Airfix 1:24 Stuka

Modeling Subjects Aircraft
1

After mulling it over the few weeks, I decided to pick up this giant bird of prey. Good thing too, as my LHS informed me that Airfix has apparently recently been bought out, and their current lineup will not be carried over under the new ownership. Who knows? Guess we’ll see.

Anyway, upon initial inspection, I’m pretty impressed with the kit, and can’t wait to start building. This will be my first aircraft kit since 1990, and I’d like to augment the kits’ details as much as possible.

Sooooo, does anyone make after market parts for the B-2 in this scale? How about correct national insignia decals on the tail? You guys know what I mean; don’t want to offend anyone by using the ‘S’ word. [;)] [censored] Appreciate any pointers, thanks.

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Airfix have gone into Administration, being taken down by Heller who were contracted to do their molding. They haven’t been bought out yet & their future is uncertain.

The Stuka, along with the Hurricane & the Mustang, are probably the best of the 1/24th scale Airfix Superkits. I have one about 60% complete, with another waiting for a rainy day & IMO, your initial inspection is spot on. The plastic is soft, but it goes together very nicely. Not bad for a mold that is around 30 years old.

Back in the 70’s, Airfix published a series of books to accompany their 1/24th scale kits to help build & superdetail them. Although long out of print (Airfix have already gone out of business once before in the 80’s), you often see them on ebay in the UK.

I don’t know of anything being released to detail the kit.

As for them “S” thingies, maybe have a look at the Xtradecal 1/32nd scale set, as it includes some in 1/24th scale. I got mine from Hannants in the UK, Here is a link to it at their site. http://www.hannants.co.uk/search/?FULL=X00232

As for Airfix’s future…Hopefully someone will buy them out. Some of their molds are tied up with Heller, but eventually, they should be released by Heller’s Adminstrators. Quite a few of Airfix’s molds are old & are past their best, and may never see the light of day again, but I would have thought that kits like the Stuka are the jewels in Airfix’s crown & would be released again. There is a case for many of the older molds being used again too though, as many of them remain the only option for some subjects in the scale.

Good luck with the Stuka & I hope that you enjoy it. I have got a soft spot for Airfix & their 1/24th scale kits & am glad that I stocked up on them before their current troubles. I’m also working on the Sea Harrier & the Mk1 Spitfire & have got the MkV Spitfire, the FW190, Harrier GR3, ME-109 & Mustang in the to be built pile.

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Thanks very much for the information David; the link was especially helpful, and I’ll be sure to keep an eye on E-bay for the construction literature. Like you, I plan on purchasing the entire Airfix 1:24 line. I have the Squadron/Signal book on the Ju87, which will help somewhat with assuring correct details and colour schemes.

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The only aftermarket decals I have come across are these but it might be difficult to track any down now.

http://www.aviationmegastore.com/?shopid=LM43ce921f2d755120ce50e9cea8&action=prodinfo&parent_id=0&art=47592

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There is a copy of the book on ebay at the moment under item number 180026545160. The auction finishes on the 15th September.

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For reference material, check out The Big Book of World War II Aircaft. Its illustrated by Rikyu Watanabe with lots of profiles and fold outs-one whole section per aircraft(one of which is on the Ju-87). I don’t remember the publisher, and my grandfather(its his book) is out of town for a month. Hope this helps,Allen.