Hi Jen Only came across your channel when i purchased the Airfix 1/48 Royal Navy Buccaneer and did a search.Great memories of the Buccaneers landing on the Hms Ark Royal on the BBC documentary Sailor in the 1970s You have given me some great tips etc on modeling this kit.I noticed that when i opened the box there was a hell of a stink washed parts ɓut cant get rid of smell. Had box opened for 4 days. Thanks again for a refreshing view on modeling, Phil.
Hello Jennifer! Another great and informative episode! I didn't find it boring at all, enjoying your chats and little rants. Thank you for sharing your experiences and honest opinion.
Really very decent and respectful rant. I do agree that a certain price range demands a certain quality level. Certainly when compared with same price kits from other manufacturers. It is not a kit from 30 years ago.
I have always loved the Buccaneer as a plane, and wanted one in 1/48 forever. Bought the older kit and finally trashed it. Your approach to the NACA vents is one I have used and well done on your part. After my issues with the Sabre 4 from Airfix (also trashed) I'll dance away from this one also. For the money asked, it just doesn't cut it. And you have already added aftermarket improvements to an expensive kit. After 55 years of building, yes, I CAN fix, but should I really have to? My expectations may have been too high but I don't think so. Please keep up your excellent work! Thanks, Dane
🤯this is (one reason) why you're so awesome at this... that squiggly line in one picture that disappears under the starboard wing? 1. you know it's the earthing cable... and 2. you can draw on subscribers (I see one has already responded) to fill in details that will clearly up-level our models... the definition of "value"
Thanks Jen. Wow, that is a bit of an eye opener! I remember thinking when the price for the RN version was announced “Blimey that’s Tamiya money, this kit had better be good” and you have made the same point. If I build an Airfix Vintage Classic I expect all this tomfoolery with ejector pins and warping but at these price levels and a brand new kit it’s a little hard to take. Let’s hope there are no further issues.
You should get yourself up to the Cotswold Airport Jen (ex RAF Kemble) and see the Buccaneers being kept in ground running condition by the Buccaneer Aviation Group (TBAG).
I spent my Christmas money ordering this kit & pre-ordering the B-24, so I'm a little disappointed to find that you have had such a poor start to the build, but I'm sure you'll manage something with it & I'm along for the ride!
I am currently building the RN S2C/D version and apart from the ejector pin marks (particularly around the tailplane - you have to worry how bad they were before they tried trimming them up!) I haven't had the banana effect coming into play - yet. The breakdown of the parts does seem to mitigate against it - but I'm not holding my breath.... I still think this is going to be a belter though. Who else is going to build a Bucc in this scale?
I they are worth it Rich, they try very hard. I've had many comments and messages from people whose kits are fine, my friend over the road has one with none of the issues that mine has. And I think in all fairness that Airfix hit the mark more often than they miss it.
Cracking clip. I was going to buy this kit in the next few days - now I'm not so sure. Glad you pointed out the warping and other issues. It's deffinately a problem for Airfix at the moment. Their Blenheim Mk 1 was a nightmare. The Hurricane Mk 1 - also a nightmare. Friend of mine has had similar issues with the Airfix kits he's built recently. To be honest we're both far too close to calling it a day with Airfix altogether. Shame since I'm 60 and started modelling as a kid - back when everyone had an Airfix kit to build especially over the summer holidays at school. Now, can I be bothered with all the faffing about to make things fit properly? Good question... and I loved your point about the cost in relation. I'd certainly expect more quality control for the price. I of course love modelling and building and in some cases super detailing a kit, be it aircraft or other subjects. However, seventy odd quid is a fair chunk of cash for me and I'm sure others as well, as you said. I for one can certainly do without spending hours on fit and fix issues, instead of the modelling I enjoy. Anyway, Thanks again for the clip. Keep them up, because any modeller, but especially anyone new to the hobby needs informative clips like this one. Job well done.
Things like these ejectors standing proud are a design issue. But design of the mould. You CAN design them that they are recessed. Not so much quality issue of final production, but production of the mould. It takes a mould designer who is aware of what is going to happen with the parts they pop out.
