The only complaints I have with the newer 1/72 kits is that the clear parts are a tad too thick. But I also get that Airfix positions itself as a more accessible model brand. And less experienced modelers tend to struggle with fragile clear parts. If could, I'd suggest getting "pro" accessories kits from them and their kits. Those aftermarket gubbins tend to have a higher profit margin.
Another interesting insight from them on the day was that they are more than happy to work with aftermarket companies - a good example being that several newer kits of theirs have two versions of the transparency - one without windscreen wipers to make it easy to add aftermarket ones, and one with for those who just want a "standard" build@@surturiel
I'm not knocking Airfix as I've built many of their kits over the last 55 years, and continue to do so, but Eduard produce much better kits for the money (especially the Profi range), albeit with a somewhat limited choice.
@@56Gumball I think "Better" in this cas eis subjective, given the Eduard kits are more expensive and feature parts that not every modeller feels comfortable with (eg photoetch)
@@MannsModelMoments I respectfully disagree about value for money. The Eduard Weekend Edition (no photo etch) Mk.1 Spitfire in 1/48 scale from Wonderland Models is currently £20.50, whilst the Airfix Mk.1 in 1/48 from the same emporium is £28.99. As I said previously, I like Airfix kits, but they're not always value for money, especially the newer releases. Also, with regard to the newer releases, I recently built the 1/48 DH Chipmunk, but If built out of the box the wings droop from about mid span to the tips so some corrective surgery is required to achieve the right stance as the wing half location pins don't line up correctly. I think quality control must have taken the day off when this model was ok'd for public consumption, but with a bit of care it does build into a lovely model (as does the Bond Bug).
As a newbie to the modelling world I think you've nailed why its so easy to be an airfix fanboy - they're ever present and open, makes it easy to gravitate towards these guys. The care and passion comes through from these guys.
It was over 30yrs since I last made a model. I finally had a workshop and the chance to do what I wanted...My first thought was I want to make " Airfix " models again lol.. The childhood nostalgia never leaves you and 18mnths later with enough Airfix/kits to see me into the grave and beyond, the brand Airfix just makes you think quality/class. Reputation richly deserved.
I've been modeling kits since th late 1950's. As a "Yank", I have always liked and appreciated Airfix. Their earliest kits were a good match for my beginner's skills, and I enthusiastically watched Airfix's kits evolve in sophistication, helping to continually whet my modeling enthusiasm. By their products, I could tell Airfix, in any of its iterations, was a company of enthusiasts of the hobby, not unlike our Monogram. When kits,such as the Blower Bentley or the 1/24 aircraft arrived, I was inspired, as my skills were up to the complexities and scale of detail these kits offered. It has been such a pleasure to see Airfix's growing line of beautifully rendered 1/48 kits, and their commitment to 1/72 scale. Their 1/72 new toolings are among the very best in this scale. Yet, they still cater to the young, beginning modeler, the hubby's future. Great work, Airfix! Thanks for decades of enjoyment!
Anyone who takes on injection moulding for a niche market is a brave man. I worked in investment casting for 14 years, from pattern production to final finished castings. Injection machines and dies are the most expensive parts of the process after labour costs. £25,000 for one die alone. Yes, they do get used past their 'sell by date,' but that was up to QC not a low-level maintenance man like me. Good luck to Airfix and hurry up with that lunar module kit that got me started off all those years ago.
Interesting and informative video, thank you. I have been building Airfix kits since around 1965, maybe one day I'll get the hang of it 🤣 Seriously though, because of that I have a certain affinity to the Airfix brand. I am of the opinion that there are people out there that love to to hate Airfix, in the same way that people rubbish Aldi and Lidl in the misguided belief that they sell inferior products. If I glance at my (ever increasing) stash, it's probably 70% Airfix. Says it all really, perfectly happy with what they produce and love the vintage classics range which takes me full circle back to 1965. Just need Little Nellie re-released and I will be the proverbial pig in the smelly stuff.
Absolutely Splendiferous, thoroughly enjoyed the report and the insight into how a model kit beings and ends up on the shelves of our favourite hobby shop.
Airfix in the early sixties was My favorite. I Doll have my childhood models , now getting restored. Miss scale 1/600 ships, but scale 1/700 dominates now worlwide
Speaking as a very small cog in some very large operations that found himself party to the inner machinations of those operations (it's amazing what they will let on when you are someone who can get the widgets out of the door on time, in the correct numbers & suitable for purpose - when the Boss class just stand around with faces like smacked ar*es when things are going badly) the most successful of these operations were the ones that acknowledged the necessity of bean counters - but kept them chained to a radiator in the cellar. It appears that Airfix has plenty of bean counters but they don't allow them to strangle the business - they realise that 'quick buck' thinking just limits their horizons. A resurgent Triumph is another example. Just goes to show what the UK is capable of when it isn't cheerfully asset stripping itself on the quiet. Many thanks for the insights - fascinating stuff indeed. Looking forward to more updates on the Model Shop - you my friend are living the dream.
I appreciate the perspective, I do think its somewhat telling thought that when i see the comments on a video like this the majority are from people who ether just got into the hobby or have taken an extended break, and have fond memories from the 60's/70's. Reputations come about for a reason and take a long time to change, so i don't necessarily blame people who have written off airfix, but it is a problem if after a prolonged period of time they still hold those views when presented evidence to the contrary. personally i look forward to trying one of these modern airfix kits eventually.
I've been making models for over 50 years. Over 90% of them were (and still are) Airfix. I'm currently enjoying the Vintage Classic range. Although I've built kits from other Companies. I get the most pleasure from building an Airfix kit.
I built a few Airfix kits in the late '60's and very early '70's and they seemed pretty much on par with the Monogram and Revell kits of the time. I haven't built any of their products since then but here in the US their reputation has gotten quite a bit better over the past ten years or so. I do have their Gloster Javelin in my to-do stack and look forward to building it.
I like airfix as a nostalgic thing I’m 57 so I grew up with them. There new releases are interesting too. I’m wondering which way they will go though. At the moment it seems to be niche UK kits like the seaking , Gannet and ambulance. I’m not sure how they translate in to international sales
I agree with your conclusions. Customer service is fantastic; the kits are light-years away from past years; yes there are still, inevitably, issues, Airfix isn't perfect - I have starter kits in mind when I say this, but I now buy more Airfix products than I ever have, or would have, had not the company consistently delivered excellence.
Thanks for sharing the update and taking the time to post it. As a kid growing up in the 70’s Airfix was always the go to company, so I’ll always be grateful for that. Of course now there is much competition with an array of specialist manufacturers, and I did think that maybe Airfix was falling behind, but now with the recent releases of upscaled Spitfire, Hanson and now the Sea King I hope they go from strength to strength. The recent releases of soft skinned WW2 vehicles is encouraging and this is where my interest will be in what’s coming up. Good luck Airfix 👏👏👏👍
A most enjoyable video and thank you for producing it. It highlights those important considerations that go into model kit production very well. There is so much that goes on behind the scenes that I would guess a majority of modelers don't understand. I appreciate that Airfix is constantly moving forward and improving their offerings to us modelers. I've stashed sixty-one Airfix kits, and they vary from 1970s era releases up to the most recent Avro Anson. The progression of quality is obvious.
