans curry aroma😂😂
Love the diversity guide plus it should have a trigger warning for unseen interior.
Wank, wank, wank . . . it's ok, he's Australian 😆🤣 . . . keep it up Harry.
Got to stay with what I do best Arthur :D
@@HarryHoudiniModels 😁
+1 to including a Pilot!
Good on you Monkey
I liked the cat!
Bask the Cat is the star of the show
Nice build........I wonder why the Bristol Aircraft company didn't name it the Yorkshire Terrier.
LOL
8:50 if I had to guess why the struts were moulded in that odd configuration I would say it was to make the locating pins have the correct angle to go into the fuselage or wherever they belong. I'm guessing the holes those pins go into are at 90 degrees to the fuselage and so the pins are at the correct angle...just a guess though.
That sounds plausible to me Neuman
It's too good...
It’s too CAD… I feel this has none of the soul of an Airfix kit, just another homogenous, over engineered, pointless build, with no thought for enjoyment of construction. It smells of corporate greed to get punters to buy something they don’t need.
@@HarryHoudiniModels I loved the curry stench jokes, bruv.
Hi Harry, Looks like a great kit to me, WW1 planes are always like that for the interior, I like it even if it's not easily visible, perhaps with a flashlight.
I built the Nieuport 17 by Academy, super-detailing the interior with perforated veneer for the seat, metal cables, etc, can't really see much at the end but it's okay, to me it's part of the fun.
Honestly, would you like it if there was nothing but the seat and instrument board inside ? The only thing that I don't really like is the joint on the front top of the fuselage, it would be better if there was the 2 sides of the fuselage and a cover for the pedal / engine area.👋🏻
True Yves.. I was a little heavy handed with the removal of sprue nubs and the plastic is very soft and easily cut into. So that seam is less than perfect. The top wing will cover it, and a little putty will hide my sins. The bottom has a part to cover the front underside and the seam line to the rear is correct for that aircraft.
Gotta agree about the pilot -- every aircraft kit, regardless of scale, should come with a full crew. Okay, put in all the interior stuff if you must, though do give some thought as to how much will be visible, but give us the crew! AND (though not relevant in this case) the option to depict the aircraft in flight! I am so tired of having to do major surgery on a kit simply to close up the undercarriage bays... I really hate it that the default "option" for so many kits these days is shut down on the ground with the control surfaces in parked position and half the access panels open. It may allow competition modellers to show off their skills, but I want a good representation of the aircraft in operation, not a hangar queen!
You need to meet my mate Chris Becker… That is the song he sings… calls the opened up aircraft autopsies and is a strong believer in wheels up. If you are not already subbed go to Becker’s Models on CZcams.
Thanks for the recommendation. I'll give it a look.
Agree with you about having a pilot Harry. To many airplane kits have no pilots. How the hell are we to display the airplane in flight without a pilot. I usually stick a Pilot Sargent Blob in the seat, made from blue tack.
Ah good old Captain Blob… he is a reliable and cuddly old fella
Absolutely agree with you on the interior/ pilot statement! I’ve said it time and time again, especially with Airfix! ,why do they give you a “pilot” that they first introduced back in the 50/60s which is just a token gesture!? They are missing a trick here in my book!
It does seem strange Melvyn. I’ve heard their excuse is people don’t use them and simply throw the poor fella in the bin, but from the majority of the comments here that cannot be true. I fear Airfix is listening to the loudest voice of the rivet counters, and not paying attention to the quiet mumblings of their actual target market, the real modellers!
@@HarryHoudiniModels Yep! The reason they end in the bin is because they look like a token gesture!!
I wonder if it is ICM tooling ,but it seems like nice modern kit!I have an old Impact Gladiator and or does not compare to the Airfix kit!
It could have been designed by any manufacturer with a computer and CAD. Sure it is nicely detailed but soulless. No Airfixizety about this one. Could be from Tamiya, Eduard or ICM. You won’t remember this kit in 50 years in the same way we love the old Airfix kits from the 60’s and 70’s.
Agreed... too much interior detail that won't be seen but no pilot 😢
It is a problem… but I may have a solution in the next video
There is always the option of either buying a pilot on somewhere like eBay or printing one. I've see a few for sale as .stl's and I've bought .stl's for wheels for my poor old 1/24 Hawker Hurricane that has seen better days and has had the wheels melt and deform from age...a bit like me.
If the sprue bag doesn't smell like PG tips then they're not back in the UK yet.😊
What is a PG tip?