I will try and remember to speak to one of the designers about it, as I'm not sure where the responsibility for stuff like that lies. I think most of the flaws in my example are due to rushed production rather than bad mould design.
I fully agree with your opinion on price versus quality expectations. As you say, the turbine blades won't be very visible (on either end), but IMO, your inlet blades are too shiny/clean. I worked on B-52H and B-2A and they were NEVER that shiny. Your NACA ductwork is a superb solution. Looking forward to how you get on with the rest of the build. Peace and love.
Yes they are, you are quite correct. They will get dulled down somewhat, but it's also one of those things where, as modellers, sometimes we over emphasise things to allow them to remain visible ... if you get my drift?
I would certainly provide the feedback to Airfix and request replacement parts Jen. Their QC simply is not up to par. Virtually every recent release of theirs has been marred by short shot and warped parts. Great video and a fair and well presented rant too.
When you were showing that centre section Jen I had flashbacks to building the old Airfix 48th Bucc - apart from some more detail the problems looked much the same!! WRT the earthing point, I don't know if there was more than one, but when you were flicking through the book I noticed a pic with what looks like an earth lead fixed to a main u/c door - it's at 8.06 in the video. Could be totally wrong though...!! Keith
I'm sure there is more than one earth position, and I only need to know one of them! This is definitely an improvement over the older kit, but it certainly brings its own set of issues to the table...
That warping on the tail is disappointing to see in new kit.... I think Airfix really need to get a grip on their production and quality control. Hope the build goes well!
Earth point- memory fails, but a standard wing-nut type stud on top of the aft wall of the stbd - and poss even port? UC bay seems to ring a bell. (It has been 40 years since I saw one). GPU connected on port side, small panel on lower fuselage about level with the rear of the canopy about a foot below the level of the intake, just fwd of the bomb bay. Air starter - a door at the bottom of each engine on bottom of fwd intake panel to inboard right of centre on port. not handed, so stbd one is outboard. Hydraulics similar position to GPU, but on stbd side. Please take all this as a possibly addled memory ;)
Spot on from what I can remember👍 The picture showing the earth lead on the main undercarriage door is wrong. The Fox Two book is generally very good, especially for the cockpits.
@@mickregan2620 Goodoh. Glad that age and stroke has not completely frazzled my brain. As for the kit - can't say I'm rushing to get one. I also think they may have missed out or misplaced a bunch of panels. I'm sure Jen will make a good job of it despite the kit.
Thanks. I thought it appeared to be on the left from the photos in the little book, but none are zoomed out enough to really clearly show the location. The kit has no panels there. Earth lead location sounds about right, the C-130 was like that too.
Your rant would have been worth ¢2, if the problem were smaller... So, one should be prepared for a fight when starting this build, then. Hopefully the end result would not disappoint. (I've ordered one already, so hope dies last, I suppose...)
Airfix are designing and engineering some good kits, but as you said, moulding and quality control is poor and will definitely hold them back and not change peoples opinion on the brand. With the 1/24 Spitfire they proved what they could do by doing the production in the UK. £72 doesn't look like using India to lower the price point.
You never know what you will get when the design goes to manufacturing. Of course the people in manufacturing will say that you never know what you will get when a new design comes down from engineering. Offshoring manufacturing would make Kelly Johnson roll in his grave.
Nice to see your honest assessment of this kit. I’ve built the RN version and I think it’s the most overrated kit released in a long time. I tried the Neomega seats that you have and when you compare them to the kit seats there is a big size difference. Think Airfix have a scaling problem with the cockpit and seats.
Totally agree about the seats. They are far too thick. Look at the pictures of the seats in the Fox Two book in the vid. The canopy breakers on top of the seat are fairly thin, not like the thick plastic on the kit seats😟 And what happened to the seat pan firing handle🤬
Hi, I,m new to your channel and find it very refreshing. Especially having the fairer sex,s view. I,m 75 and love to hear younger people talking about a hobby I have enjoyed for so many years. Looking forward to another one of your videos. Mike, Bristol
The "bananer effect" at 14:53?? Lol! You mean banana? There's no "R" in banana. You Brittish folk crack me up with your pronunciations...but I sure do love your work.
