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Airfix 1/24 Hawker Typhoon on the flight line
The_Doctor
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England - South East, United Kingdom
Joined: September 30, 2004
KitMaker: 84 posts
AeroScale: 76 posts
Posted: Sunday, April 27, 2014 - 10:04 AM UTC
Hi folks:

I was going to defer posting this until Monday 28 April but I've come away to Bournemouth on the CWU annual conference and the hotel wi-fi has been a 'challenge' to get on to, so now I have a connection I'm not risking a gamble on Monday, so let's rock!

The Airfix 1/24 Hawker Typhoon was unveiled at Telford last November. A while before this, I received contact from Chris Clifford at Airfix Model World, who said he had something that would be 'right up my street' and would I be interested? No details were given, so I did what you never do in the army and volunteered.

To my stunned amazement I found myself landed with the big Tiffie gig. A trip to Telford to see my plastic adversary was a must, so I wandered up on our first date and went a little wobbly at the knees (as you do in the first throes of love...). I had a bit of a chat to Sam, the designer, a disconcertingly youthful guy, full of charm and brimming with enthusiasm for 'his' baby, displayed in various stages of undress around the Airfix stand. "Can't wait to see the first one fully painted up!" he said to me at the close of our chat. 'You and me both' I thought.

Come the following January, two complete test shots landed at the modelling bunker ('just in case of catastrophe' - they obviously know me lol) and with instructions still outstanding, I did a little prep to ease things into first gear. What followed was the ten most mental modelling weeks of my life; 230+ steps shoe horned into a time frame that evaporated at Warp 10. The brief was 'full engine plus one gun bay open'. Given that the Tiffie has been produced to celebrate Airfix's 75th birthday and as a tie in to the 70th anniversary of D Day one felt just a touch of pressure.

An indication of its significance was sharply illustrated on Britmodeller on the Saturday it was displayed at Telford. Someone opened a thread to discuss it and post images. No surprise there. What was a surprise is that in the first 48 hours, such a post may attract circa 4-500 views and maybe 20-30 replies. The Tiffie topped 15,000 views and over 200 replies in the same time frame.

And now it's done. Normally you keep what you build for AMW. On this occasion Airfix have asked that it reside at the Hornby Visitor Centre in Margate and I'll be driving over with it some time in June I'm guessing, to exchange the built test shot for a full production kit.

I grew up on Airfix kits - the bagged ones with the card headers. I remember I would literally run to the shop on the green every Friday, pocket money tightly gripped in hand.

I'd then trot home with my prize and rapidly translate the parts into a Beaufighter that did sterling duty over the channel or a Mk IX Spitfire that knocked lumps off the 109G-6, that it routinely shot down innumerable times or anyone of more kits than memory can now recall. Happy days, steeped for the most part in Airfix plastic; although Frog, Revell and Monogram all made cameo appearances from time to time.

It makes me smile to think of what the small boy would have said to be told one day he'd get to play with the biggest Airfix gig in their 75 year history.

The model is scheduled to appear in a supplement I share with Tiffie expert Chris Thomas and I must thank him here for his kind assistance during the build - scheduled for the June issue of AMW, out next Thursday, 1 May 2014.

What you see is the best I could drum up in the ten weeks I had - I'm normally much (much!) slower. One of my brothers asked if I was happy with it. "Yes and no" was my honest answer, not that I'm complaining (I'm not) as a time constrained test shot build is what is and you have to stop somewhere - looking forward to my second though and for that it's sprayed markings all the way...

My thanks to Airfix too for entrusting their baby to my tender mercies.


Happy days.

Steve











































































































Berwickboy
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England - East Midlands, United Kingdom
Joined: April 27, 2013
KitMaker: 450 posts
AeroScale: 387 posts
Posted: Sunday, April 27, 2014 - 10:35 AM UTC
I am absolutely staggered at the wealth of detail and your superb build. This is building up to be kit of the year. Well done The Doctor and Airfix
Jessie_C
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British Columbia, Canada
Joined: September 03, 2009
KitMaker: 6,965 posts
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Posted: Sunday, April 27, 2014 - 10:50 AM UTC
I rarely build in 1/24 but I have to admit that this kit is tempting me greatly to stray...

That's a really lovely model. Too bad you won't be able to keep it and enjoy it. Did they at least promise you one to keep once they release it?
The_Doctor
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England - South East, United Kingdom
Joined: September 30, 2004
KitMaker: 84 posts
AeroScale: 76 posts
Posted: Sunday, April 27, 2014 - 11:15 AM UTC

Quoted Text

I am absolutely staggered at the wealth of detail and your superb build. This is building up to be kit of the year. Well done The Doctor and Airfix



Thanks Mike - It's a bucket lister for sure.