If they do a clear fuselage yes that's good
That would make sense Chris
I’ll find out what the issue is when i watch the video tonight. Ive watch a few other box reviews. Not seen a build yet. Airfix is generally getting better with each release, although their is variability in their design team in terms if approach and style.
Its on my longish list to buy and build (rigging !) although i think WW1 and inter-war biplanes are best done in 1/32 as a minimum.
I see. The best of the most recent airfix kits (such as the Gannet, Buccaneer, Sea King) in 1/48 are now highly designed and engineered a la Tamiya.
Getting more precise, but better is subjective. This kit has little soul, it’s just not Airfixy to me. Could be Eduard, Tamiya or Wingnut Wings plastic. It’s just an AI kit with lots of detail, no real world sense of construction, but just a faceless Android feel to it.
interior detail is invisible and make these kits very expensive ......(£26 - 30 )............................give us pilots !!! I always build "inflight" and have to spend another £5 - 10 on buying pilots , or the cockpits just look silly with no one driving !. ( I am 73 , I haven't got time to spend 3 weeks building a seat and cockpit ........)
Agreed Fred
Hear hear Fred - aircraft kits are now basically cars....
Buy stuff Blue Stuff and some Green Stuff.
Make molds of the pilots you bought.
Or buy a 3D printer
Should always have a pilot.
Somehow it's all the hype to offer interior kits; if you really want to get to a new level of frustration get a 1:35 vehicle from Miniart (their WW1 Austins turn out lovely, but the amount of invisible PE in that, not to mention the INDIVIDUAL rivets you have to glue on (at least there are plastic). Very few Miniarts in my stash, only absolute must-haves. Maybe I'll send one to you from Germany 😂, but only if you promise to review and start building it. Maybe for your new series on how you can make a decent model with no more than 10% of the included parts...
Please no! I don’t think my frail aged heart can take anymore of this. Give me an old 60’s Airfix kit I can enjoy updating if I choose.
@@HarryHoudiniModels I was only joking, never fear LOL
Horses for courses- personally I want the full interior & couldn't care less about the lack of pilot. Cockpits are my thing even if you can't see them when it's buttoned up.
No problem there, I just feel Airfix gave no choice. You had to build the full interior like it or not. In my next video of the build, which is up now, I show how to cut down the interior, using only a handful of the parts in the kit, to give a same result without using the many parts which will be hidden. Airfix could have, and should have, done this in the instructions as they did in the past. Give us options. Give us pilots. Each to their own choice of build.
Well, this is your review on your channel, but you are a bit of a grumpy bugger about this one. One could spend hours getting ones moneys worth building this with all those fidly bits. A resin 3d printed pilot would be best and you do not have to build all the inside either. Anyway, I do enjoy your opinion and you speaking your mind, in true Australia style!
It was such a surprise John, and not in a good way, after loving Airfix for 60 years despite their foibles… this kit is just another over engineered clone for the faceless masses. Very nicely done, but a pig to build that interior for a half blind wombat hand fisted old grumpy fart like myself. Back to my 60’s sailing ship kits from Airfix. I have finally got old and irrelevant. Get off my lawn!
@HarryHoudiniModels old and irrelevant? Not at all. There is a lot of life in the old dog.
It looks like a good kit. I like 1/48 but an Aircraft like that would be even better in 1/32 scale. As for the interior many like that detail even if it's going to be hidden forever. I am disappointed no pilot. If I buy this I'll also build the cradle regardless. Just cause it's there and doesn't give you just a shell. Didn't Lindberg do this kit in 1/48? With a pilot and a seat? Only? All the best with that Bulldog. From Melbourne Australia.👍✌️🇭🇲🦘🐨
The Bulldog really would be better at 1/32, like Wingnut Wings. I did the math and not only is 1/32 scale 1.5 times longer than 1/48, the area of the cockpit opening is 2.3 times larger, and if you compare volume of the interior then 1/32 has 3.4 times the volume of 1/48 for the same subject. Size matters!
Hi Harry, really enjoy your channel and look forward each week to your latest episode. I’ve been thinking of getting this model having seen it built on another channel I subscribe to, Richard’s modelling adventures, this guy is into foiling and he has foiled the metal part of the fuselage, looks really good but don’t think I would have the patience or expertise.
Have you done much foiling?
I use a trick of dry brushing metallic paint to get a shiny metal effect Stuart. Worked well on the Hawker Fury I built.
great video Harry ( 10k views !! )
It was a bug surprise… thought it would take a few weeks like the Hercules one!