Thanks for teaching us dumb English folk how to speak English. Much appreciated. PS British only has one T, and Alabama doesn't have an R in it either - but that doesn't seem to matter. Just saying.
Variety is the spice of life!! I've actually watched a lot of videos recently explaining the origins of the differences in our respective versions of English - in many cases the US version is actually more 'correct' apparently (the shame) lol
Most Airfix kits are garbage. There, I've said it, and sticking to it. Also...getting sick of the pretentious model makers on You Tube that think they are better than everyone else. There again, I've siad it, and sticking to it.
Hi Jen Only came across your channel when i purchased the Airfix 1/48 Royal Navy Buccaneer and did a search.Great memories of the Buccaneers landing on the Hms Ark Royal on the BBC documentary Sailor in the 1970s You have given me some great tips etc on modeling this kit.I noticed that when i opened the box there was a hell of a stink washed parts ɓut cant get rid of smell. Had box opened for 4 days. Thanks again for a refreshing view on modeling, Phil.
Hello Jennifer! Another great and informative episode! I didn't find it boring at all, enjoying your chats and little rants. Thank you for sharing your experiences and honest opinion.
Thank you, Jen, for taking the time to show us how to tackle the kit's shortcomings.
As always an honest and hugely informative video Jen. Looking forward to seeing progress on the build. Thank you!
My dad worked on Buccaneers for South Africa , I think they were his favourites , that lovely curvacious shape !
The build looks like it's coming on nicely jen well done
great info, thanks for sharing. Crappy kits are less aggravating when one knows what to expect!
Always loved the buccaneer’s design. Can’t wait for the result.
great walk through/talk through, thank you for taking the time
Really very decent and respectful rant. I do agree that a certain price range demands a certain quality level. Certainly when compared with same price kits from other manufacturers. It is not a kit from 30 years ago.
Thank you for all the time effort you put into these videos very much enjoy these and look forward to the next one 😊
I have always loved the Buccaneer as a plane, and wanted one in 1/48 forever. Bought the older kit and finally trashed it. Your approach to the NACA vents is one I have used and well done on your part. After my issues with the Sabre 4 from Airfix (also trashed) I'll dance away from this one also. For the money asked, it just doesn't cut it. And you have already added aftermarket improvements to an expensive kit. After 55 years of building, yes, I CAN fix, but should I really have to? My expectations may have been too high but I don't think so. Please keep up your excellent work! Thanks, Dane
🤯this is (one reason) why you're so awesome at this... that squiggly line in one picture that disappears under the starboard wing? 1. you know it's the earthing cable... and 2. you can draw on subscribers (I see one has already responded) to fill in details that will clearly up-level our models... the definition of "value"
Thanks Jen. Wow, that is a bit of an eye opener! I remember thinking when the price for the RN version was announced “Blimey that’s Tamiya money, this kit had better be good” and you have made the same point. If I build an Airfix Vintage Classic I expect all this tomfoolery with ejector pins and warping but at these price levels and a brand new kit it’s a little hard to take. Let’s hope there are no further issues.
I'm a huge fan of the use of 'tomfoolery' there as a descriptor - it's just perfect lol
You should get yourself up to the Cotswold Airport Jen (ex RAF Kemble) and see the Buccaneers being kept in ground running condition by the Buccaneer Aviation Group (TBAG).
I plan to, as soon as I can
I spent my Christmas money ordering this kit & pre-ordering the B-24, so I'm a little disappointed to find that you have had such a poor start to the build, but I'm sure you'll manage something with it & I'm along for the ride!
Great looking plane jen
I am currently building the RN S2C/D version and apart from the ejector pin marks (particularly around the tailplane - you have to worry how bad they were before they tried trimming them up!) I haven't had the banana effect coming into play - yet. The breakdown of the parts does seem to mitigate against it - but I'm not holding my breath.... I still think this is going to be a belter though. Who else is going to build a Bucc in this scale?