I'm happy to see that Airfix kits are worth considering again and the direction they are going seems positive. If you told me 10-15 years ago Airfix was the best model company in the world I'd have to call you a liar, the kits were DIRE for a long time and they have somewhat of a stigma still at my local club.
I'm in my early 60's and have been building their kits since the early '70's and i think the current company is going from strength to strength..the only issue as far as Australia and maybe the UK is the prices are going up here..a lot..i bought the new PRU Mosquito for just short of 50 bucks and for the same price i can buy the Tamiya 1/48 FBIV ..i'm aware of the costs of the current Airfix kits with the best decals etc..but it would be a shame if they price themselves out of the market
This is an excellent analysis. The idea that a corporation is out to make a profit seems to be lost on many keyboard warrior modellers. Other British model companies like Frog and Matchbox produced kits of esoteric subjects for the hard core modeller - and neither survived to be in the current market place.
Fantastic video! I for one grew up with Airfix kits from the 60's until now. In the past it was hard to see their direction with some releases, I am glad to see the price range is vast just like the early days when a series 1 kit could be had for you weekly pocket money and some you had to wait until Christmas! It is very easy to Knock manufacturers if they don't produce just what you want! I feel the quick build range is a very important part of the range to encourage young people into to a great hobby, as its to easy to be put off by a kit of over a 100 parts and the need for a microscope to fit them! Every manufacturer makes errors but its how they learn from them that sets a good one apart.
For me it was the Hornby TV show that reset my thoughts about Airfix. Since then I've bought a good stash of their aircraft kits, including the 1/24 Spitfire. I'm really impressed by the quality, considering i'm a Tamiya motorcycle modeller at heart.
Excellent presentation, concise, informative and enlightening. Thank you for taking the time to show us what is involved in bringing a new product to market. Looks like the Airfix of today is a better placed now to become more successful than ever.
Amen.. great very matey.. spot on with your assesment.. Been saying these points for a while now.. Hornby may have their issues but Airfix as a team are very special!!
@@MannsModelMoments I was not on about your channel mate. It was Moss's channel that I un-subbed from. He knows why I un-subbed. Even in his comment above, he proves his fan boy status. "Airfix as a team are very special". I just got sick of hearing that sort of thing in every video he produces. That is why I un-subscribed. I didn't un-sub from your channel.
@@Andy.Gledhill.Models. Apologies, it wasn't clear from the comment. Mos is a self-declared Airfix Fanboy, and a lovely genuine bloke. His enthusiasm for the brand comes from a lot of the changes they've made, but I get that not everyone feels that way - I hope my video shines a bit of light onto why people are responding to Airfix at the moment
An interesting vid, thanks for doing it. I've only got into the hobby within the last 18 months, and luckily my first kit was the newly tooled Spit Vc starter kit - so it was an enjoyable experience that didn't put me off! Even in my short time modelling I've been seeing the change in quality as I add more kits of varying ages to The Stash and am happy that Airfix appear to be going down the quality over quantity route. Depending on personal viewpoint, there are better kits (stares at my Kotare spit kits) from various makers out there but Airfix are, for me, going in the right direction, and as long as they continue this (especially on starter kits to bring in new modellers) then I'll be happy. I do wish that they would start to include canopy masks and also in the starter/gift sets that they would include better glue and the proper paint bottles though.
Oh don't get me started on "Starter Sets"....lol. I am 100% in agreement with your statements on them! I don't think we'll see canopy masks as they have no expertise here and hence it would be a bought-in service, and would drive up cost. I think an ideal alternative would be to do what I've seen in recent ICM kits, and include templates in the instructions to make canopy masks, which costs almost nothing (a bit of extra printing) and is a great help
I thank you for this video & your opinion. I am usually a car modeller & even myself have noticed that Airfix has upped their game. Being a Canadian, where the Seaking flew way past it’s prime I find that this is an interesting subject! Cheers!
I have a huge amount of brand loyalty for Airfix, and it's probably that nostalgia of me and like minded elderly nerds as to why they are still around. Their latest stuff is Tamyia quality - almost.
Airfix seem to be going for fewer releases but better detailed kits.I was pleased with my Airfix aircraft mystery bundle butgave the MiG 17/A4 kit to a local charity shop.The Sea King is impressive with a lot of thought put into the kit and they will sell enough to amortise the tooling costs.I have got PE parts from Eduard for the 1/48 Tiger Moth.
I hate Airfix. No. Probably brought more people into the hobby than any other brand ever. I do, however, hate what Airfix became, when they were churning out dated models from worn out moulds. But now....the company has so much hope and their recent releases really have brought the brand back to life. Long may they continue
Excellent analysis and conclusions Alex. Airfix also have something of that unique 'Britishness' about them - it can come across as somewhat amateurish but is much more of a cultural thing. You can be successful without the corporate BS, glitz and suits.
When I was a college student with not a lot of spare cash I built several of the Airfix 1/72 blister packed models which at the time were about $1.00 USD. They were pretty decent kits and a nice diversion of my time and stimulated my creative side. As I age I expect to return to plastic modeling when building giant scale RC airplanes is no longer fun for me.
Excellent insight! My first kit back into the hobby was one of Airfix's beginner all in one kits. Ignorantly, I assumed the quality of all their kits were as poor as it was so I haven't tried one since. But now I think I'll try one of their helicopters 😅
Jolly good and well rounded view of Airfix as a corporate entity, thanks.... However the the Debt/EBITDA graph may want revisiting... I'm sure the leverage line cannot be right.
It is good the name Airfix is still going, thinking back to the early days of the 1980s they shattered the world of model railways by bringing higher detailed models than Hornby who primarily moulded on detail. sadly they had competition in the form of Mainline under the leadership of Palitoy! I am going to say something totally crazy, maybe you should become the manager of Airfix brand. As I do both Model Railways and kits why does not Hornby put more of its eggs into India. Thinking about India to me it would make a lot of sense to sell to the Far East from there. Plus I would be looking at how India did things then replicate their operation in my own factory! I would also look at bringing Hornby and its Continental brands under one roof. Finally, there's India as a market too, they take great pride in their military!
Best in the world? No, but certainly up there with the best. Some of the recent offerings are outstanding, but others.... Come on, it should have been possible to make that F-35 dimensionally accurate, even as a starter. But then I look at the new Spitfire and (almost) all is forgiven. If I could change one thing, it would be for Airfix to extend their instructions to include full paint callouts for all of the popular brands - Tamiya, Vallejo, Revell, Testors, etc. as well as Humbrol. Add the FS numbers too, please. (I'm in the US, and if I had to rely on Humbrol paints.... 😞)
Have to say you nailed it there Geoff. Italeri include BS/FS numbers on their paint call-outs and this is the standard I judge any company by here - give a few paint ranges (including your own, obviously), but don't punish the modeller for the inadequacies or lack of availability of your own paint range. We're not going to buy your paint because it's the one quoted, so focus on providing the best experience for the modeller, please!