Take it easy.

Steve
The_Doctor
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England - South East, United Kingdom
Joined: September 30, 2004
KitMaker: 84 posts
AeroScale: 76 posts
Posted: Sunday, April 27, 2014 - 11:23 AM UTC

Quoted Text

I rarely build in 1/24 but I have to admit that this kit is tempting me greatly to stray...

That's a really lovely model. Too bad you won't be able to keep it and enjoy it. Did they at least promise you one to keep once they release it?



Hi Jess:

Thanks for that.
Yes, when I take it to Margate to reside in the Hornby Visitor Centre I am reliably informed I'll get a full production kit in return. I'm perfectly happy to let this one go - I've done the dress rehearsal, now it's time to get serious lol.
I keep posting round and about that the kit is a 'bucket lister' but it really is. It represents new ground in modelling in terms of detail both surface and internal. I hope you give it a go.
I hope that sometime between now and when I give up the ghost, they'll revise the Spit 1a in this scale they launched back in 1973 (or thereabouts) to this standard or better. Whoever I get to meet at Margate in June when I motor over will be quizzed, that's for sure lol.

Take it easy.

Steve
raypalmer
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Ontario, Canada
Joined: March 29, 2010
KitMaker: 1,151 posts
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Posted: Sunday, April 27, 2014 - 11:24 AM UTC
I am agape. Nothing but net.
The_Doctor
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England - South East, United Kingdom
Joined: September 30, 2004
KitMaker: 84 posts
AeroScale: 76 posts
Posted: Sunday, April 27, 2014 - 11:29 AM UTC

Quoted Text

I am agape. Nothing but net.



Hi Richard:

Thanks - much appreciated.
Will you be indulging in the monster plastic-fest when she hits the shelves?

Best regards

Steve
JPTRR
Staff MemberManaging Editor
RAILROAD MODELING
#051
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Tennessee, United States
Joined: December 21, 2002
KitMaker: 7,772 posts
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Posted: Sunday, April 27, 2014 - 12:52 PM UTC
The modeled the lapped panels - wonderful!

Extraordinary work!
raypalmer
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Ontario, Canada
Joined: March 29, 2010
KitMaker: 1,151 posts
AeroScale: 985 posts
Posted: Sunday, April 27, 2014 - 03:20 PM UTC

Quoted Text


Quoted Text

I am agape. Nothing but net.



Hi Richard:

Thanks - much appreciated.
Will you be indulging in the monster plastic-fest when she hits the shelves?

Best regards

Steve

Hoho I don't know about that. I should try my hand at 32 scale first I think. Frankly the scope intimidates me.
Holdfast
Staff MemberPresident
IPMS-UK KITMAKER BRANCH
#056
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England - South West, United Kingdom
Joined: September 30, 2002
KitMaker: 8,581 posts
AeroScale: 4,913 posts
Posted: Sunday, April 27, 2014 - 06:27 PM UTC
When I saw the test shots at Telford I was amazed; seeing this painted is just awesome very nicely done Steve
I am really looking forward to being able to get hold of one of these I believe that the release date is the 6th June, no that is inspirational
Of course you had to use the kit decals but this is crying out for painted markings, shark mouth anyone
AussieReg
Staff MemberAssociate Editor
AUTOMODELER
#007
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Victoria, Australia
Joined: June 09, 2009
KitMaker: 8,156 posts
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Posted: Sunday, April 27, 2014 - 06:46 PM UTC
That's a stunning build! In my mind I can already see one of these on the display shelf beside the VFS P-47 (if I ever get that beast finished ).

Shark mouth you say Mal? Yes pleeeeeeeeeeeease!

Cheers, D
Merlin
Staff MemberSenior Editor
AEROSCALE
#017
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United Kingdom
Joined: June 11, 2003
KitMaker: 17,582 posts
AeroScale: 12,795 posts
Posted: Sunday, April 27, 2014 - 07:12 PM UTC
Hi Steve

Stunning stuff! - A really beautiful build of a magnificent kit. It's great to see Airfix right at the cutting edge of modern kit production!

1:24 is normally too big for me these days (I haven't tackled one of their Super Kits since the Fw 190 came out...), but I somehow don't think I'll be able to resist the Tiffie at some point...

One question - I've normally seen Sabres painted green. Is that only modern preservations/restorations?

All the best

Rowan
Tomcat31
#042
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England - North East, United Kingdom
Joined: November 18, 2006
KitMaker: 2,828 posts
AeroScale: 1,720 posts
Posted: Sunday, April 27, 2014 - 10:14 PM UTC
Simply stunning kit and you have done it great justice.