I've always wanted to support Airfix. However this quick snapshot just makes me shake my head.I'm sure you will turn it into a real banger though.
I they are worth it Rich, they try very hard. I've had many comments and messages from people whose kits are fine, my friend over the road has one with none of the issues that mine has. And I think in all fairness that Airfix hit the mark more often than they miss it.
Cracking clip. I was going to buy this kit in the next few days - now I'm not so sure. Glad you pointed out the warping and other issues. It's deffinately a problem for Airfix at the moment. Their Blenheim Mk 1 was a nightmare. The Hurricane Mk 1 - also a nightmare. Friend of mine has had similar issues with the Airfix kits he's built recently. To be honest we're both far too close to calling it a day with Airfix altogether. Shame since I'm 60 and started modelling as a kid - back when everyone had an Airfix kit to build especially over the summer holidays at school. Now, can I be bothered with all the faffing about to make things fit properly? Good question... and I loved your point about the cost in relation. I'd certainly expect more quality control for the price. I of course love modelling and building and in some cases super detailing a kit, be it aircraft or other subjects. However, seventy odd quid is a fair chunk of cash for me and I'm sure others as well, as you said. I for one can certainly do without spending hours on fit and fix issues, instead of the modelling I enjoy. Anyway, Thanks again for the clip. Keep them up, because any modeller, but especially anyone new to the hobby needs informative clips like this one. Job well done.
If only the rest of the internet could learn to rant so politely!
RAF types are always jolly polite old chap.
That may well be sir, but the internet surely isn't. @@memkiii
Things like these ejectors standing proud are a design issue. But design of the mould. You CAN design them that they are recessed. Not so much quality issue of final production, but production of the mould. It takes a mould designer who is aware of what is going to happen with the parts they pop out.
I will try and remember to speak to one of the designers about it, as I'm not sure where the responsibility for stuff like that lies. I think most of the flaws in my example are due to rushed production rather than bad mould design.
I fully agree with your opinion on price versus quality expectations. As you say, the turbine blades won't be very visible (on either end), but IMO, your inlet blades are too shiny/clean. I worked on B-52H and B-2A and they were NEVER that shiny. Your NACA ductwork is a superb solution. Looking forward to how you get on with the rest of the build. Peace and love.
Yes they are, you are quite correct. They will get dulled down somewhat, but it's also one of those things where, as modellers, sometimes we over emphasise things to allow them to remain visible ... if you get my drift?
@@JenesisDesignsandModelcraft True. I hadn't really considered that.
I would certainly provide the feedback to Airfix and request replacement parts Jen. Their QC simply is not up to par. Virtually every recent release of theirs has been marred by short shot and warped parts. Great video and a fair and well presented rant too.
They have sent a whole new kit, Bruce
Top tip: avoid looking at refs of the wheel bays, wing folds and airbrake. But if you must the Grubby Fingers walkaround is absolutely brilliant
I'll give it a look, thankyou
When you were showing that centre section Jen I had flashbacks to building the old Airfix 48th Bucc - apart from some more detail the problems looked much the same!! WRT the earthing point, I don't know if there was more than one, but when you were flicking through the book I noticed a pic with what looks like an earth lead fixed to a main u/c door - it's at 8.06 in the video. Could be totally wrong though...!! Keith
I'm sure there is more than one earth position, and I only need to know one of them! This is definitely an improvement over the older kit, but it certainly brings its own set of issues to the table...
That warping on the tail is disappointing to see in new kit.... I think Airfix really need to get a grip on their production and quality control. Hope the build goes well!
Read the thumbnail n in my head im asking myself did they make a Quickbuild buc.
