A few months ago I ran a news story on the re-release of many of the Airfix kits in a variety of scales and subjects. Now, ''firming-up'' this information, I can bring news of the release schedule and the products which are going to be available now and from june. The full story can be seen:
Link to Item
If you have comments or questions please post them here.
Thanks!
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NEWS
The Airfix Release Schedule....
jimbrae
Member Since: April 23, 2003
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Posted: Thursday, May 19, 2005 - 08:28 PM UTC
Prato
Member Since: March 25, 2005
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Posted: Thursday, May 19, 2005 - 09:19 PM UTC
At long last they're back! We'll just have to wait just a while longer for some good quality multipose figures in 1/32 that also go well in 1/35! Magnificent!
And what a potencial they bring! A very Good Welcome to them
Cheers and happy modeling!
Prato
And what a potencial they bring! A very Good Welcome to them
Cheers and happy modeling!
Prato
Grumpyoldman
Consigliere
Member Since: October 17, 2003
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Posted: Thursday, May 19, 2005 - 09:45 PM UTC
They are listed as in stock at Squadron.... $8.98 for each figure set.
Tarok
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Posted: Thursday, May 19, 2005 - 09:46 PM UTC
I guess the point of these releases was never really to break into any new markets. My impression that these are more for the nostalgic modeller.
With the high quality products currently available on the market from the likes of DML, Trumpeter and the growing number of east European companies, I have to question the intentions and point of companies like Airfix and Mr T doing these re-releases... (apart from making a few more quid
)
I guess my comments are bound to spark some sort of ire and debate, but this is just my humble opinion...
Anyway... I'm happy for the folks that have been looking forward to these releases, I'm sure they'll enjoy them as much now as they did way back in the old days...
Jim: thanks for the news
With the high quality products currently available on the market from the likes of DML, Trumpeter and the growing number of east European companies, I have to question the intentions and point of companies like Airfix and Mr T doing these re-releases... (apart from making a few more quid
)I guess my comments are bound to spark some sort of ire and debate, but this is just my humble opinion...
Anyway... I'm happy for the folks that have been looking forward to these releases, I'm sure they'll enjoy them as much now as they did way back in the old days...
Jim: thanks for the news
jimbrae
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Posted: Thursday, May 19, 2005 - 10:11 PM UTC
Quoted Text
We'll just have to wait just a while longer for some good quality multipose figures in 1/32 that also go well in 1/35!
Well, actually 'Multipose' simply means in kit form. As all the major manufacturers also produce 'Multipose' figures, I fail to see what your point is...Jim
jimbrae
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Posted: Thursday, May 19, 2005 - 10:23 PM UTC
Quoted Text
I guess the point of these releases was never really to break into any new markets. My impression that these are more for the nostalgic modeller.
Rudi, I totally agree with you in respect to the Aviation releases - they simply DON'T come close to the quality of recent releases. However, that said, who else does a Buccaneer in 1/48th scale? I think it has SA markings as well
...Regarding the figures, they have certainly been superceded by what's become available in the last few years, the scale of 1/32nd becomes problematical as well. However, for figure modellers they are a real Godsend in the sense that apart from the Historex figures, not much is available at a reasonable price. Also, just as an example, using the Japanese set along with elements of the British figures, it is possible to build WW1 figures relatively easily along with many other possible conversions. They are also superb figures in their own right with a VERY high-quality level of detail and moulding... Very, very welcome indeed...Jim
As a footnote, apart from their undoubted quality, the scale chse for these and their vehicles in 1/32nd, indicate the lack of business sense of Airfix. They were released at the same time as everyone else was starting to produce in 1/35th scale - Go Figure!
Tarok
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Posted: Thursday, May 19, 2005 - 11:04 PM UTC
Quoted Text
However, that said, who else does a Buccaneer in 1/48th scale? I think it has SA markings as well ...
Jim, I remember this kit... I built it about 15 years ago
And yes, you are correct, this kit contains decals for SAAF 24 Squadron - probably the old ones from the '70s/'80s when this kit was first released and SA was involved in the Border Wars... I'll bet the IPMS SA guys are drooling already :-) :-)Rudi
007
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Posted: Thursday, May 19, 2005 - 11:16 PM UTC
Jim thanks for this nice news!
I ordered some Multipose sets right away.
And there is more to come as I saw on the Airfix site / Airfix New Releases & Decal Schemes 2005
I specially like this giftset:
01348G Meteor III & V1 Flying Bomb 1:72
New tool for Doodle bug
Available Late Spring
Paul
I ordered some Multipose sets right away.