I haven't built 1/24 in years due to size but when this was announced iI just had to order two from the LHS (one for me and one for Camogirl) and now I can't wait to get them even more.

Mal - this will definately need painted markings andIi even have a couple of profiles for masking ideas if you want a copy?
Joel_W
Staff MemberAssociate Editor
AUTOMODELER
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New York, United States
Joined: December 04, 2010
KitMaker: 11,666 posts
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Posted: Monday, April 28, 2014 - 02:31 AM UTC
Steve,
1st off, I really enjoyed reading your prefix to the build. It was extremely well written, and led one right through the entire process to the model's completion and new display home.

The kit itself certainly speaks volumes for the new level of realism and detail that Airfix has attained. The kit looks to be the equal of any Asian manufacture, at any price point. The 1/24 scale is massive, and is the only draw back for me, as I've shied away from even 1/32 scale because of space issues.

The tub frame, cockpit, IP, main wing & spar, engine, and machine gun compartments, just speak volumes as to the level of detail, and the precision fit of all the parts.

But no kit can reach it's intended level of finish without a quality build. And your modeling skills are certainly more then evident as the finish model is a near perfect OOB build. Camo paint scheme, decaling, and weathering are just superb.

Joel
Mcleod
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Alberta, Canada
Joined: April 07, 2010
KitMaker: 1,028 posts
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Posted: Monday, April 28, 2014 - 05:02 AM UTC
It certainly is a beautiful, very well modeled, big airplane. I really like the kits incredible detail. And I do admire the builders masking patience with all those little squares applied (maybe not so little).

camogirl
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England - North East, United Kingdom
Joined: October 20, 2005
KitMaker: 1,045 posts
AeroScale: 622 posts
Posted: Monday, April 28, 2014 - 07:13 AM UTC
Wow stunning build it looks amazing and really inspiring.

I love the Tiffy and I practically bounced round the house when I saw this announced in November this is even though Im off modelling at the moment I can not wait for mine to arrive


Quoted Text

I just had to order two from the LHS (one for me and one for Camogirl) and now I can't wait to get them even more.



Wish we could have got two each though .......
The_Doctor
_VISITCOMMUNITY
England - South East, United Kingdom
Joined: September 30, 2004
KitMaker: 84 posts
AeroScale: 76 posts
Posted: Monday, April 28, 2014 - 10:31 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Wow stunning build it looks amazing and really inspiring.

I love the Tiffy and I practically bounced round the house when I saw this announced in November this is even though Im off modelling at the moment I can not wait for mine to arrive


Quoted Text

I just had to order two from the LHS (one for me and one for Camogirl) and now I can't wait to get them even more.



Wish we could have got two each though .......



Hi Sam:

Thanks for that - wish you well with yours. She's a honey...
rochaped
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Lisboa, Portugal
Joined: August 27, 2010
KitMaker: 679 posts
AeroScale: 669 posts
Posted: Monday, April 28, 2014 - 10:33 AM UTC
Wow! What a mindblowing kit you've got there!! I am trully mesmorized by the photos

Just looking at the sheer amount of detail and the way your build enhances the kit's plastic quality really sets this Typhoon apart. I just wish i had the space and wallet to try my poor hands on such beast.
Airfix was never my fav brand, despite some fond childhood recollections, but this seems to be a true milestone for them. Hope they carry on... And in the quarter scale too if possible

Cheers
The_Doctor
_VISITCOMMUNITY
England - South East, United Kingdom
Joined: September 30, 2004
KitMaker: 84 posts
AeroScale: 76 posts
Posted: Monday, April 28, 2014 - 10:33 AM UTC

Quoted Text

It certainly is a beautiful, very well modeled, big airplane. I really like the kits incredible detail. And I do admire the builders masking patience with all those little squares applied (maybe not so little).




Hi Ben:

Much appreciated and yes, many nautical miles of sub-divided kabuki tape criss-crossed the mighty 'T' several times as she slipped on her day clothes.

Steve
The_Doctor
_VISITCOMMUNITY
England - South East, United Kingdom
Joined: September 30, 2004
KitMaker: 84 posts
AeroScale: 76 posts
Posted: Monday, April 28, 2014 - 10:36 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Steve,
1st off, I really enjoyed reading your prefix to the build. It was extremely well written, and led one right through the entire process to the model's completion and new display home.

