Airfix 1/24 scale kits any good?

Modeling Subjects Aircraft
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Hi guys!

I’ve been eyeing up the Airfix 1/24 scale P-51K or D. Has anyone ever built any of these kits? What are your overall thoughts on them?

Thanks!

Eric

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I have one of those in my stash, kinda curious myself

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They are…old school design but do build into some beautiful models. Remember these kits were designed in the days before all of the aftermarket bits were available. However there are some accessories available for them now.

I’ve been thinking about their Harrier GR1.

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I know the Mustang is a bit on the older side. Not sure how old exactly but I know it’s not exactly what you’d call a new offering.

Isn’t the Harrier new? I’ve never built an Airfix kit so I’m not up on what’s new or old for them nor do I know much about their build quality.

I’m going to have to look and see what’s out there for aftermarket decals for them.

Thanks guys!

Eric

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Hi Eric,

The Mustang dates back to about (taking a stab at it) 1978-ish and the Harrier came soon after that. (both certainly pre-1980)

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I’ve built the Heller K, the Airfix D and the Trumpeter D. The Airfx/ Heller has a nice engine, but otherwise shows it’s age. It has deep panel lines and raised rivet heads all along them. IMO just an OK kit. The Trump is much nicer, alot more crisp.

The FW 190 I really disliked. I have not built, but heard good things about, the Hurricane and the 109

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Some are…

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Thank you for all the great information. I never realized Trumpeter made a 1/24th Mustang. I’m just kind of put off by Trumpeter. I’m sure their kit is okay but I just don’t feel like paying that much for a ton of interior details that you’ll never see once you button it all up. I know there are great modelers out there who will do it justice but, for me, it’s just not my thing.

I kind of figured I could get the Airfix one for half he price. But if the Airfix offering is a dog of a kit then I’d just hunker down and wait for another company to come out with something similar. Otherwise, it kind of sounds like the Airfix kit might not be all that bad. Maybe not great by today’s standards, but definitely manageable.

Thanks again to all!

Eric

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Built the Stuka, Spitfire, and Me 109 before I decided on staying with 1/48 and 1/32. All three are definately “old School” kits and will build up into great models, BUT…

If you want “shake & bake” easy, forget it… They’re 1970’s kits and they need attention to detail… Overall, the moldings are good, but you need wire, solder, strip, and sheet here & there… You might find some AM parts, but I wouldn’t count on it… But take heart… These kits are perfect for the beginning super-detailer as everything’s nice & BIG… With careful painting and a good technique, you’ll probably do the BEST instrument panel of your life, and the engine will be begging to be shown off… Get some good refs, and pay attention to them.

Frankly, I f I could find a decent selection of 1/24th scale figures, I’d be snatching these babies up again for some dios I have in mind…

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Bondoman - does the Trumpeter D have an extra front windscreen? The front screen of the Airfix D I have came off the tree and broke in two. I still have the pieces and was trying to figure a way to replace it before even trying to start it. If the Trumpeter kit has two that would be the easiest way to do it, if I can find one to buy.

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Thanks Hans! I always appreciate your input. It’s always good stuff. I should really get myself a good punch & die kit so I can work up a good instrument panel. Otherwise, I do enjoy making things like cockpit wiring and oxygen hoses like the way I did for my 1/48 B-26.

Eric

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I did the 51 quite a few years ago, aside from its age, the only gripe I have is that the wings are a bit flat, not quite enough dihedral. The decals were great. I also did the Trumpy, boxed by Hobbycraft for much less$$$, I ended up stealing a few parts from the Airfix kit for the pit. It’s a bit over engineered IMO, with them goofy hinges…I hate those things!!! I’ve seen the Airfix kits go for $20 at almost every show I’ve been to, won’t find the Trumpy for that!!!

I’ve also done the 109, aside from the gear bay, or lack there of, I love it. I even bought a second one, that I’m superdetailing, OOB with scratchwork. Engine is real nice!!!