I haven't had a chance to watch this vid in full yet, but I can tell you an impression I have from Airfix after just putting together a 1/72 scale of theirs of the WWII Hawker Typhoon... it was, to my thinking, a bit sub-par. Instructions were a bit confusing/not well explained with renderings lacking necessary detail to make it understood how smaller parts are affixed. Some parts didn't fit that well either. Not a "bad" kit... but not "great" either.
I think it's easy to put Airfix on a pedestal given their heritage within the community and their standing as a traditional British company. It's important to recognise their openness and passion for the business and their contribution to the hobby in recent years. You can't deny that they've produced some extraordinary subjects that other manufactures would never have touched, and we thank them for that. All being said, I take a realistic view and whilst they've come on leaps and bounds since the Hornby takeover, they still fall short in many areas, most notably their quality control. Having purchased a number of their kits recently, there have been more quality anomalies within, then there has without. Missing instructions, decal sheets, short shot parts. On the whole their customer service has been great, but recently I was informed of a wait "into 2024" for a decal sheet that was missing on a newly tooled kit. For me, that's unacceptable. To put things in perspective I consider Revell and Airfix to be on par cost wise and having bought more Revell kits than Airfix in my time, I can honestly say I've never had missing instructions, decals or short shots.
I think the Airfix team in this country have it right and i really like what they are doing. However I feel they are being massively let down by faulty products that filter through from their main manufacturer abroad. Short shots on the Bond Bug and now even the Sea king? I'm very sorry that I feel the need to check each Airfix kit I buy for production faults, something not warranted with any other major manufacturer in my experience.
I agree they need to get better oversight of the Indian QC, as you're right, even though the UK team get on these issues and resolve them quickly, it still creates a negative impression. In addition, it's usually more costly to trouble shoot and resolve an issue than to prevent it in the first instance.
They have come along way in terms of tooling and engineering but looking at them without rose tinted glasses on the seriously need to diversify their range,espically when it comes to fast jets and 1/72 helicopters...now before anyone has a go at me accusing me of saying something that i did not say again i want to make it clear my comment is NOT about the quality of their current offerings but rather the variety of subjects they used to do back in the day
I think we can't have everything - the fact is that the global market is completely different now than in the 1960s and 70s, and producing dozens of kits (of much lower quality) eventually broke the company. Yes, their output is lower now, but they are still maintaining the same or higher new tool release rates of competitors like Revell and Tamiya. I think the current strategy of consistent high-quality releases and building strong ranges is correct - and whilst it would be lovely to have new tooled "everything", I'd prefer a stable Airfix that sticks around for longer than a flash in the pan!
@@MannsModelMoments dont get me wrong....im not asking nor expexcting a whole slew of new tooling fast jets and /or helis to appear overnight as this does take time and naybe im wrong but they dont even seem intrested.....again looking at them without the rose tinted glasses on they seem to be stuck in a timeloop with the vast majority of their subjects being ww2 and only a slightest token service to helicopter and fast jets modelers..
@@jaws666 : I think some this is due to the past turbulent history of the company, and now they just want to focus on growing a new market share, by releasing new kits of maybe fairly well known 'classic' subjects, but having said that, they have that new odd-ball release coming up of the Gannett which no-one saw coming!! 😆 Also releasing an ever growing range of old favourites in the Vintage Classics range is a great idea, and gives them a way to reinforce their range for pocket money prices nowadays.... 😉 So yeah, instead of going hung-ho into a slew of new toolings (as they once did), they're taking their time and building up a reputation for quality, rather than just quantity.....
@@stevesstuff1450 that is true i suppose and maybe their hands are tied and they have been told by their Hornby overlords not to do fast jets or helies but if they did a new tooling Tornado or puma for example i think they would sell...
@@stevesstuff1450 again like i said im neither asking for nor expecting them to go full speed ahead with a ton of new releases but when they dont even seem intrested....and yes the vc line is a great idea....i have seveeal of those kits but is a new tooling Tornado really too much to ask for?
I've been building model kits for 20 years. Yes, Airfix has gotten better and they have passed Revell in quality. Yes, they are honest if it is old kit and clearly state it on the box. Now that lauch day is also pure advertising. And almost everyone who has been there talks well. Was it good or are they afraid of being left behind next time? Makers of CZcams video from the launch day are actually a non-neutral source. I only note that Airfix new kits in 2023 are hugely British oriented. It's a British company, OK. But 75% or more that is much higher than other companies. It's stupid to limit your sales market to the UK and British Empire countries. Airfix can do better that they have proven in previous years. Otherwise they lose a lot of buyers from the EU and other countries.
I can honestly say if I thought we were being "duped" or what was presented wasn't what I present in the video, I wouldn't want to be invited to another event. I do consider it a privilege to have been invited, but I don't count on what I say influencing any future invites. Airfix could ignore me from today, it wouldn't change my experiences and conclusions from it. Now of course you only have my word for that, but I have tried to show in the video what I've based the conclusions on, and share the evidence I saw with you. I try not to make baseless claims, partially because of my prior training as an evidence-based scientist and business person....but you have to make your own mind up about what you believe. As for Airfix's international exposure, choice of subjects etc, I agree - I think to improve they need to appeal to a much wider base than the UK or Europe. The US and Japanese markets are huge, and I think their choice of subjects and distribution does limit them somewhat. Personally, I'd love to see them do F-4, F-14, F-15, F-16, F-18 and F-22s, but then again there is more competition here. It's a balancing act, and for the moment I'll take their current successful approach, and hope they build out from that point.
Best modelling company? Depends what is your point of view but short aswer: Nope. If you look at end product that modeler have on his table at the moment there are often better options but of course depends highly on subject matter. From new releases Westland Seaking definitely look nice and wellington 1:72 is something I consider buying at some point when there are better availability of kits because only reasonable alternative would be Trumpeters and it didn't raise my interest. For me personally it feels odd that some people tend to stuck with one model company or hate another because it just narrows possibilities of getting best model kit for you for what ever subject matter you are looking at the moment.
Do you think the models are the only think that defines wether it is the best modelling company? There may be some arguably better options, but Airfix offer cutting edge products at reasonable products that are accessible for a broader audience than much more expensive kits. They're also accurate because if the research they do...Trumpeter kits meanwhile, are hit and miss on this aspect...so it depends what you value
@@MannsModelMoments For modelers around the world plastic model itself is the thing that represents the company that have manufactured it and its effort and passion for industry. Italeri, Revell and Airfix were previously some of those model makers for me that required visit to scalemates etc extra research to seriously think buying their kits. That being said Airfix have definitely step up their game in recent years. Clear instructions and new tool kits and so on. So looking at their kits you see what kind of model company is behind said models. Talking about availability and affordability certainly depends also on region where you are and on my experience price wise for example Eduard 1:48 fighters are about in same price category as Airfix kits but include PE parts, masks and overall have much better and sharper surface detail. I definitely wish Airfix keep good work going that they have started because it benefits us all. That is the reason that brought their new kits to my attention some time ago.
Certainly not the best model company by a long shot. Fit, detail and overall quality are not even close to Tamiyas (post 1990) kits. Airfix decals of their recent generation are excellent though. Having stated that, I wish Airfix all rhe success in the world!