And there is more to come as I saw on the Airfix site / Airfix New Releases & Decal Schemes 2005
I specially like this giftset:
01348G Meteor III & V1 Flying Bomb 1:72
New tool for Doodle bug
Available Late Spring
Paul
Drader
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Posted: Thursday, May 19, 2005 - 11:42 PM UTC
I think the 1/48th Bucc is a relatively recent one (90s or so). Their 1/72nd one was from when dinosaurs ruled the earth, and was a prototype too 
Tarok
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Posted: Thursday, May 19, 2005 - 11:52 PM UTC
I must have built mine in the late '80s; I was attending Primary school at the time. I had it until about 4 years back when I was cleaning out and gave the built & decalled, but unpainted model to my best mate... He was going to remove the decals and paint it up all shiny and new :-) I'm almost sure Airfix did a re-release of this kit within the last 5 years as well... I seem to remember having a kit of this from my days in the hobby shop - which I incidently gave to the same friend... :-)
Drader
Member Since: July 20, 2004
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Posted: Friday, May 20, 2005 - 12:21 AM UTC
See when the Airfix models were originally introduced
http://www.airfixcollector.co.uk/airfix_complete_kit_catalogue_re.htm
http://www.airfixcollector.co.uk/airfix_complete_kit_catalogue_re.htm
Halfyank
Member Since: February 01, 2003
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Posted: Friday, May 20, 2005 - 03:30 AM UTC
Jim, could you check one item on that news report? It mentions "04214 HMS Suffolk /HMS Manxman (Royal Navy 3 Funnel) 1:600" While the Suffolk, a County class cruiser, and the Manxman, a Abdiel class cruiser/minelayer both had 3 funnels, they were NOT the same class. It would be like them coming out with a "Panzer IV/Panzer V tank, with gun."
I like the fact that Airfix is re-releasing some of these kits. Not that they are state of the art or anything, but in some cases, like the HMS Suffolk cruiser, they're the only game in town, in plastic. Also it is nostalgic.
I like the fact that Airfix is re-releasing some of these kits. Not that they are state of the art or anything, but in some cases, like the HMS Suffolk cruiser, they're the only game in town, in plastic. Also it is nostalgic.
jimbrae
Member Since: April 23, 2003
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Posted: Friday, May 20, 2005 - 11:37 PM UTC
Rodger, this is the only information I have:
It is simply a 'combi-set' featuring the two warships...
As for these re-releases, I have to express a twinge of 'nostalgia' mixed-in with a touch of sadness... I really don't see how Airfix is going to re-invent itself after all these years. First problem is that things are very different from when I first started (1960s..) In those days, Airfix were widely available in F.W. Woolworth stores in Britain along with many newsagents. In those days, they were virtually the only game in town apart from Frog the few model shops there were had some of the Revell kits along with some Monogram and Renwall...
In my case, I was lucky. With relatives in the States and Canada, birthdays and christmas usually meant getting sent something by one of the U.S. manufacturers.
The problem with Airfix, is the competion they face now is on two fronts - apathy from the current generation of kids and the high costs of production compared to China.
Sadly I don't think they'll ever return to their 'glory' days, however, that said, I really hope i'm proved wrong....Jim
Quoted Text
04214 HMS Manxman & HMS Suffolk 1:600 A WWII Set of Warships featuring HMS Manxman last released 25 years ago
Available Late Spring
It is simply a 'combi-set' featuring the two warships...
As for these re-releases, I have to express a twinge of 'nostalgia' mixed-in with a touch of sadness... I really don't see how Airfix is going to re-invent itself after all these years. First problem is that things are very different from when I first started (1960s..) In those days, Airfix were widely available in F.W. Woolworth stores in Britain along with many newsagents. In those days, they were virtually the only game in town apart from Frog the few model shops there were had some of the Revell kits along with some Monogram and Renwall...
In my case, I was lucky. With relatives in the States and Canada, birthdays and christmas usually meant getting sent something by one of the U.S. manufacturers.
The problem with Airfix, is the competion they face now is on two fronts - apathy from the current generation of kids and the high costs of production compared to China.
Sadly I don't think they'll ever return to their 'glory' days, however, that said, I really hope i'm proved wrong....Jim
007
Member Since: February 18, 2005
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Posted: Saturday, May 21, 2005 - 12:46 AM UTC
Quoted Text
apathy from the current generation of kids
Jim, I' don't think this is true, or at least, not complete.
When I was a kid I was also one of the few who builded models. Others focused more on other interests, like sport, collecting something, modelrailroads, hanging out etc.
The computergames did had an impact on modelbuilding activities of youngster, but that was also the case with other interests they have.
