Alternative Decal Sets

[Dad Paul B]

How about some alternativedecal sets for the kit range. There is the after-market bu these sets tend to have a lot of different options, most of which don't get built. By having decal sheets for specific kits with a couple of alternatives on a sheet it should be possible to provide additional options at a low cost and could help shift more kits as people build multiple options.This could extend to alternative boxings, though this could add to costs so may not be economical (though the limited/club editions do this so it must be plausible).

Looking at the current range I suggest some of the following:

RAF Tomahawk (how about the Neville Duke markings from the Dogfight double)

Zero in white (like the starter set)

Gnat in the later Red/White FTS colours as with the 1/48 version

Hurricane 1 in alternative squadrons (303 for starters)

same for spitfires

Fouga Magister - Patrouille de France

Tucano - Brazilian Flag colours

1/72 Lightning F6 in Camouflage - as 1/48

C-47 RAF (Berlin Airlift plane?)

Grumman Wildcat (Martlet) in Fleet Air Arm colours

Alternative Vulcans - Blue Steel and early Flash White versions and wraparound camo/Black Buck squadron service.

More alternative nations might be popular as well as anniversary and other special display schemes.

[ian_rutland]

I quite like the idea of other decal choices for models.  The only problem being that Xtradecal and many, many more are already printing these out as the new kits arrive on the scene, even with Airfix's current high output of new kits.

If I were in their position, I would take a leaf out of other manufacturers books and try the following.

1.  Re-release the kits after a two year run in new boxes and with new schemes. ( Airfix have already done this with the Spitfire IXc.)  This also has the benefit of making each issue collectable.  Collectable means that the collectors buy more kits up front and lay them down for selling later.  Also, your model, should you wish to sell it later, retains some value.  All this become 'Value Added.'

2.  Put more versions into the original release.  I know that, like me, many modellers will go out and buy more, just because each featured scheme is really nice.

3.  Airfix have already taken Step 3, in that they are offering different schemes with alternate releases.  Standard kit / Starter Kit / Set.  I really appreciate this move.

As for a Special Set, some exotic schemes may not come amiss.