@@MannsModelMomentsNot in all markets. In South Africa, they're often similarly priced. However, one could say a more reasonable comparison is between Academy and Airfix. Academy kits are generally cheaper and, at the lower price range, generally offer better detail than their Airfix counterparts. Their moulds are generally improving to the extent of keeping up with the competition (look especially at their recent A-10 Thunderbolt II) whereas many of Airfix's kits (yes, even the new tools) just cannot keep up with the likes of Eduard, Arma Hobby, etc. The new Sea King is the closest they come to them, by the looks of things, but it remains to be seen if it is actually a good kit. I'm not hating on Airfix, but I don't think they're the best model manufacturers. From a positive side, they do use Cartograph decals and occasionally offer interesting subjects in their range, but in reality, they are not keeping up with the competition in terms of moulding and price, looking at it from a non-UK perspective. I also cannot understand why they don't include certain markings (e.g. the infamous making on German aircraft) in their kits. I then, as the consumer, who has forked out money for the kit, then has to go out and buy more decals to complete a kit that should've had all the markings in the box. That all being said, all the best to Airfix, only onwards and upwards from here, I'm sure.
@@supercededman Depends on the subject mate. Some Tamiya kits are not that more expensive than an Airfix equivalent. EG the Tamiya 1/48 scale Phantom is selling for just under £80. The Airfix 1/48 scale Buccaneer is only about £10 cheaper at just over £68. Its a similar story with 1/35 armour kits. Some Tamiya 1/35 kits are cheaper than the recent Airfix katy ambulance and the British truck. Some are dearer. But on the whole, I think Tamiya 1/35 kits are pretty reasonably priced.
@@Andy.Gledhill.Models. The 1/48 scale Phantom is £99 RRP vs the Buccaneer at £72.49. You can pick up both at a lower price - the Phantom at about £80, the Buccaneer at around £60 - so a quarter to a third more expensive (depending which kit you use as a baseline). Otherwise, the kits are pretty equivalent I'd say. As for 1/35th scale AFVs, I would say Tamiya definitely lead here, as this is a new area for Airfix. On the flip side, Tamiya don't even do a small scale armour series, so there's no competition between them in the 1/72nd - 1/76th area. It's the reverse for 1/48th armour, of course. I'm certainly not knocking Tamiya at all - they're the standard to which other companies have been held for decades - I juts think that Airfix have pulled them up to their standards in recent years and are a far more engaging company outside of the Japanese market, which I can't speak to.
Going to write a couple of comments here. Firstly, you claim to not be paid anything by Airfix. But, the only reason you were invited to that event was due to the size of your CZcams Channel and the number of subscribers you have. I am sure that most of the people invited to that event were CZcamsrs with a decent set of subscribers. Were there any normal modellers there? IE modellers with no CZcams content? Plus, in effect you were paid in the form of a FREE kit. Didn't everybody at that event get a free Sea King kit?
It was a press day, so of course those invited were either CZcams creators, magazine editors, IPMS staff or similar. The CZcamsrs such as myself ARE "normal" modellers....we just show what we do on a free platform. In terms of the FOC Sea King, that was for the purposes of review, and irrelevant to this video - I've made an unboxing and Live streams of the build and made it very clear this was provided by Airfix. My conclusions from the day I've included in this video would be the same whether or not we got the sample - which was only as we left, and not "expected" as some sort of payment.
@@MannsModelMoments My point was that many CZcams channels like yours, do get sent loads of free goodies, just for the promise of doing a review video. It may not be classed as being paid, so to speak. Lets just say its a perk of the job eh?
@@Andy.Gledhill.Models. I wish it was "loads of free goodies"! I take the point though - I do always state when I received a product for the purposes of review in the video on it, but I also don't accept payment for those videos as I reserve the right to say what I think, rather than have to say something positive. I think it's more important to retain your integrity and be honest than just say nice things for money.
@@MannsModelMoments Yeah, I think its an OK practise, as long as you are free to state your own opinion, and not be biased towards their product and reputation. I've only recently posted a couple of short modelling video's on my channel. Sadly I don't have the time or equipment to do it properly as a modelling channel such as yours. At the moment, I intend to do some more short videos of the models that I have finished so far. It will be another 5 years or so before I can retire from work. I may be able to take up doing a proper modelling CZcams channel then, when I will have more time.
"The best model company in the world", you are not biased at all; you are brit talking about a brit company that is driving from your house. Cynicism aside, I do believe that current Airfix has made some amazing progress; their new tooling kits are nothing short of great. I don't care for most of their releases since yet another WWII Brit plane on an already saturated WWII market bores me to death. I hope they continue to enjoy the success they so hard worked to obtain. I think Kinetic is worth mentioning since they cover very interesting and often oversight subjects like their amazing Mirage III derivatives, and they even released a bloody 1/48 Pucara that seems to be a Tamiya kit. I hope you appreciate a different voice in your feed.
I don't really like the sort of comment that starts by insulting me by heavily implying I can't be objective because I'm commenting on a British company - that say's more about you than it does about me - if you'd read the title (which was a question, not a statement) and really watched through the video you'd see the points I was making demonstrated, and not just given as opinion. That aside, I welcome all points of view, though your personal model preference really isn't my concern, you have recognised that they are working hard to achieve the success they are currently enjoying, which was the point I was really trying to show. As for other companies, if you look at other videos on my channel you'll see I'm not "blinkered" about Airfix, and I think we're very lucky to have so many excellent model kits of subjects of interest for all - Trumpeter/Hobbyboss/I Love Kit as a company is producing a vast array of diverse subjects, for example.
@@MannsModelMoments I did not intend to insult you, and I apologize. English is not my 1st language, and some of its nuances sometimes escape me, I just wanted to pull your leg; If you felt insulted I have no problem on again, apologize. I did watch the video before commenting and what Airfix is doing certainly many companies should mimic (I can't help to think of Revell immediately).
What's your experience of the current Airfix direction and releases? Let me know below!
The only complaints I have with the newer 1/72 kits is that the clear parts are a tad too thick. But I also get that Airfix positions itself as a more accessible model brand. And less experienced modelers tend to struggle with fragile clear parts.
If could, I'd suggest getting "pro" accessories kits from them and their kits. Those aftermarket gubbins tend to have a higher profit margin.
Another interesting insight from them on the day was that they are more than happy to work with aftermarket companies - a good example being that several newer kits of theirs have two versions of the transparency - one without windscreen wipers to make it easy to add aftermarket ones, and one with for those who just want a "standard" build@@surturiel
I'm not knocking Airfix as I've built many of their kits over the last 55 years, and continue to do so, but Eduard produce much better kits for the money (especially the Profi range), albeit with a somewhat limited choice.
