discussion Matchbox 1/72 Handley Page Heyford - Inbox Review

[Dave Ward]

Matchbox were a UK Maker, in existence from 1972-1995 ( models wee produced in the Far East until 2001, but nothing new ). Their product was marketed differently to other makers ( Airfix, Frog ). The models were often moulded in several different colours, all were boxed, in colourful designs ( first model PK-1 was the 1/72 Hawker Fury ). I'm sure that many modellers began their hobby, with these ( the 1/76 AFV models included diorama bases were a real innovation ).
The HP Heyford was a medium bomber, it came into service in 1933, and although being phased out, was still in front line service during the Munich Crisis in 1938. Some lasted until 1941 as target tugs & experimental test beds. The Matchbox boxing is from 1980 - Revell reboxed it in 2008.

The box is battered, top opening, nice boxart - I think this is the model I've had the longest in a stash - at least 25 years!

No idea where Youngs was!
Sprue shots:

The sprue look pretty clean - no flash, sinks, or injector marks parts are a bit simplified, and the ingates are large.
Decals

Considering their age, they look pretty good.
Instructions - line diagrams - on large pieces of paper, folded to fit the box!

A few detail shots & comments in part 2

 

[Dave Ward]

Some detail shots

While by today's standards it's simple & a bit crude, it doesn't really matter, as it fits the era of the plane. This model is moulded in 3 colours, but are all subdued - not garish like some of the Matchbox offerings. Colour call outs are referred back to Humbrol, although I have my doubts about whether Dark Green corresponds to NIVO - which was the colour the front line aircraft were painted overall. The totally unusual appearance of the Heyford would make an interesting model - it's simple enough for a biplane beginner OOB, but with added rigging it could be really outstanding.
Availability? Ebay & pre-owned sites - whether the Matchbox, or Revell reboxing. Prices seem to vary a lot - I assume by the condition of the box - I've seen sales range from £19 to £40...................
I wonder what happened to all the Matchbox moulds? The 1/76 AFVs & some 1/72 Aircraft are still being churned out by Revell - but others like the 1/12 Vincent Black Shadow haven't been seen fr decades..............
Dave

 

[rtfoe]

Reminds me of the Weelderbeast.

Cheers,
Richard

 

[Tim Marlow]

Always thought this bird looked really strange. Kit looks pretty good for its day though. I remember matchbox kits being cleanly moulded and fitting well compared to the Airfix ones I was used to. I never really made that many of them because I started to move into model railways around the time they came out. Still got a couple of originals in the stash….not really sure what to do with them because they are not in a scale I really build in any more.

 

[Dave Ward]

Always thought this bird looked really strange. Kit looks pretty good for its day though. I remember matchbox kits being cleanly moulded and fitting well compared to the Airfix ones I was used to. I never really made that many of them because I started to move into model railways around the time they came out. Still got a couple of originals in the stash….not really sure what to do with them because they are not in a scale I really build in any more.

Tim,
take a look on ebay & see if any are worth anything - if they're in good nick you might get a nice bonus!
Dave

 

[Tim Marlow]

Not a bad idea Dave. I sold some old Airfix ship kits in the first lockdown and got more than I expected.

 

[Jim R]

Hi Dave
Very interesting. I suppose if you want to build a Heyford this is the only game in town. As you say, in the hands of an experienced modeller, a great model is possible as the kit is not bad.
Jim

 

[Guest]

I have one of those, mostly built but awaiting painting. As it has been for the last … ten years? Fifteen years? Something like that

 

[stillp]

I might be wrong, but I can't remember ever building a Matchbox kit!
Pete

 

[Tim Marlow]

A lot of them have been reboxed by Revell Pete, so you may be incorrect?

 

[stillp]

Maybe Tim, perhaps I should have said a kit in a Matchbox box!
Pete

 

[rtfoe]

Didn't quite get the kit from this matchbox...
Image for reference only.


...next flight to Timbuktu.

Cheers,
Richard

 

[Tim Marlow]

Same company though Richard…..

 

[The Smythe Meister]

That poor nose gunner!!!

 

[Tim Marlow]

Mid upper wasn’t much better Andy. The Heyford wasn’t much faster than WW1 biplanes really, so the open cockpit and gun positions are similar to them.

 

[Guest]

I like the lower gun position: just a round drum with an opening in the side for a Lewis gun. I suppose it’s technically a turret, but I wonder how they ever expected the gunner to provide all-round defence if he can only see in the direction it’s actually pointed in

 

[Dave Ward]

I like the lower gun position: just a round drum with an opening in the side for a Lewis gun. I suppose it’s technically a turret, but I wonder how they ever expected the gunner to provide all-round defence if he can only see in the direction it’s actually pointed in :smiling3:

Must have been very uncomfortable, and the gunner must have felt very isolated....................
Dave

 

[Tim Marlow]

I think the engineers in the engine nacelles of the Zeppelin Staaken RVI heavy bomber take that particular biscuit, but this one comes close Dave.

 

[Guest]

Here is mine as it has sat in its box for long enough to accumulate a nice layer of dust:

View attachment 446522

And the plane only:

View attachment 446523

The lower wing is loose and several parts are still missing, all for painting, which is the bit I never seem to have gotten to …

 

[Guest]

Pity that front gunner , must have been half frozen when they landed