Ooops, didn’t do my homework! The Italeri kits look really inticing; the old Striling kit is too outdated for retooling. Also didn’t do my homework re. Revell Halifax B.III, they’ve got the long-span version, one I’d pined for decades ago. It’ll be years before I get to build any more “Big Brits”, just hope they’ll still be available when I do.
I have been astounded at the fine detail in injection styrene kits recently.
I had someone explain to me a couple of years ago how slide molding works. Now, I am wondering how the new high detail molding works. When resin kits and aftermarket first came out, the explanation of the fine detail was the low surface tension of the polyurethane resin. I know in metal diecasting this is import- why type metal is used in printing industry. Low surface tension of the various alloys of lead and other low temp metals.
Is there a change in the styrene material used, or is it to do with the dies and the casting process it self?
Probably should buy them but space is limited well as my pension till will claim the Maximum U.S. Social Security benefit in a few years, 25% more than if I did right now.
After building my “Italians” the Battle Of Britian group of 1960s & 70s kits likely are next, might preempt with a 1939 Polish Invasion group if can find an RS Do.17F kit somewhere.
All this is hoped for after am done with building the Italians, at my current annual building rate by end of 2020 though maybe into 2021 if new kit releases come out. January 30, 2021 would had been Mom’s 100th birthday maybe on that day will be done.
I’ve built several of the new tool Airfix kits, all in 1/48, and my experiences have been mixed. All were good in terms of detail, but fit was hit and miss. Here is a brief rundown:
Boulton Paul Defiant
Excellent fit, easily as good as Tamiya. Very good detail, and all aroung great kit of an interesting and somewhat unusual subject. Highly recommended.
Hurricane Tropical
Also very good in terms of both fit and detail. The only small issue was that the canopy needed a little work to fit properly. Otherwise great.
P-40 (Pearl Harbor version)
Very good detail, but lots of fit issues. Fuselage halves were warped and splayed out near the tail, very noticeable gaps at the wing root, the protusions on the leading edge of the wing fit terribly, etc. Every step of the build required lots of sanding, fitting, re-fitting, putty, etc. I understand that nothing is perfect, but this was far worse than what I expect from a new tool, newly engineered kit.
I have the Mk 1 Spitfire, Armstrong Whitworth Whitely, Sea Hurricane and Stuka in the stash. We’ll see how they go.
I have also built a few of the new tool 1/72 kits, and some were OK while others had poor fit. None were great.
It seems that while the level of detail is consistently very good, the quality of engineering is inconsistent with Airfix.
I’m still building that same P-40, Roald. There was a little putty needed around the MG blisters and indeed the gear knuckles. But in comparison to the old Monogram offering it was a dream. Not much putty needed, but it did still need some.
So far the 1/72 kits have been great for me. All issues minor and easily rectified.
I agree with Fermis- any little issues are indeed par for the course. I just finished the new tooling of the Defiant Mk. I and I’ve gotta say it was wonderful. only a few issues here and there, nothing I’d write Airfix about! And like Bish, I’ve got a few of the newer kits in my stash and one on pre-order (the new Blenheim Mk. IV with Free French markings). You really can’t beat the price!
I’m building their new 1/48 P-51 right now. By no means perfect but so far it’s better than Tamiya’s kit. I built their p-40, Spitfire and Hurricane too and those were nice as well.