@@56Gumball I think "Better" in this cas eis subjective, given the Eduard kits are more expensive and feature parts that not every modeller feels comfortable with (eg photoetch)
@@MannsModelMoments I respectfully disagree about value for money. The Eduard Weekend Edition (no photo etch) Mk.1 Spitfire in 1/48 scale from Wonderland Models is currently £20.50, whilst the Airfix Mk.1 in 1/48 from the same emporium is £28.99. As I said previously, I like Airfix kits, but they're not always value for money, especially the newer releases. Also, with regard to the newer releases, I recently built the 1/48 DH Chipmunk, but If built out of the box the wings droop from about mid span to the tips so some corrective surgery is required to achieve the right stance as the wing half location pins don't line up correctly. I think quality control must have taken the day off when this model was ok'd for public consumption, but with a bit of care it does build into a lovely model (as does the Bond Bug).
I am grateful for both Revell and Airfix for making affordable model kits. Hope they stay true to their roots.
As a newbie to the modelling world I think you've nailed why its so easy to be an airfix fanboy - they're ever present and open, makes it easy to gravitate towards these guys. The care and passion comes through from these guys.
It was over 30yrs since I last made a model. I finally had a workshop and the chance to do what I wanted...My first thought was I want to make " Airfix " models again lol.. The childhood nostalgia never leaves you and 18mnths later with enough Airfix/kits to see me into the grave and beyond, the brand Airfix just makes you think quality/class. Reputation richly deserved.
I've been modeling kits since th late 1950's. As a "Yank", I have always liked and appreciated Airfix. Their earliest kits were a good match for my beginner's skills, and I enthusiastically watched Airfix's kits evolve in sophistication, helping to continually whet my modeling enthusiasm.
By their products, I could tell Airfix, in any of its iterations, was a company of enthusiasts of the hobby, not unlike our Monogram. When kits,such as the Blower Bentley or the 1/24 aircraft arrived, I was inspired, as my skills were up to the complexities and scale of detail these kits offered. It has been such a pleasure to see Airfix's growing line of beautifully rendered 1/48 kits, and their commitment to 1/72 scale. Their 1/72 new toolings are among the very best in this scale. Yet, they still cater to the young, beginning modeler, the hubby's future.
Great work, Airfix! Thanks for decades of enjoyment!
Thanks for the view from "across the pond"!
Anyone who takes on injection moulding for a niche market is a brave man. I worked in investment casting for 14 years, from pattern production to final finished castings. Injection machines and dies are the most expensive parts of the process after labour costs. £25,000 for one die alone. Yes, they do get used past their 'sell by date,' but that was up to QC not a low-level maintenance man like me. Good luck to Airfix and hurry up with that lunar module kit that got me started off all those years ago.
Interesting and informative video, thank you.
I have been building Airfix kits since around 1965, maybe one day I'll get the hang of it 🤣
Seriously though, because of that I have a certain affinity to the Airfix brand. I am of the opinion that there are people out there that love to to hate Airfix, in the same way that people rubbish Aldi and Lidl in the misguided belief that they sell inferior products.
If I glance at my (ever increasing) stash, it's probably 70% Airfix. Says it all really, perfectly happy with what they produce and love the vintage classics range which takes me full circle back to 1965.
Just need Little Nellie re-released and I will be the proverbial pig in the smelly stuff.
Absolutely Splendiferous, thoroughly enjoyed the report and the insight into how a model kit beings and ends up on the shelves of our favourite hobby shop.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Airfix in the early sixties was My favorite. I Doll have my childhood models , now getting restored. Miss scale 1/600 ships, but scale 1/700 dominates now worlwide
Stilll, not doll
Speaking as a very small cog in some very large operations that found himself party to the inner machinations of those operations (it's amazing what they will let on when you are someone who can get the widgets out of the door on time, in the correct numbers & suitable for purpose - when the Boss class just stand around with faces like smacked ar*es when things are going badly) the most successful of these operations were the ones that acknowledged the necessity of bean counters - but kept them chained to a radiator in the cellar. It appears that Airfix has plenty of bean counters but they don't allow them to strangle the business - they realise that 'quick buck' thinking just limits their horizons. A resurgent Triumph is another example. Just goes to show what the UK is capable of when it isn't cheerfully asset stripping itself on the quiet.
Many thanks for the insights - fascinating stuff indeed. Looking forward to more updates on the Model Shop - you my friend are living the dream.
I appreciate the perspective, I do think its somewhat telling thought that when i see the comments on a video like this the majority are from people who ether just got into the hobby or have taken an extended break, and have fond memories from the 60's/70's. Reputations come about for a reason and take a long time to change, so i don't necessarily blame people who have written off airfix, but it is a problem if after a prolonged period of time they still hold those views when presented evidence to the contrary. personally i look forward to trying one of these modern airfix kits eventually.
I've been making models for over 50 years. Over 90% of them were (and still are) Airfix. I'm currently enjoying the Vintage Classic range. Although I've built kits from other Companies. I get the most pleasure from building an Airfix kit.
Ive just ordered 2 Airfix kits on the basis of this video. This wonderful company deserves our support.
Fantastic video.
Damn, I should have asked for commission! 😂😂
Thank-you for this video. It was VERY informative and helpful to me.
You are so welcome!
I built a few Airfix kits in the late '60's and very early '70's and they seemed pretty much on par with the Monogram and Revell kits of the time. I haven't built any of their products since then but here in the US their reputation has gotten quite a bit better over the past ten years or so. I do have their Gloster Javelin in my to-do stack and look forward to building it.
I like airfix as a nostalgic thing I’m 57 so I grew up with them. There new releases are interesting too. I’m wondering which way they will go though. At the moment it seems to be niche UK kits like the seaking , Gannet and ambulance. I’m not sure how they translate in to international sales
I agree with your conclusions. Customer service is fantastic; the kits are light-years away from past years; yes there are still, inevitably, issues, Airfix isn't perfect - I have starter kits in mind when I say this, but I now buy more Airfix products than I ever have, or would have, had not the company consistently delivered excellence.
Thanks for sharing the update and taking the time to post it. As a kid growing up in the 70’s Airfix was always the go to company, so I’ll always be grateful for that. Of course now there is much competition with an array of specialist manufacturers, and I did think that maybe Airfix was falling behind, but now with the recent releases of upscaled Spitfire, Hanson and now the Sea King I hope they go from strength to strength. The recent releases of soft skinned WW2 vehicles is encouraging and this is where my interest will be in what’s coming up. Good luck Airfix 👏👏👏👍
Fantastic video and couldn't agree more if that makes me a airfix fan boy then so be it 😂
A most enjoyable video and thank you for producing it. It highlights those important considerations that go into model kit production very well. There is so much that goes on behind the scenes that I would guess a majority of modelers don't understand. I appreciate that Airfix is constantly moving forward and improving their offerings to us modelers. I've stashed sixty-one Airfix kits, and they vary from 1970s era releases up to the most recent Avro Anson. The progression of quality is obvious.
I'm happy to see that Airfix kits are worth considering again and the direction they are going seems positive. If you told me 10-15 years ago Airfix was the best model company in the world I'd have to call you a liar, the kits were DIRE for a long time and they have somewhat of a stigma still at my local club.
I absolutely agree - Airfix were not even on my radar 18 months ago.
