Jump to content

New Airfix Swordfish on display at Cosford Airshow.


f4h1phantom

Recommended Posts

Wonder if any of you who was at Cosford the weekend before last took some pictures of the new Swordish in 1/72 that was on display at the Airfix stand. Would like to see what it looks like!

A link could also do.

Thanks in advance,

Jorge. :cheers:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

With this very thread in mind I took my camera and went to the Airfix stand for a nosey round at RIAT yesterday (anything to get out of the driving rain!). Test shots of two complete Swordfishes were on display: one with extended and one with folded wings. There was also a sprue of parts. While the former may have been waxy mock-ups (I didn't scratch them to find out!) the sprues look very much the real thing.

I do not exaggerate if I say that Airfix's detail is now the equal of Tamiyagawa. Assuming this material is representative of the kit parts, Airfix really have surpassed themselves. Detail on bits like the radiator, machine gun, engine, and torpedo are exquisite. The panel lines are super-fine, a whole notch up even from recent releases like the Valiant/Sea Vixen. Assuming it's accurate, this will be by a country mile the best Swordfish in this scale.

IMG_6640.jpg

IMG_6639.jpg

IMG_6641.jpg

IMG_6643.jpg

In other news, I also went to look at the Gnat. Although a simpler little aeroplane, I'd say the detail is the equal of that on the 'fish. It comes with beautifully fine blade aerials, pretty decent ejector seats, underwing fuel tanks (one damaged here) and sensually thin panel lines.

IMG_6642.jpg

I for one am very excited for the new releases!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Oooh, I've gone all unecessary - these are definitely my bag. Any news on markings?

If I'm interpreting your sprue shots correctly, the Swordfish fuselage is in three parts ie two sides and the underneath?

Can't wait

Trevor

Edited by Max Headroom
Link to comment
Share on other sites

The Gnat is so cool - one piece upper wing as well!

Does look very nice doesn't it, perhaps we can persaud Airfix to produce one in 1/48 as well.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Many thanks for the pics Vulcanicity!

That new kit looks really superb.

And I am also waiting for the Gnat with great expectation. I want to build one in the colours of the original Airfix release. One piece upper wing? Just great!

Cheers,

Jorge.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm really diggin' the new releases from Airfix.

In a time when most other manufacturers prices are rocketing, they're managing to bring out some great stuff at affordable prices.

Their new Harrier is my favourite kit of the year so far. It looks great and comes complete with everything you need (weapons, Bols and Lerx), all in one neat package. B)

I really hope they scale it up to 48th.

Long may it continue. :thumbsup2:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I do not exaggerate if I say that Airfix's detail is now the equal of Tamiyagawa.....

I for one am very excited for the new releases!

Indeed, they are things of beauty. I will be adding to the growing, airfix filled stash!

Thanks for the pics. :speak_cool:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Vulcanicity, while studying your pictures, I noticed some "water" drops on the sprues:

Graphic12222222222222222cr.jpg

Don't you tell me you drooled all over them while taking the pictures!!! :winkgrin::Tasty:

Jorge.

Edited by f4h1phantom
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

No, I dripped not drooled, honest!! The weather that morning was wall-to wall foul, and I was actually so wet I couldn't help dripping all over the sprues. That said, I may have been drooling too...

Yes, the 'fish has separate bottom and sides for the fuselage: I can only assume that this is due to separate warload options. (optional belly for torpedo?) Also note the interior framing provided separately for the cockpit, this is very promising!

There was no indication of markings options, however one of the two Swordfishes on display had RPs under the wings, so that suggests a Mk. III is in the offing at some point as well as a Mk. I with torpedo.

As for the Gnat, I can't see them missing the opportunity to do a Red Arrows version as this would be a seller, however I'm really hoping for the red/white scheme and particularly the dayglo/silver scheme.

Here's anticipating!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

How did I miss these pics the first time round. They both look the nuts, and I don't think you're barking mad when you say that Airfix have really moved up to be the equal of Tamiyagawa. Thanks for posting these pics!

Mark.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

How did I miss these pics the first time round. They both look the nuts, and I don't think you're barking mad when you say that Airfix have really moved up to be the equal of Tamiyagawa. Thanks for posting these pics!

Mark.

I agree - and ahead of Revellogram and TrumpyBoss.

Cheers,

Bill

Link to comment
Share on other sites

No, I dripped not drooled, honest!! The weather that morning was wall-to wall foul, and I was actually so wet I couldn't help dripping all over the sprues. That said, I may have been drooling too...

Yes, the 'fish has separate bottom and sides for the fuselage: I can only assume that this is due to separate warload options. (optional belly for torpedo?) Also note the interior framing provided separately for the cockpit, this is very promising!

There was no indication of markings options, however one of the two Swordfishes on display had RPs under the wings, so that suggests a Mk. III is in the offing at some point as well as a Mk. I with torpedo.

As for the Gnat, I can't see them missing the opportunity to do a Red Arrows version as this would be a seller, however I'm really hoping for the red/white scheme and particularly the dayglo/silver scheme.

Here's anticipating!

I would assume the separate bottom is due to moulding limitations- if the flat bottom was combined with the sides they wouldn't be able to mould any of the detail on the bottom panel (arrestor hook recess etc) without the part sticking in the mould. They could have used a slide (side action) on the mould but that would have still left a seam to clean up down the middle of the fuse. Looks like their solution puts the seam neatly on a panel break. Also looks like they have moulded the lower stub wing sections onto the fuselage bottom which should help avoid any alignment issues as the dihedral will be set in the right place.

Don't think they were RP's, just 250lb GP bombs. A mk2 etc would need metal skinned lower wing parts.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Very nice - but for me it is also a tremendous pleasure is seeing Airfix producing such quality etc. I don't know how they rank in the "popularity stakes" with other manufacturers but certainly they should be encouraged. British and all that, apart from being richly deserved.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...
  • 2 weeks later...

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...