Which do you prefer? Airfix or Revell

[John]

The reason why I ask is I've just completed a Revell Spitfire MKI/II kit and apart from a small part on the belly of the plane that needed filling it went togeather fine, however, I've started building the Tornado from the 60th Anniversary Dam Busters kit from Airfix and very early on I've found the bits arn't fitting togeather right, I'm going to be using more filler than paint at the rate I'm going.

Have I just got a bad kit or is this a common problem?

[wonwinglo]

The reason why I ask is I've just completed a Revell Spitfire MKI/II kit and apart from a small part on the belly of the plane that needed filling it went togeather fine, however, I've started building the Tornado from the 60th Anniversary Dam Busters kit from Airfix and very early on I've found the bits arn't fitting togeather right, I'm going to be using more filler than paint at the rate I'm going.Have I just got a bad kit or is this a common problem?

*** This is a common issue with many kits,there are a few factors that can cause these ill fitting parts 1/Poor initial production of the kit, 2/Shrinkage of the plastic parts when they are removed from the moulds,3/Warping of parts which can cause all sorts of build problems,recently Airfix issued a 1=72nd kit of the Concorde which has suffered in this way with poorly fitting parts,we have been told that it was rushed into production ? The only kits that are 'shake and build' come from Japan,these are made to much finer tolerances and surface detail,no doubt there are other model kits that have good fitting components,but as you have discovered many need the use of filler to get them built smootly.If you do get warped or badly fitting parts it is best to let the manufacturers know and replacements are sent out,I know that this can prove inconvenient especially if you are trying to get on with your model.But plenty of masking tape to hold the parts in place while the adhesive sets,a bit of scraping and filling are quite normal John,but I do know what you mean,some joints are awful unless attended to.

[Guest]

When I was about 10 I saved and saved and bought a 1/72 Convair B-36, which had a wingspan of a good 3 feet. The fuselage came in the standard left and right parts and was equally huge - but the amount that it had warped was ridiculous. We managed to get it sorted my using lots and lots of elastic bands while it dried.

[Guest]

Used to quite like Italeri stuff but would choose Revell over Airfix nowadays. Not that i've built any plastic kits for a while, really must pick one out of the drawer and start one sometime in the near future.

[Guest]

Hi i am new to this site

would anyone aged 15 years like 2 be my friend??

from ??

[wonwinglo]

Hi i am new to this sitewould anyone aged 15 years like 2 be my friend??

from ??

***Hello Model Aircraft Fan,I m not sure what the age groups are here ? but perhaps if you give a few more details about yourself and state your specific interests in modelling then someone will come forward,how about telling us first here on the forum about your own modelling interests ? that could help your quest for friendship.

[John]

We are all friends here, no age limit

[Guest]

Hi Guys

This is my first post, though this question of Airfix v. Revell is something I have been considering a while.

I am now building an Airfix Vulcan B Mk2 as an Xmas pressie for my Uncle, and have a second kit for myself. The first one is about 2 years old, the new one is about 3 months old...

I had to ring Airfix (well, Hornby) today to tell them off about the really shocking quality of the moulds and some parts were seriously warped on the sprue. I also noticed the older kit was a light grey plastic whereas the newer one is pale blue, and with signifcant degradation of the mould quality.

They promised to send replacements.

I think that the newer tooling from Airfix is quite good (TSR2 & Concorde 1/48) but their older stuff is just dire.

Revell is generally far superior.

If you want to see the ultimate in quality though, check out the new Tamiya Spitfire Mk9 1/32...it's staggering ! (It's so good, I expect it to build itself and make me a brew !)

Now available from modelshops and Ebay.

[Guest]

Hi GuysThis is my first post, though this question of Airfix v. Revell is something I have been considering a while.

I am now building an Airfix Vulcan B Mk2 as an Xmas pressie for my Uncle, and have a second kit for myself. The first one is about 2 years old, the new one is about 3 months old...

I had to ring Airfix (well, Hornby) today to tell them off about the really shocking quality of the moulds and some parts were seriously warped on the sprue. I also noticed the older kit was a light grey plastic whereas the newer one is pale blue, and with signifcant degradation of the mould quality.

They promised to send replacements.

I think that the newer tooling from Airfix is quite good (TSR2 & Concorde 1/48) but their older stuff is just dire.

Revell is generally far superior.

If you want to see the ultimate in quality though, check out the new Tamiya Spitfire Mk9 1/32...it's staggering ! (It's so good, I expect it to build itself and make me a brew !)

Now available from modelshops and Ebay.

I also built the Vulcan about a year ago when it was the new release for the Falklands, and was bitterly disappointed with the quality of the Kit. I have not bought Airfix since. Italeri and Revell are vastly superior.

[stona]

I think Jedimaster has touched on the salient point. Older kits often made from old molds are more likely to have problems. Remember that often molds are sold on so you may be getting the same kit in a different box! I also understand that molds do become worn over time and so lose their crispness.

Newer kits tend to be better from a molding point of view, the technical accuracy of a kit is an entirely seperate issue.

I would hesitate to choose between manufacturers as they nearly all produce a few "dogs" and I think it largely depends on which kit you are tackling.

I always try to find reviews of kits that I intend to ruin... sorry...build.

Even this can be confusing. I read two build blogs of the 1/32 Hasegawa "Stuka". One chap had a list of problems the other said it was a shake 'n bake! I've built the kit and found it closer to the latter,really nice.

As for Tamiya's Spitfire,mine has arrived and whilst I won't be allowed to start until after Christmas I have been permitted a peek in the box and even a quick fondle of the sprues. It looks fantastic,if it builds as good as it looks I think I'm in for a treat.

Steve