I'm in my early 60's and have been building their kits since the early '70's and i think the current company is going from strength to strength..the only issue as far as Australia and maybe the UK is the prices are going up here..a lot..i bought the new PRU Mosquito for just short of 50 bucks and for the same price i can buy the Tamiya 1/48 FBIV ..i'm aware of the costs of the current Airfix kits with the best decals etc..but it would be a shame if they price themselves out of the market
This is an excellent analysis. The idea that a corporation is out to make a profit seems to be lost on many keyboard warrior modellers. Other British model companies like Frog and Matchbox produced kits of esoteric subjects for the hard core modeller - and neither survived to be in the current market place.
Fantastic video! I for one grew up with Airfix kits from the 60's until now. In the past it was hard to see their direction with some releases, I am glad to see the price range is vast just like the early days when a series 1 kit could be had for you weekly pocket money and some you had to wait until Christmas! It is very easy to Knock manufacturers if they don't produce just what you want! I feel the quick build range is a very important part of the range to encourage young people into to a great hobby, as its to easy to be put off by a kit of over a 100 parts and the need for a microscope to fit them! Every manufacturer makes errors but its how they learn from them that sets a good one apart.
Thank you!
For me it was the Hornby TV show that reset my thoughts about Airfix. Since then I've bought a good stash of their aircraft kits, including the 1/24 Spitfire.
I'm really impressed by the quality, considering i'm a Tamiya motorcycle modeller at heart.
Excellent presentation, concise, informative and enlightening. Thank you for taking the time to show us what is involved in bringing a new product to market. Looks like the Airfix of today is a better placed now to become more successful than ever.
Glad it was helpful!
That video was a thouroughly interesting work. Thanks.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Amen.. great very matey.. spot on with your assesment.. Been saying these points for a while now.. Hornby may have their issues but Airfix as a team are very special!!
Indeed you have (you fanboy, you! lol). Guys, check out @Mos6510Models channel if you're not already subbed....
@@MannsModelMoments Sorry but I had to unsub due to the fan boy status lol.
Well if you really think that then you either didn't watch or didn't pay any attention to the video @@Andy.Gledhill.Models.
@@MannsModelMoments I was not on about your channel mate. It was Moss's channel that I un-subbed from. He knows why I un-subbed. Even in his comment above, he proves his fan boy status. "Airfix as a team are very special". I just got sick of hearing that sort of thing in every video he produces. That is why I un-subscribed. I didn't un-sub from your channel.
@@Andy.Gledhill.Models. Apologies, it wasn't clear from the comment. Mos is a self-declared Airfix Fanboy, and a lovely genuine bloke. His enthusiasm for the brand comes from a lot of the changes they've made, but I get that not everyone feels that way - I hope my video shines a bit of light onto why people are responding to Airfix at the moment
An interesting vid, thanks for doing it. I've only got into the hobby within the last 18 months, and luckily my first kit was the newly tooled Spit Vc starter kit - so it was an enjoyable experience that didn't put me off! Even in my short time modelling I've been seeing the change in quality as I add more kits of varying ages to The Stash and am happy that Airfix appear to be going down the quality over quantity route. Depending on personal viewpoint, there are better kits (stares at my Kotare spit kits) from various makers out there but Airfix are, for me, going in the right direction, and as long as they continue this (especially on starter kits to bring in new modellers) then I'll be happy. I do wish that they would start to include canopy masks and also in the starter/gift sets that they would include better glue and the proper paint bottles though.
Oh don't get me started on "Starter Sets"....lol. I am 100% in agreement with your statements on them!
I don't think we'll see canopy masks as they have no expertise here and hence it would be a bought-in service, and would drive up cost. I think an ideal alternative would be to do what I've seen in recent ICM kits, and include templates in the instructions to make canopy masks, which costs almost nothing (a bit of extra printing) and is a great help
I thank you for this video & your opinion. I am usually a car modeller & even myself have noticed that Airfix has upped their game.
Being a Canadian, where the Seaking flew way past it’s prime I find that this is an interesting subject! Cheers!
Thanks!
Building the new 1:24 spitfire I can see quite a lot of effort to make it an accurate example
I have a huge amount of brand loyalty for Airfix, and it's probably that nostalgia of me and like minded elderly nerds as to why they are still around. Their latest stuff is Tamyia quality - almost.
Airfix seem to be going for fewer releases but better detailed kits.I was pleased with my Airfix aircraft mystery bundle butgave the MiG 17/A4 kit to a local charity shop.The Sea King is impressive with a lot of thought put into the kit and they will sell enough to amortise the tooling costs.I have got PE parts from Eduard for the 1/48 Tiger Moth.
great video , thank you ... Airfix 1/48 Walrus an absolute gem ... looking to get the 1/48 Anson and 1/72 Shackleton ...
Good choice!
I hate Airfix. No. Probably brought more people into the hobby than any other brand ever. I do, however, hate what Airfix became, when they were churning out dated models from worn out moulds. But now....the company has so much hope and their recent releases really have brought the brand back to life. Long may they continue
Excellent analysis and conclusions Alex. Airfix also have something of that unique 'Britishness' about them - it can come across as somewhat amateurish but is much more of a cultural thing. You can be successful without the corporate BS, glitz and suits.
I love that "Britishness" comment! :-D
When I was a college student with not a lot of spare cash I built several of the Airfix 1/72 blister packed models which at the time were about $1.00 USD. They were pretty decent kits and a nice diversion of my time and stimulated my creative side. As I age I expect to return to plastic modeling when building giant scale RC airplanes is no longer fun for me.
Excellent insight! My first kit back into the hobby was one of Airfix's beginner all in one kits. Ignorantly, I assumed the quality of all their kits were as poor as it was so I haven't tried one since. But now I think I'll try one of their helicopters 😅
Jolly good and well rounded view of Airfix as a corporate entity, thanks.... However the the Debt/EBITDA graph may want revisiting... I'm sure the leverage line cannot be right.
It's not my graph, it's theirs, so I think it is correct
It is good the name Airfix is still going, thinking back to the early days of the 1980s they shattered the world of model railways by bringing higher detailed models than Hornby who primarily moulded on detail. sadly they had competition in the form of Mainline under the leadership of Palitoy! I am going to say something totally crazy, maybe you should become the manager of Airfix brand. As I do both Model Railways and kits why does not Hornby put more of its eggs into India.
Thinking about India to me it would make a lot of sense to sell to the Far East from there.
Plus I would be looking at how India did things then replicate their operation in my own factory! I would also look at bringing Hornby and its Continental brands under one roof. Finally, there's India as a market too, they take great pride in their military!
The newer stuff is excellent,
Best in the world? No, but certainly up there with the best. Some of the recent offerings are outstanding, but others.... Come on, it should have been possible to make that F-35 dimensionally accurate, even as a starter. But then I look at the new Spitfire and (almost) all is forgiven.
If I could change one thing, it would be for Airfix to extend their instructions to include full paint callouts for all of the popular brands - Tamiya, Vallejo, Revell, Testors, etc. as well as Humbrol. Add the FS numbers too, please. (I'm in the US, and if I had to rely on Humbrol paints.... 😞)
Have to say you nailed it there Geoff. Italeri include BS/FS numbers on their paint call-outs and this is the standard I judge any company by here - give a few paint ranges (including your own, obviously), but don't punish the modeller for the inadequacies or lack of availability of your own paint range. We're not going to buy your paint because it's the one quoted, so focus on providing the best experience for the modeller, please!
