Richard Graham1707820255

In addition to the Starter kit & HC.4, Airfix have also issued the Sea King HAR.3 as kit A04063 Westland Sea King HAR.3 / Mk.43. I've yet to build it but am planning to in the near future converted to a Royal Navy HAS.5, but I have had problems in the past (Phantom FG.1) with a warping. I didn't notice it at first but the Phantom cockpit part just would not fit... it was not even close. This was my second build of this kit so i knew something was wrong and whilst you couldn't see a problem with the part which superficially looked fine, the sprue itself was warped in a wierd "S" shape when looked at side on. The very close tolerances used on modern Airfix kits mean the slightest distortion can seriously effect the build. I got a replacement for the part in question - worth a try?

Possibly true about the appeal of the Scimitar - although Airfix did kit the Swift... However Airfix do have a tendency to select subjects in a type of "range" system. Although not marked as such there does seem to a distinct pattern, one being "1/48 post-war fighters in British service" (most recently the Sabre and Vampire). It does occur to me if the period end point is the Lightning then they are running out of subjects. Can't think of many RAF types except the Venom (possibly in 2 seat NF/FAW versions) although this may be too similar to the Vampire to do very soon. So I think they will take a look at appropriate FAA subjects and, regardless of aesthetic qualities or personal preference, I would think the Scimitar is in with a serious shout in 1/48. The Scimitar was a comparatively large and powerful aircraft and with full pylons, wings folded and colourful tail markings does have a certain purposeful charm... quirky even! grinning

Yeah - a B-24 has to be a logical choice for the Airfix "to do list". Ticks so many of their boxes grinning. British based during WW2; in both US and RAF Service; 4 engined WW2 bomber; compliments the B-17; replaces an older classic kit; reasonable size; available to scan etc etc.

Getting harder as Airfix are working their way through my wish-list each year! So I'll switch to prediction mode based vaguely on their pattern of subject choice in different "ranges" that I would reasonably expect to see in 2022/23: 1/72 Jaguar GR1/3 HP Hampden Consolidated B-24 Liberator Consolidated PBY Catalina 1/48 Supermarine Scimitar F1 DH Sea Venom FAW / Venom NF North American T-6 Texan / Harvard IIB Beechcraft T-6 Texan II / Texan T1 If Airfix were really feeling especially generous the might additionally consider thinking about the following from my wish list: 1/72 Canberra B2 HP Hastings C1/C2 Bristol Belvedere HC1 Westland Whirlwind HC10 Westland Wessex HC2 Avro Lincoln Twin Pioneer 1/48 Martin Baltimore Wildcat HMA2 / AH1 Apache AH1/2 Whaddya think - in with a chance?

If you extended that to the 60's... I'm in! 1/72 Canberra B2/6 anyone? 😉

My Wishlist from 2015... Thanks Airfix! 😀 Rich 1/72: Buccaneer S2Jet Provost T3Phantom FG1/FGR2Vulcan B2HP Victor K2HP Hastings C1/C2/T5Canberra B2Bristol Belvedere HC11/48: Apache AH1Hunter F6/FGA9Meteor NF11/12/13

Would buyers support a Helo revival? This buyer certainly would 😀 - loved the recent Westland SeaKing and would also love to see other RAF helicopers given similar treatment. Just the thought of a Whirlwind HC/HAR.10, Wessex HC/HAR.2, Puma HC.1 - or my personal favourite a Belvedere HC.1 - all done to the same standard has me drooling at the prospect (not a pretty sight...). Preferably in 1/72, but 1/48 would be good too. /media/tinymce_upload/1d25d0f992c44a0f647308e9f70b6340.jpg I think they would fly off the shelves... 😛 Rich

Airfix only produced a new tool 1/72 Skyhawk (A-4B/P) in 2012; which I recall it was well recieved at the time. In case you missed it, it's on the list for re-release in 2019 (new markings). Although I think the original should still be available.

Its never too soon for an Airfix wishlist! 😛 Actually Airfix are slowly but surely whittling down my wishlist. I am fortunate that they seem to release something from it each year. Perhaps they study this forum 😀 or I guess I must fall somewhere in their target market... Here goes (my wishlist, not predictions, 2020 - but some will hopefully happen...) 1/72: Vulcan B2Canberra B2/B6Javelin FAW9HP Hastings C1/C2/T5Bristol Belvedere HC1Hercules C1 1/48: Apache AH1Typhoon FGR4Meteor NF11/12/13Harrier GR9

I know its been said here once or twice before, but I think its worth repeating (possibly loudly and very often): 1/72 ENGLISH ELECTRIC CANBERRA B2! If there is only one new kit next year or possibly 2020 by now, Airfix bean-counters please make sure this is near the top of the to-do-list. There's gold in them thar spues! Even more than I suspect than the Phantom FG1/FGR2 is (or will be). Just think of all the potential multiple purchases from modellers who want to make different options, the number of different operational colour schemes, all those funny noses, the 'special' versions and even at a stretch, the odd PR mark ... 😀; and that's just in UK service. Oooo just the thought of, say, a Canberra TT18 in RN markings from a kit by Airfix at the top of their game.... (and I don't even do FAA). It should tick all the right Airfix boxes too: its iconic; its British; its RAF/RN; its cold war; has international appeal (even the USAF, for our American cousins); it replaces a previous catalogue item; its not too big; there's no mainstream competitor; accessible LIDARable examples in the UK (as I would imagine there are good drawings). Come on Airfix what's the problem here? You know it makes sense! It should be a sure fire sell-out - fingers crossed for the next announcement!

Dear Airfix I feel sure you didn't overlook my suggestions for 2019 and your design elfs are beavering away on researching & designing them as I type. If you did well then... probably too late for 2019 now; still 2020 would be good too 😀. Here's a reminder for you 1/72: Buccaneer S2Vulcan B2HP Hastings C1/C2/T5Canberra B2/B(I)6Bristol Belvedere HC1Javelin FAW9Hercules C1 1/48: Apache AH1Typhoon FGR4Meteor NF11/12/13Harrier GR9PS All new tools please 😉

The RAF fast jet subjects in the Airfix back catalogue like the Typhoon, Tornado, Jaguar and Buccaneer all need bringing up to date so it would be nice to have Airfix look at these subjects. Either 1/72 or 1/48 - possibly both? 🤔

1/72: Buccaneer S2 Vulcan B2 HP Hastings C1/C2/T5 Canberra B2/B(I)6 Bristol Belvedere HC1 Javelin FAW9 Hercules C1 1/48: Apache AH1 Typhoon FGR4 Meteor NF11/12/13 Harrier GR9 Fingers crossed for at least some of these new tools!