Why do the fuselages of aircraft join down the middle from the top and not the side? The seam line would be way easier to eliminate and the cockpit interior easier to insert.Also all kit companies have re-packaged or used tooling from other companies for eons including Airfix.
Roden had this figured out decades ago. Their Junkers D1 I build had top, bottom, and side fuselage sections, which all joined on a seam line.
@@HarryHoudiniModels And no one followed? I think the people who run kit companies have never built a kit.
People? AI does the CAD and 3D printers spit out the plastic. Never touches human hands LOL
more difficult to mould in the fin , with horizontal join ??
@@fredtedstedman not only that, but you would have seams behind all the decals on the fuselage. A nightmare. There is good reason why the seams are on top and bottom.
Maybe that should be Finding Airfix Rare Treasure/ s.
LOL that I can use!
what would be better than a 48th scale Airfix Bulldog is if it was 32nd or even 24th scale Bulldog
I suspect this is a 1/32 Wingnut Wings design which was never completed for market before they went bust. So Airfix scaled it down for an over engineered unnecessarily excessively detailed 1/48 kit. Going the other way up to 1/24 would make far more sense and also mean the cradle is worth all the fuckery to build.
@@HarryHoudiniModels ooh well a scaled down WNW design would make sense it did have some of that WNW pedigree
Some people just hate, hate, hate AIRFIX, anyone who builds kits and has made any of their kits from the last 10 years will know about their quality of recent. I used to make old AIRFIX kits back in the 60s and 70s, and yes they werent great. But times have changed massively, try their newer Blenheim, Walrus, Anson in 1/48 scale, they really are great kits.
I don’t hate Airfix, far from it. It’s just the pointless interior cradle which after buttoning up the fuselage 90% won’t be seen, that is what I have issue with. Seems so pointless and over engineered. I can have that opinion but still like the kit. And yes I have already reviewed the Airfix Blenham, loved it, I also own the new 1:48 Walrus and look forward to building it. I’m not so stupid that I have to blindly love everything Airfix does. I call it as I see it, good and bad.
I've watched this 10 times now, so come on everyone watch this again to boost the numbers above 10K (7.7K as of 17th July) so Harry has to build this POS Airfux kit!
And then he'll make me build mine.....
oi! I assume POS means Plastic Or Styrene? Look… its not a bad kit overall… I just think the interior is over engineered and pointless… give us Pilots instead!
11 times...
22 times and nearly 10K! woo hoo!
9913 views ...I'm gonna use my other accounts:)
Each channel can only add one view.
Otherwise creators could watch their video thousands of times
Some are UK made
So I have heard Bernard. This kit apparently says made in India on the box, but my old eyes failed to see it.
Just the larger Spitfires. The QuickBuild range used to be made in England but that's now Indian-made too.
interiors , I agree , can be a waste of time on many kits. unseen engines ,as well. my experience of full build unseen engines ,is a kit that wont go together properly. I tend to build the bare minimum for construction
Thanks for commenting matey… it can be a waste for many of us.
Consistency Harry, a pilot in every kit, not sure why they include pilots in some & not in others, as with most kits by the time you have completed the build what do you really see even with the larger scales, unless you do a cut away to show the detail off. I think dammed if they don't dammed if they do. 1/48 Bristol bulldog. 👍
Don’t say cutaway too loud, Becker calls those autopsies and gets on his high horse about it LOL
Good to see Airfix plastic is being changed from that pale grey rubbish that wouldn't stick together but melted to nothing.
I though so too at first.. but this silver plastic doesn’t bond well with my Revell Contacta or Tamiya Thin. You have to clamp or hold each assembly until the cement reluctantly bonds. Strange?
Actually, that 'crappy' Pyro kit was originally the Impact model - and that was a very good kit. Later the tools went to Lindberg - I understand the Airifx model is a reworking of the earlier Merit (more recently Smer) model - as is their Fury.
No. Although the Airfix 1:48 Hawker Fury is a rebox of the old Pyro kit, I know because I built it (full build video and review on my channel) however the new tool Airfix 1:48 Bristol Bulldog is a brand new CAD kit. I have also owned the Smer 1:48 Bulldog, but sold it on as the quality was woeful. This Airfix kit is chalk and cheese to the old Impact/Pyro/Lindberg kit. You can see that clearly in the sprue shots in my video and the test try-fit I showed which is nothing like the Smer Bulldog kit or even Airfix rebox of the Fury.
@@HarryHoudiniModels You're right about the Merit/Smer kit. Really shows its age and is unbuildable. Better to bin it.