I haven't had a chance to watch this vid in full yet, but I can tell you an impression I have from Airfix after just putting together a 1/72 scale of theirs of the WWII Hawker Typhoon... it was, to my thinking, a bit sub-par. Instructions were a bit confusing/not well explained with renderings lacking necessary detail to make it understood how smaller parts are affixed. Some parts didn't fit that well either. Not a "bad" kit... but not "great" either.
if it continues to produce low-cost and easy-to-assemble models, it might be so.
So that’s all it takes to be deemed the best model company in the world? To be cheap and easy?
@@tapewaves2783 yes
I think it's easy to put Airfix on a pedestal given their heritage within the community and their standing as a traditional British company. It's important to recognise their openness and passion for the business and their contribution to the hobby in recent years. You can't deny that they've produced some extraordinary subjects that other manufactures would never have touched, and we thank them for that. All being said, I take a realistic view and whilst they've come on leaps and bounds since the Hornby takeover, they still fall short in many areas, most notably their quality control. Having purchased a number of their kits recently, there have been more quality anomalies within, then there has without. Missing instructions, decal sheets, short shot parts. On the whole their customer service has been great, but recently I was informed of a wait "into 2024" for a decal sheet that was missing on a newly tooled kit. For me, that's unacceptable. To put things in perspective I consider Revell and Airfix to be on par cost wise and having bought more Revell kits than Airfix in my time, I can honestly say I've never had missing instructions, decals or short shots.
I think the Airfix team in this country have it right and i really like what they are doing. However I feel they are being massively let down by faulty products that filter through from their main manufacturer abroad. Short shots on the Bond Bug and now even the Sea king? I'm very sorry that I feel the need to check each Airfix kit I buy for production faults, something not warranted with any other major manufacturer in my experience.
I agree they need to get better oversight of the Indian QC, as you're right, even though the UK team get on these issues and resolve them quickly, it still creates a negative impression. In addition, it's usually more costly to trouble shoot and resolve an issue than to prevent it in the first instance.
I will say, as newly returned to the hobby, that Airfix has a stronger and more vocal following than other brands.
I think it's because of those things I mentioned - their engagement, openness etc
They have come along way in terms of tooling and engineering but looking at them without rose tinted glasses on the seriously need to diversify their range,espically when it comes to fast jets and 1/72 helicopters...now before anyone has a go at me accusing me of saying something that i did not say again i want to make it clear my comment is NOT about the quality of their current offerings but rather the variety of subjects they used to do back in the day
I think we can't have everything - the fact is that the global market is completely different now than in the 1960s and 70s, and producing dozens of kits (of much lower quality) eventually broke the company. Yes, their output is lower now, but they are still maintaining the same or higher new tool release rates of competitors like Revell and Tamiya. I think the current strategy of consistent high-quality releases and building strong ranges is correct - and whilst it would be lovely to have new tooled "everything", I'd prefer a stable Airfix that sticks around for longer than a flash in the pan!
@@MannsModelMoments dont get me wrong....im not asking nor expexcting a whole slew of new tooling fast jets and /or helis to appear overnight as this does take time and naybe im wrong but they dont even seem intrested.....again looking at them without the rose tinted glasses on they seem to be stuck in a timeloop with the vast majority of their subjects being ww2 and only a slightest token service to helicopter and fast jets modelers..
@@jaws666 : I think some this is due to the past turbulent history of the company, and now they just want to focus on growing a new market share, by releasing new kits of maybe fairly well known 'classic' subjects, but having said that, they have that new odd-ball release coming up of the Gannett which no-one saw coming!! 😆
Also releasing an ever growing range of old favourites in the Vintage Classics range is a great idea, and gives them a way to reinforce their range for pocket money prices nowadays.... 😉
So yeah, instead of going hung-ho into a slew of new toolings (as they once did), they're taking their time and building up a reputation for quality, rather than just quantity.....
@@stevesstuff1450 that is true i suppose and maybe their hands are tied and they have been told by their Hornby overlords not to do fast jets or helies but if they did a new tooling Tornado or puma for example i think they would sell...
@@stevesstuff1450 again like i said im neither asking for nor expecting them to go full speed ahead with a ton of new releases but when they dont even seem intrested....and yes the vc line is a great idea....i have seveeal of those kits but is a new tooling Tornado really too much to ask for?
I've been building model kits for 20 years. Yes, Airfix has gotten better and they have passed Revell in quality. Yes, they are honest if it is old kit and clearly state it on the box. Now that lauch day is also pure advertising. And almost everyone who has been there talks well. Was it good or are they afraid of being left behind next time? Makers of CZcams video from the launch day are actually a non-neutral source. I only note that Airfix new kits in 2023 are hugely British oriented. It's a British company, OK. But 75% or more that is much higher than other companies. It's stupid to limit your sales market to the UK and British Empire countries. Airfix can do better that they have proven in previous years. Otherwise they lose a lot of buyers from the EU and other countries.
I can honestly say if I thought we were being "duped" or what was presented wasn't what I present in the video, I wouldn't want to be invited to another event. I do consider it a privilege to have been invited, but I don't count on what I say influencing any future invites. Airfix could ignore me from today, it wouldn't change my experiences and conclusions from it.
Now of course you only have my word for that, but I have tried to show in the video what I've based the conclusions on, and share the evidence I saw with you. I try not to make baseless claims, partially because of my prior training as an evidence-based scientist and business person....but you have to make your own mind up about what you believe.
As for Airfix's international exposure, choice of subjects etc, I agree - I think to improve they need to appeal to a much wider base than the UK or Europe. The US and Japanese markets are huge, and I think their choice of subjects and distribution does limit them somewhat. Personally, I'd love to see them do F-4, F-14, F-15, F-16, F-18 and F-22s, but then again there is more competition here. It's a balancing act, and for the moment I'll take their current successful approach, and hope they build out from that point.
Best modelling company? Depends what is your point of view but short aswer: Nope. If you look at end product that modeler have on his table at the moment there are often better options but of course depends highly on subject matter. From new releases Westland Seaking definitely look nice and wellington 1:72 is something I consider buying at some point when there are better availability of kits because only reasonable alternative would be Trumpeters and it didn't raise my interest. For me personally it feels odd that some people tend to stuck with one model company or hate another because it just narrows possibilities of getting best model kit for you for what ever subject matter you are looking at the moment.
Do you think the models are the only think that defines wether it is the best modelling company? There may be some arguably better options, but Airfix offer cutting edge products at reasonable products that are accessible for a broader audience than much more expensive kits. They're also accurate because if the research they do...Trumpeter kits meanwhile, are hit and miss on this aspect...so it depends what you value
@@MannsModelMoments For modelers around the world plastic model itself is the thing that represents the company that have manufactured it and its effort and passion for industry. Italeri, Revell and Airfix were previously some of those model makers for me that required visit to scalemates etc extra research to seriously think buying their kits. That being said Airfix have definitely step up their game in recent years. Clear instructions and new tool kits and so on. So looking at their kits you see what kind of model company is behind said models. Talking about availability and affordability certainly depends also on region where you are and on my experience price wise for example Eduard 1:48 fighters are about in same price category as Airfix kits but include PE parts, masks and overall have much better and sharper surface detail. I definitely wish Airfix keep good work going that they have started because it benefits us all. That is the reason that brought their new kits to my attention some time ago.