(fi: Soccerclubs complain they had no juniors anymore).
Things did change the last 10 years. As you see now how many kids are modelbuilding, but in their own way and interestfields you be suprised. For instance Warhammer is very populair and ask much painting skills. Figures are becoming very popular also.
I think it has more to do on how they model (mostly on their own or with a few friends) and are not interested in joining clubs. And that's where (IMHO) it come from that kids are not interested in building... because they can't get kids interested in joining the club... But that's something different...
I worked for 5 years in a modelshop (untill march this year) and I had many young customers while the local clubs are getting greyer by the day.
On the other hand, while recieving none to less guidance from others, they usally stop after some models build, because they can't reach the level they want. (and starts again with the hobby in a later stage).
There are several reasons why they don't get interested in clubs, but that would become a very long and psycological post I guess....
What I do know is they are interested and that websites like this more than clubs. And sites like this do have a positive effect on kids getting modelbuilding skils and interests. So keep up the good work Armorama!!!
Paul
Tarok
Member Since: July 28, 2004
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Posted: Saturday, May 21, 2005 - 01:49 AM UTC
Quoted Text
I' don't think this is true, or at least, not complete.
I'm afraid I have to disagree. In SA most kids don't have a clue what a model is... and certainly not a quality model!
In SA scale modelling has never been huge. We have several reasons for it, some of which include a favourable year-round climate, a disdain by the former government for our collonial past and ties, and now, with a change in government and a time when remembering our past seems important, those that were involved in the wars (excluding the freedom struggle) have all passed on to the Halls of Valhalla...
But that said, even our healthy outdoor lifestyles are changing due to the global trends of laziness, complacently and obessity... Our kids suffer more and more from curvature of the spine and carpal tunnel syndrome from Playstation or PC games than broken bones from falling from trees...
These are the times we live in...
Just my little thought for the day...
RR
Halfyank
Member Since: February 01, 2003
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Posted: Wednesday, May 25, 2005 - 05:42 AM UTC
Quoted Text
It is simply a 'combi-set' featuring the two warships...
That makes sense, like their Destroyers set.
Quoted Text
In my case, I was lucky. With relatives in the States and Canada, birthdays and christmas usually meant getting sent something by one of the U.S. manufacturers.
Funny, I had the same experience only it was my English relatives sending Airfix kits to us in the US.
I do agree that this isn't a way for Airfix to re-invent themselves. I don't know if there is anything to get young modelers into the hobby, but coming out with decades old kits isn't going to do it. They would have to take a serious look at what is being built, especially what is not being built, and come out with decently priced kits of those items the other manufacturers are ignoring, in scales that are more main stream. The Suffolk and Manxman are prime examples. NOBODY is making either of those ships, in any scale. However they would have much more of a chance if they were in 1/700 than being in 1/600. I believe that any kit company that is going to survive has to bring to market something spacial, either in price, selection, or quality, and in scales that people are actually buying.
Ian2
Member Since: January 14, 2005
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Posted: Friday, May 27, 2005 - 01:00 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Rodger, this is the only information I have:
Quoted Text04214 HMS Manxman & HMS Suffolk 1:600 A WWII Set of Warships featuring HMS Manxman last released 25 years ago
Available Late Spring
It is simply a 'combi-set' featuring the two warships...
As for these re-releases, I have to express a twinge of 'nostalgia' mixed-in with a touch of sadness... I really don't see how Airfix is going to re-invent itself after all these years. First problem is that things are very different from when I first started (1960s..) In those days, Airfix were widely available in F.W. Woolworth stores in Britain along with many newsagents. In those days, they were virtually the only game in town apart from Frog the few model shops there were had some of the Revell kits along with some Monogram and Renwall...
In my case, I was lucky. With relatives in the States and Canada, birthdays and christmas usually meant getting sent something by one of the U.S. manufacturers.
The problem with Airfix, is the competion they face now is on two fronts - apathy from the current generation of kids and the high costs of production compared to China.
Sadly I don't think they'll ever return to their 'glory' days, however, that said, I really hope i'm proved wrong....Jim
I did have a model of Manxman that I got in a job lot of models soem years back -unfortunately I sold them all on before doing any of them, so I'll definitely keep an eye out for this one.
I picked up the Destroyers set a while back, the best of the set is the Narvik, being the most recent but the others should come up witha bit of TLC...
Now when are Airfix going to bring out the Tirpitz again?
I've been having a root through my stash and have unearthed the Frog Supermarine S6b, which I am doing up for a friend and it takes me back to the days when every corner shop had a hanger full of exciting kits at pocket money prices - sigh...
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