Actually the name is Inpact. These kits were very very good even by today's standards, even came with rigging thread. The kits were made in Wembley by Toly Products and I worked there
A cigarette? You need a girlfriend Harry.
I have a Cat :)
1993 Lindberg Bristol Bulldog Biplane 1:48 Scale Kit
Which is a rebox of the old Inpact/Pyro kit of the 60’s www.scalemates.com/kits/inpact-kits-p203-bristol-bulldog--170791
it did say "Made in India" on the box..... @3:47 Your fingernail runs over it......
Yep as many other commenters have echoed…. I am as blind as a wombat!
Sorry. Not to beat on you. I can only read so far back through the comments! Peace
no problem matey
just build the flippin thing :) joking, still think it should be Finding Rare Airfix Kits, which would be FRAK and mean it's Harry's version of fraking, I'll get me coat on the way out.
Personally I like the build part of models and It doesn't bother me if 99% isn't seen afterward as it's the building that I get enjoyment from, but everyone is different, except for me as I'm the same as the other people I see in the mirror.
Also i think Airfix have used companies here for some kits already. Model on
I actually said F.R.A.K. but Bask put F.A.R.K. on the screen in text and on the thumbnail. I will build it, now that stupid interior is done. The motor looks like fun plus the fuselage and wings seem to fit well. Thanks for dropping in Sarah-Jane
I would love to build one of these save one BIG issue! - It's a Bi-Plane! By which I mean it needs rigging which I have always found to be a monumental pain. Some bi-plane aircraft have double wires, two running parallel from each rigging point adding to the misery. Something needs to be done about this to make this stumbling point less of a nuisance. I have seen photo-etched rigging supplied with some manufacturers, probably the best option for ease of fit. Not got to the bit where you address this, looking forward to your take!
3D printing to the rescue !
@@HarryHoudiniModels How does 3-D printing handle the fineness of the wires at that scale? I would pay extra for photo-etched wires as rigging is such a pain!
I have had success at printing sailing ship ratlines at 0.3mm diameter.. So in theory I could print ready made pairs of rigging lines for a biplane in a rectangle you just click in place then glue.
@@HarryHoudiniModels Thanks for your quick reply, certainly worth looking into. One more point - do ever sleep? It's 10.05 here in the UK (morning), isn't it about time you were sawing logs? Take care mate, speak again soon.
Sleep? I fall asleep in front of the TV at night, and have naps during the day. But I am always up just before dawn and work long days. It’s ok, fills in my time so I am never bored or lonely.
To be honest that kit doesn't shout out...'' I'm designed & engineered by Airfix '' Something sneaky is going off.
Sadly it is just another CAD spat out Tamiya/Eduard/etc clone. Somehow the joy and soul of Airfix has been sucked out in some absurd goal to be like other model kit manufactures. I buy and build Airfix for the exact reason they were not like the others! No more it seems :(
@@HarryHoudiniModels So true pal, I love the old 2nd tooling Airfix Lancaster kit from the early 80's, the black sprued early versions are the best, Airfix decided to ditch that old kit and replace it with something more modern & more appealing to the so called 'panel line freaks' brigade, that new Lanc' kit is massed with what I call as ''rain channels'' and devoid of rivets.....You show me a real Lancaster that has such horrendous grooves which are also rivet free......It's become very common of most Airfix kits to be full of these rain channels, all so they can be filled in with a 'wash' to highlight each panel....Sucks! The Avro Vulcan was such a super smooth aircraft, yet Airfix decided to make their new Vulcan massed in ruddy rain channels, like WTF is going off with Airfix.
Woah!
Welcome partner.. you new in town? Rest those horses a spell...
It says India on the box.
Yes it does. My blind old eyes just can’t read fine print anymore.
I tend to be with you on the 'too much interior detail' thing, I know modellers who will spend a small fortune on after market resins etc to change/add interior details which take an awful long time to do as well (also involving you chopping/reshaping bits of the original kit) for stuff that NOBODY WILL SEE! WHY? I like a kit to faithfully represent the character, shape look of the original machine, my thing is the final painting where I can make a mini version of the real thing with all the weathering, chipped paint and oil streaks that bring the kit to life, a bit like a 3-D canvas (I illustrate and paint various subjects as an artist too), that's my bag. I do understand that there are some kit builders who just can't take what they are given in the supplied model and just have to fiddle with it. There are times when one might need to scratch build something or make a tweak to change one mark of aircraft to another, that certainly has it's pleasures and satisfactions but I have to agree, if you can't see it, why bother? Some sort of OCD maybe? Oh well, each to their own . . .