Maybe but ICM... Treat yourself to a 1/32 Gladiator.
Already have one thanks
Certainly not the best model company by a long shot. Fit, detail and overall quality are not even close to Tamiyas (post 1990) kits. Airfix decals of their recent generation are excellent though.
Having stated that, I wish Airfix all rhe success in the world!
I have to disagree with that statement on fit and detail, and would add that on average an equivalent Tamiya kit is 30-50% more expensive
@@MannsModelMomentsNot in all markets. In South Africa, they're often similarly priced. However, one could say a more reasonable comparison is between Academy and Airfix. Academy kits are generally cheaper and, at the lower price range, generally offer better detail than their Airfix counterparts. Their moulds are generally improving to the extent of keeping up with the competition (look especially at their recent A-10 Thunderbolt II) whereas many of Airfix's kits (yes, even the new tools) just cannot keep up with the likes of Eduard, Arma Hobby, etc. The new Sea King is the closest they come to them, by the looks of things, but it remains to be seen if it is actually a good kit. I'm not hating on Airfix, but I don't think they're the best model manufacturers. From a positive side, they do use Cartograph decals and occasionally offer interesting subjects in their range, but in reality, they are not keeping up with the competition in terms of moulding and price, looking at it from a non-UK perspective. I also cannot understand why they don't include certain markings (e.g. the infamous making on German aircraft) in their kits. I then, as the consumer, who has forked out money for the kit, then has to go out and buy more decals to complete a kit that should've had all the markings in the box.
That all being said, all the best to Airfix, only onwards and upwards from here, I'm sure.
@@MannsModelMoments Spot on regarding quality, especially latest releases. And, yes, Tamiya are more expensive by quite a margin.
@@supercededman Depends on the subject mate. Some Tamiya kits are not that more expensive than an Airfix equivalent. EG the Tamiya 1/48 scale Phantom is selling for just under £80. The Airfix 1/48 scale Buccaneer is only about £10 cheaper at just over £68. Its a similar story with 1/35 armour kits. Some Tamiya 1/35 kits are cheaper than the recent Airfix katy ambulance and the British truck. Some are dearer. But on the whole, I think Tamiya 1/35 kits are pretty reasonably priced.
@@Andy.Gledhill.Models. The 1/48 scale Phantom is £99 RRP vs the Buccaneer at £72.49. You can pick up both at a lower price - the Phantom at about £80, the Buccaneer at around £60 - so a quarter to a third more expensive (depending which kit you use as a baseline). Otherwise, the kits are pretty equivalent I'd say.
As for 1/35th scale AFVs, I would say Tamiya definitely lead here, as this is a new area for Airfix. On the flip side, Tamiya don't even do a small scale armour series, so there's no competition between them in the 1/72nd - 1/76th area. It's the reverse for 1/48th armour, of course.
I'm certainly not knocking Tamiya at all - they're the standard to which other companies have been held for decades - I juts think that Airfix have pulled them up to their standards in recent years and are a far more engaging company outside of the Japanese market, which I can't speak to.
No, some models are good, but there are better companies.
Going to write a couple of comments here. Firstly, you claim to not be paid anything by Airfix. But, the only reason you were invited to that event was due to the size of your CZcams Channel and the number of subscribers you have. I am sure that most of the people invited to that event were CZcamsrs with a decent set of subscribers. Were there any normal modellers there? IE modellers with no CZcams content? Plus, in effect you were paid in the form of a FREE kit. Didn't everybody at that event get a free Sea King kit?
It was a press day, so of course those invited were either CZcams creators, magazine editors, IPMS staff or similar. The CZcamsrs such as myself ARE "normal" modellers....we just show what we do on a free platform.
In terms of the FOC Sea King, that was for the purposes of review, and irrelevant to this video - I've made an unboxing and Live streams of the build and made it very clear this was provided by Airfix. My conclusions from the day I've included in this video would be the same whether or not we got the sample - which was only as we left, and not "expected" as some sort of payment.
@@MannsModelMoments My point was that many CZcams channels like yours, do get sent loads of free goodies, just for the promise of doing a review video. It may not be classed as being paid, so to speak. Lets just say its a perk of the job eh?
@@Andy.Gledhill.Models. I wish it was "loads of free goodies"! I take the point though - I do always state when I received a product for the purposes of review in the video on it, but I also don't accept payment for those videos as I reserve the right to say what I think, rather than have to say something positive. I think it's more important to retain your integrity and be honest than just say nice things for money.
@@MannsModelMoments Yeah, I think its an OK practise, as long as you are free to state your own opinion, and not be biased towards their product and reputation. I've only recently posted a couple of short modelling video's on my channel. Sadly I don't have the time or equipment to do it properly as a modelling channel such as yours. At the moment, I intend to do some more short videos of the models that I have finished so far. It will be another 5 years or so before I can retire from work. I may be able to take up doing a proper modelling CZcams channel then, when I will have more time.
"The best model company in the world", you are not biased at all; you are brit talking about a brit company that is driving from your house. Cynicism aside, I do believe that current Airfix has made some amazing progress; their new tooling kits are nothing short of great. I don't care for most of their releases since yet another WWII Brit plane on an already saturated WWII market bores me to death. I hope they continue to enjoy the success they so hard worked to obtain. I think Kinetic is worth mentioning since they cover very interesting and often oversight subjects like their amazing Mirage III derivatives, and they even released a bloody 1/48 Pucara that seems to be a Tamiya kit. I hope you appreciate a different voice in your feed.
I don't really like the sort of comment that starts by insulting me by heavily implying I can't be objective because I'm commenting on a British company - that say's more about you than it does about me - if you'd read the title (which was a question, not a statement) and really watched through the video you'd see the points I was making demonstrated, and not just given as opinion.
That aside, I welcome all points of view, though your personal model preference really isn't my concern, you have recognised that they are working hard to achieve the success they are currently enjoying, which was the point I was really trying to show.
As for other companies, if you look at other videos on my channel you'll see I'm not "blinkered" about Airfix, and I think we're very lucky to have so many excellent model kits of subjects of interest for all - Trumpeter/Hobbyboss/I Love Kit as a company is producing a vast array of diverse subjects, for example.
@@MannsModelMoments I did not intend to insult you, and I apologize. English is not my 1st language, and some of its nuances sometimes escape me, I just wanted to pull your leg; If you felt insulted I have no problem on again, apologize. I did watch the video before commenting and what Airfix is doing certainly many companies should mimic (I can't help to think of Revell immediately).
@@dergrunepunkt No problem - knowing the intent is important, nuance is often lost in writing (especially in a different language!)
Best model company in the world .....No...
Why not? I've shown why I think they're getting there, what's your rationale?