The kit itself certainly speaks volumes for the new level of realism and detail that Airfix has attained. The kit looks to be the equal of any Asian manufacture, at any price point. The 1/24 scale is massive, and is the only draw back for me, as I've shied away from even 1/32 scale because of space issues.

The tub frame, cockpit, IP, main wing & spar, engine, and machine gun compartments, just speak volumes as to the level of detail, and the precision fit of all the parts.

But no kit can reach it's intended level of finish without a quality build. And your modeling skills are certainly more then evident as the finish model is a near perfect OOB build. Camo paint scheme, decaling, and weathering are just superb.

Joel



Hi Joel:

Thanks for dropping buy on this one and for the generous appraisal.
I'm much looking forward to my second one and hope you get the chance to navigate one too.

Best regards

Steve
The_Doctor
_VISITCOMMUNITY
England - South East, United Kingdom
Joined: September 30, 2004
KitMaker: 84 posts
AeroScale: 76 posts
Posted: Monday, April 28, 2014 - 10:38 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Wow! What a mindblowing kit you've got there!! I am trully mesmorized by the photos

Just looking at the sheer amount of detail and the way your build enhances the kit's plastic quality really sets this Typhoon apart. I just wish i had the space and wallet to try my poor hands on such beast.
Airfix was never my fav brand, despite some fond childhood recollections, but this seems to be a true milestone for them. Hope they carry on... And in the quarter scale too if possible

Cheers



Hi Pedro:

Thanks for that.
Given that the research that fuelled the 24th scale kit was channelled into the lovely little 72nd jobbie, time will tell if a quarter scale option emerges from them.

Take it easy.

Steve
The_Doctor
_VISITCOMMUNITY
England - South East, United Kingdom
Joined: September 30, 2004
KitMaker: 84 posts
AeroScale: 76 posts
Posted: Monday, April 28, 2014 - 10:41 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Simply stunning kit and you have done it great justice.

I haven't built 1/24 in years due to size but when this was announced iI just had to order two from the LHS (one for me and one for Camogirl) and now I can't wait to get them even more.

Mal - this will definately need painted markings andIi even have a couple of profiles for masking ideas if you want a copy?



Thanks for that - very much appreciated. You'll love it and once it starts growing wings and fuselage and wotnot you can ditch your gym membership...

Steve Von Biceps
The_Doctor
_VISITCOMMUNITY
England - South East, United Kingdom
Joined: September 30, 2004
KitMaker: 84 posts
AeroScale: 76 posts
Posted: Monday, April 28, 2014 - 10:49 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Hi Steve

Stunning stuff! - A really beautiful build of a magnificent kit. It's great to see Airfix right at the cutting edge of modern kit production!

1:24 is normally too big for me these days (I haven't tackled one of their Super Kits since the Fw 190 came out...), but I somehow don't think I'll be able to resist the Tiffie at some point...

One question - I've normally seen Sabres painted green. Is that only modern preservations/restorations?

All the best

Rowan



Hi Rowan:

Thanks for the nod on this one.
The m/o I followed in terms of colour selections was to largely stick with what Airfix directed. With Chris Thomas's key involvement in the R & D I was happy to do that, so it was my version of 'silver lacquer' where you see it on the framing and Sabre in black.
I usually drop one or two anarchic twists into the build and went off piste with the seat (Airfix advise a light grey) but I wanted an excuse to max out the effects of AK Interactive's Worn Effects, so mine had a field re-paint in Tam Nato Black.
I haven't the foggiest why Sabres wear that lurid green you refer to.

Thanks again!

Steve
The_Doctor
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England - South East, United Kingdom
Joined: September 30, 2004
KitMaker: 84 posts
AeroScale: 76 posts
Posted: Monday, April 28, 2014 - 10:51 AM UTC

Quoted Text

That's a stunning build! In my mind I can already see one of these on the display shelf beside the VFS P-47 (if I ever get that beast finished ).

Shark mouth you say Mal? Yes pleeeeeeeeeeeease!

Cheers, D



Thanks Damian - much appreciated. Enjoy yours when it lands... :-)

Best regards

Steve
The_Doctor
_VISITCOMMUNITY
England - South East, United Kingdom
Joined: September 30, 2004
KitMaker: 84 posts
AeroScale: 76 posts
Posted: Monday, April 28, 2014 - 10:52 AM UTC

Quoted Text

When I saw the test shots at Telford I was amazed; seeing this painted is just awesome very nicely done Steve
I am really looking forward to being able to get hold of one of these I believe that the release date is the 6th June, no that is inspirational
Of course you had to use the kit decals but this is crying out for painted markings, shark mouth anyone



Cheers Mal!

Steve Von Masknewbie
 _GOTOTOP