Has anyone EVER done a quick build Bucc?? lol
Earth point- memory fails, but a standard wing-nut type stud on top of the aft wall of the stbd - and poss even port? UC bay seems to ring a bell. (It has been 40 years since I saw one). GPU connected on port side, small panel on lower fuselage about level with the rear of the canopy about a foot below the level of the intake, just fwd of the bomb bay. Air starter - a door at the bottom of each engine on bottom of fwd intake panel to inboard right of centre on port. not handed, so stbd one is outboard. Hydraulics similar position to GPU, but on stbd side. Please take all this as a possibly addled memory ;)
Spot on from what I can remember👍 The picture showing the earth lead on the main undercarriage door is wrong. The Fox Two book is generally very good, especially for the cockpits.
@@mickregan2620 Goodoh. Glad that age and stroke has not completely frazzled my brain. As for the kit - can't say I'm rushing to get one. I also think they may have missed out or misplaced a bunch of panels. I'm sure Jen will make a good job of it despite the kit.
Thanks. I thought it appeared to be on the left from the photos in the little book, but none are zoomed out enough to really clearly show the location. The kit has no panels there. Earth lead location sounds about right, the C-130 was like that too.
Is part 2 up yet?
Not yet. Got my hands full with the P-51 and a sew side quests.=, will get back to it soon
did you finish the Mosquito then ??
Next instalment due this weekend Fred!
What is a Naca duct?
I'll point you straight at Wikipedia, but basically it's a low drag intake scoop - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NACA_duct
Your rant would have been worth ¢2, if the problem were smaller...
So, one should be prepared for a fight when starting this build, then.
Hopefully the end result would not disappoint.
(I've ordered one already, so hope dies last, I suppose...)
Airfix are designing and engineering some good kits, but as you said, moulding and quality control is poor and will definitely hold them back and not change peoples opinion on the brand. With the 1/24 Spitfire they proved what they could do by doing the production in the UK. £72 doesn't look like using India to lower the price point.
You never know what you will get when the design goes to manufacturing. Of course the people in manufacturing will say that you never know what you will get when a new design comes down from engineering. Offshoring manufacturing would make Kelly Johnson roll in his grave.
My air intake ring A16 is mismoulded
That kit should be sent back as unfit for purpose. Appalling. While we continue to accept quality like this, nothing will change.
Airfix are on the case, more to come in part two!
Nice video - like your presentation - steady and attention to the right level of detail without being too anal.
Nice to see your honest assessment of this kit. I’ve built the RN version and I think it’s the most overrated kit released in a long time. I tried the Neomega seats that you have and when you compare them to the kit seats there is a big size difference. Think Airfix have a scaling problem with the cockpit and seats.
Totally agree about the seats. They are far too thick. Look at the pictures of the seats in the Fox Two book in the vid. The canopy breakers on top of the seat are fairly thin, not like the thick plastic on the kit seats😟 And what happened to the seat pan firing handle🤬
Hi, I,m new to your channel and find it very refreshing. Especially having the fairer sex,s view. I,m 75 and love to hear younger people talking about a hobby I have enjoyed for so many years. Looking forward to another one of your videos. Mike, Bristol
The "bananer effect" at 14:53?? Lol! You mean banana? There's no "R" in banana. You Brittish folk crack me up with your pronunciations...but I sure do love your work.
Thanks for teaching us dumb English folk how to speak English. Much appreciated. PS British only has one T, and Alabama doesn't have an R in it either - but that doesn't seem to matter. Just saying.
We spoke the language before you lot. You get it wrong, not the other way around.
Variety is the spice of life!! I've actually watched a lot of videos recently explaining the origins of the differences in our respective versions of English - in many cases the US version is actually more 'correct' apparently (the shame) lol
@@memkiii Arkansas?
@@JenesisDesignsandModelcraft You are reading the wrong text. It is impossible you muppet
For the the price Airfix are charging there shouldn't be any 'warped' or short shot parts on these kits at all!
I agree completely, one of the perils of outsourcing production I feel.
Every single box Airfix sells absolutely has to have warped parts and that's infuriating. They just don't care at all.
Most Airfix kits are garbage. There, I've said it, and sticking to it. Also...getting sick of the pretentious model makers on You Tube that think they are better than everyone else. There again, I've siad it, and sticking to it.
I'm hoping against hope that you don't count me among them Paul ......