Yes each to their own. I am happy to modify and scratch a cheap old kit. But paying top dollar for a CAD new tool kit then it really should be sorted.
@@HarryHoudiniModels Regarding Airfix, I actually sub-contract to them producing some of their instruction sheets - they have come a long way since the 70s when I started building their kits! I like the general direction they are going, their new tooling is first rate and i always look forward to the new stuff, i currently have the 1:24 scale Spitfire MKIX in the loft stash ready to go, it was a real pleasure opening the box and going through the sprue bags (can't remember any weird smells, maybe my age!?!). Now subscribed and looking forward to further content, keep up the good work!
ooops so you did the instructions.. hmmm better not watch part 3 then LOL
@@HarryHoudiniModels I didn't do this particular kit, they put a lot of these out as I'm sure you know. I have been more involved in producing the new range of 'starter kit', the ones that are somewhat simplified for introduction level kit builders. They are very nicely tooled and have a reduced level of parts whilst not dumbing down on the detail, worth a look if you fancy a break from the more heavily engineered main range kits.
I have seen the Quick Kits… but thought the guys in my Model Club would laugh at me if I got one LOL.
Honestly I enjoy a complex kit, built many Dragon tanks. I don’t mind fettling with an old Airfix kit, built many of their ships. I just feel a newly tooled 21st Century CAD produced kit from Airfix should have good instructions. Not hide part tabs and obscure how parts join just to keep to orthographic drawings pulled from CAD. More thought should have gone into the instructions.
Sure, now I know the traps and omissions the instructions make sense, but when I was building the model they were sadly lacking, vague, and misleading.
Too stingey to hire a sculptor to make some pilots.
That could even be sold as a seperate set with different poses or scales.
I think we have a ready made market niche…. warm up the 3D printer Bask!
I strongly disagree with what You call stupidity - placing sprue attachment points on mating surfaces, like wing and fuselage halves. instead of external, visible surfaces. I find it brilliant and it is strange, that I haven't seen this solution before until recently in some chinese model kits, not sure who was first to implement them (Meng, probably?). Idea behind it is plain simple - it is MUCH easier to cut or sand flat the mating surface, than to get trimmed sprue to the shape of fuselage or leading wing edge. Good sprue cutters, placed flush to the mating surface - and no additional treatment might be required. Thicker connector might require some caution not to cut into part too deep, I prefer to do it in several stages, gradually removing remaining "stud". I praise this solution so much over old school parts attachment.
I agree it is a good solution and that is not my issue. If the tabs look identical to features and parts you need to preserve then it all becomes very confusing. That is all I wanted to point out. I have a great battleship kit from Fujimi which uses the sprue point on tab method… but it is consistent and obvious. Brilliant!
@@HarryHoudiniModels Thanks for clarifying Your point - having some raised detail, protruding above mating surfaces might get confusing, indeed.
Airfix has always had a reputation for being terrible models, heavy flash, warped parts, etc. since they were bought out by another company their stuff has gotten a lot better.
Actually you don’t seem to know the full story.
Airfix was great and produced outstanding kits in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s….. then competition from Japan had them struggling in the 80’s and 90’s so they were bought out by a number of unscrupulous overseas owners who forsake quality over profit.
That’s probably the Airfix kits you grew up with. Reboxed versions of cheap kits, not actual Airfix tooling, and bad pressings of the moulds from worn out old Heller factories in France. The product was awful. Not Airfix’s fault, it was the greedy new owners!
Luckily in the 21st Century ownership was taken back to England and the company was reborn with help from manufacture in India.
ZM kit I’m building isn’t anything to get excited about,for all the Details are cleverly clumped together in lumps that magically fit inside the Tubey thing.They take away all the work and give you instructions that make you think you’ll never manage to finish it.If kit didn’t have a tank gun strapped underneath,it would still be on shelf.Airfix quality control is massive let down.
For a change this Airfix first run doesn’t have any short shot parts… maybe they employed someone to check the sprues before packaging and posting this time.
Lmfao if you have nothing to do on Sunday at 1800 look up Aussie modellers live because we don't give a crap just as long as you want to hang out and talk shite, and if you you do drop bye I am reckon I can get ya on no question asked 👍
Always busy on a Sunday Alex.. usually trying to get my weekend video edited and up for Members and Patreons before my dinner, then monetise and make live the version for the great unwashed later in the evening. Forever feeding the algorithm so I can fed in the real world. If I ever get a free Sunday I might try to drop in. Thanks for the invite.