Airfix 1/35 Stalwart

[LeytonO]

Sort of vehicle I like to build and saw that Airfix recently released a new kit in 1/35
Looked for reviews on Youtube and it's getting a real trashing for overall quality
Just wondered if anyone here has one and if so, is it really that bad?

Thanks
Rich

[PaulTRose]

For what sort of reasons?

I like building 50 year old kits so wouldnt bother me lol

[Airborne01]

I've bought one Rich but it's not out of the box yet; what are the problems with 'overall quality' the detractors are so het up about? At first glance it seems fine.
Steve

[Geoffers]

I’ve watched four reviews and they all seem to point out sink marks.

Mostly on the flat cab components and a couple of the review kits seemed worse than the others.

A bit disappointing from Airfix but they seem fixable with a bit of filling and sanding.

Geoff.

[PaulTRose]

Apparently its a couple of sink marks.... and mould ejection marks in places that cant be seen.....and lack of pe....and a few other little things like marks where the mould has been polished....oh and someone whinged cos all the sprues came in 1 bag instead of individual ones

Jeez some people want a kit that just falls together.......have they forgot how to model?

Its this sort of thing that makes me want to buy it just for the 'challenge'.....these reviewers should try doing the ancient airfix kits like we all just have then they could complain lol

[LeytonO]

I've bought one Rich but it's not out of the box yet; what are the problems with 'overall quality' the detractors are so het up about? At first glance it seems fine.
Steve

Sink marks mainly Steve, some people fared badly others not so much
Most of the complaints have mentioned about how poorly it compares to recent aircraft kits from Airfix.
I did see one example that had misshapen parts that will clearly need replacing from the manufacturer.

[langy71]

After watching a few reviews about the Stalwart I can't help but wonder if we are still 'modelers' or rapidly becoming nothing more than 'assemblers'?, some folk want the world in a box, or something you can just throw some glue and paint into and give it a shake....

Makes you wonder if the folks moaning about it have ever considered doing all the research involved with creating a new mould and then spending their own money getting it produced and out to market ..probably not.

[LeytonO]

After watching a few reviews about the Stalwart I can't help but wonder if we are still 'modelers' or rapidly becoming nothing more than 'assemblers'?, some folk want the world in a box, or something you can just throw some glue and paint into and give it a shake....

Makes you wonder if the folks moaning about it have ever considered doing all the research involved with creating a new mould and then spending their own money getting it produced and out to market ..probably not.

Fair point, but if one particular factory is producing poor quality why persist with them?
If recent kits such as the Lysander and Jaguar are good doesn't it follow that others should be equally decent.

[PaulTRose]

Not really
what if they have a new design engineer?...needs more experience.....what if they got a new tool maker .....more likely the place making the kits (dont forget they sub contracted out to some place in india) have been under pressure to produce enough for the launch......not enough time spent on the machine getting settings right..so they rushed and cut corners.....sink marks are down to variables like shot times/dwell times/pressure/getting the mould up to temp.........but qc still needs a re-education ......i bet they now have some limit samples/standards to work to

Give it a month or three and they will sort it

[Airborne01]

As a result of this discussion I've unpacked and inspected my Stollie; true, there are some minor sink marks and a plethora of ejector marks but there's only one or two that will need careful remedial work. Otherwise it's cleanly moulded and no immediate evidence of short moulding. I agree the packaging could have been improved as one or two pieces had detached from the sprues. Can't start it for quite a while as I've got the Hetzer to finish, plus the imminent PBI GB and the Para with GPMG still in progress,- the penalty for 'volunteering' to undertake work at School! I've also got a FV 432 APC shelf queen which will compliment the Stollie! I'm definitely well behind with my modelling this year!
Steve

[LeytonO]

Pleased yours isn't that bad Steve, look forward to seeing a few of these when completed

[Jim R]

The only reviews really worth noting are from someone who has actually built the model. I don't find those reviews where the box is opened and they just look at the parts and the instructions very helpful.
On my current Hurricane thread a few have commented that the cockpit framing is awkward and needs extra care and lots of dry fitting. Now that's useful, the sort of information that makes a review worth reading. A big thanks to those who pointed out the framing problem. I've been working on it yesterday and today and they are oh so right.

[Airborne01]

Don't you think you're being slightly dismissive? I'm sorry my review failed to meet your exacting standards Jim, At least I've had 'eyes on' the kit ... !
Steve

[Jim R]

Steve. I was certainly not commenting on your observations. What you noticed were valid points. My post was my thoughts on reviews, mostly on YouTube, where the reviewer spends the whole time stating the obvious and unhelpful. They go on at length about the box, the parts, the instructions, all without saying anything which would help a viewer decide whether to buy the kit or if the kit is purchased whether there are any shortcomings to be forewarned about.
I apologise if my post seemed dismissive of your post. It was definitely not intended.

[Airborne01]

And I apologise for any unintended slight Jim. Thank you.
Steve

[Richard48]

The only reviews really worth noting are from someone who has actually built the model. I don't find those reviews where the box is opened and they just look at the parts and the instructions very helpful.
On my current Hurricane thread a few have commented that the cockpit framing is awkward and needs extra care and lots of dry fitting. Now that's useful, the sort of information that makes a review worth reading. A big thanks to those who pointed out the framing problem. I've been working on it yesterday and today and they are oh so right.

Yes i know what you mean about some youtube reviews.They spend forever fondling the box and im sitting there thinking just open the chuffing thing.Far too many slag kits off even before they are even released.Build info is what we crave and it would be a dull hobby if every kit was perfect and fitted like a dream.

[LeytonO]

My other hobby is photography and reviews of new cameras are often critical before they get properly tested.
On the other hand they do also help perspective buyers by pointing out any glaring issues.

I try to look at these reviews from a neutral angle and make my own judgements as to what is relevant.
My own opinion so far of this kit is they could and should have made a better job of it.
No excuses for poor quality control, if this factory can't manage it look elsewhere.