Hello Gary, it’s really good to do a tribute build for Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth, all my respect for a life long of duty and service to the Nation. Quite a daunting kit I must say, very detailed, enjoy the build.
For just a few quid more than the Aifix kit ( I think £5 or £6 more ) it's a huge leap up in parts, detail and skill. Looking forward to you building this for me Gary
Nice one Gary! It looks to have the usual amount of mental detail on a gecko model that you'll never actually see like the foot pedal PE and engine. I made a gecko Grant and it was bloody tough. In retrospect I didn't enjoy it by the end. Just wanted to get it done. Should have bought a cheaper version! Understand this level of detail will float some people's boats but for a casual modeller with a full time job and a baby I don't have time for this sort of thing. Would rather punch out simpler builds.
Greeting Gary, this looks to be if it is going to be a great build, best wished for this build, so get building so we can all see how it turns out, best wishes for this build, cheers from a Kiwi living in Australia.
Hey Gary, just went and bought myself the Derwent Waterbrush Multi-Pack at a local Art Store. Thanks for the heads up. I'm just at the point where I will be applying decals to my 1/72 Airfix Bristol Beaufighter TF.X. I'm sure it will go much smoother now.
good to see doing this. id like to have a go myself at this kit. i watched a vid of the two kits the other day, but the guy was saying neither kit had the right radiator cover. grill. greybeard models.
I wouldn't know about that. On the side flap of the bonnet in the film it looks like the louvres are in two sets - both kits have them as long louvre slots. And they don't say to sand off the bonnet badge on the Ice Cold Katy!
@@garys_stuff to be honest Gary, I think both kits look great. I do like the geko. Kit more though. Bit more complex. I'm no rivet counter, but the video intrigued me. I'm sure he said there were different mk's of the Austin, so it's probably that. Thanks for the reply, and keep the vids coming mate. Thanks, Stu.
Nice one Gary.. I actually bought the Airfix version after you’re video build on that. I am hoping to get hold of a loose Princess Elizabeth from a Gecko version.. Any pointers would be greatly appreciated..looking forward to the build..Chris
Hi Chris, glad you got one, the Airfix Katy is a very nice kit I think. I wonder how many people might be getting in touch with Gecko Models saying that their sprue with the figure was missing from the box....
looking forward to the build, Airfix used the wrong seat(original lost,replaced by one from a TR7. have scratch built replacement, looking forward to seeing if Gecko did the same.
I was quite worried about you last week, Gary. I think it's a great idea to work through your feelings by carving plastic. This is a very demanding kit and you ll be sharing it with us. Seems like a lot of effort to avoid your Do-17Z pocket history. 😀
Cheers Randy - no need to worry about me. Still a few challenges but on top of things. Model making helps enormously, of course. And I haven't forgotten the history bit, it's just delayed!!!
I just ordered this kit and found out too late that it's the box without the princess! Argh! I wanted to build a diorama after the famous picture and now I can't do it. That's more than annoying but of course my fault. EDIT: I was mistaken! It actually IS the kit with the princess! I thought the figure would miss because of the box art but it's the exact same kit! Forget about the rest of my comment because I'll be building the dio the way I wanted to. I actually wanted to build the cab with folded doors as it was represented in that pic, but when I saw how lovely the clear parts were moulded I changed my mind. I can still leave the doors open so ther view inside the cab isn't blocked. After subbing I'll go on and watch your build videos. Happy new year!
Nice on Gary, it’s a great kit. Takes some work though. I’m still working on mine as I’ve been delayed by recent events here in the U.K. it’s certainly worth the extra work. Good luck mate 👍
Hi Gary I watched your videos on your airfix build and you have read my comments on this, to ve honest I think I will give the airfix a wide birth becoz I've watched other modellers videos struggle with the fit of the parts during construction, although this gecko kit has a zillion more parts I'm leaning towards buying this kit rather than regurgitate my vow to never buy another airfix vehicle kit, so I am looking forward to following your build. All the best Peter. 👍
Hi Peter, just be prepared that the Gecko kit is way, way more complex than the Airfix one. But if you're happy with that then the detail is astonishing and the fit is mostly very good.
@@garys_stuff hi Gary many thanks for responding, I accept there are many more parts than airfix I'm not a novice /beginner modeller even though I'm disabled in my left hand and I'm used a building kits with zillions of parts and lots of photo etch but I'm not easily put off by the number of pieces and besides I'm due to have minor surgery on my hand in early October which I'm hoping will give me back full use of my hand so we'll see how I get on it may take me a lot longer than your goodself but that's the joy I get from modelling. I enjoy the solitude and silence and the concentration helps keep me focused, lol you should see me paint 1/35 miniature figures I'm so fussy if it's not right to my eye I clean off the paint and start over, I have several waiting completion 🤣
@@garys_stuff hi Gary yes I reckon I will, I've been watching your gecko build and see what you mean about small parts lol and due to my problem hand I've learned ways of compensating for my disability, thanks for the well wishes with the surgery I'm hoping in time with physio therapy I'll get full use back which I'm hoping for as I haven't always been disabled in the hand and I miss terribly playing my guitars and piano which I haven't touched in over 6 years so here's hoping 🙏👍👍
Check with SprueBox, a newer UK company online. Owner is a huge supporter of Models 4 Heroes and was at the recent Airfix Creators day (as was Gary). Good dude and seems like his prices were competitive with the other UK online retailers.
Nice review there Gary, I'll of course be following along, this one looks a little to fiddly for my tastes so I'll be sticking to the Airfix Katy when it hits the shelves down under. I thought the figure was to be in resin and not plastic, tbf I don't remember where I saw, heard, imagined that.
Building this kit at the moment and it's one of the most frustrating kit's I've built for a while, Reminds me of a Dragon kit where things are stupidly overcomplicated for example the wheels/tyres and hubs, think the airfix kit is more user friendly but the Gecko kit fights you all the way!!😡
The 3-part tires are a departure. I hate trimming vinyl and this avoids the centre seam of the Airfix tires, though that is in hard styrene and easy to work with. I'm more concerned with the lack of sidewall detail on the Airfix tires.
Hello Gary, it’s really good to do a tribute build for Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth, all my respect for a life long of duty and service to the Nation. Quite a daunting kit I must say, very detailed, enjoy the build.
Thanks Victor.
Nice review, I particularly like the rippled doors, they never hang perfectly flat.
I thought it was a clever touch.
Definitely one for the experienced modeller. I’m looking forward to following your build. I’ve no doubt that I’ll learn a lot, as always.
You're not joking - detail everywhere!
Glad to see what's in the pipeline from gecko and a good look through the parts👍Gary.
Glad you enjoyed it Pete!
For just a few quid more than the Aifix kit ( I think £5 or £6 more ) it's a huge leap up in parts, detail and skill. Looking forward to you building this for me Gary
It is mate, a huge leap!
Nice look at the sprues Gary. Thanks 👍☕🐢
My pleasure Locha!
Be interesting to see this build gary, I am sure you will do it justice.
I'll do my best John!
I enjoyed the unboxing Gary very comprehensive . Regards Gav.
Cheers Gav!
Nice one Gary! It looks to have the usual amount of mental detail on a gecko model that you'll never actually see like the foot pedal PE and engine. I made a gecko Grant and it was bloody tough. In retrospect I didn't enjoy it by the end. Just wanted to get it done. Should have bought a cheaper version! Understand this level of detail will float some people's boats but for a casual modeller with a full time job and a baby I don't have time for this sort of thing. Would rather punch out simpler builds.
The detail is indeed challenging - and it's just an ambulance. Not for the novice or indeed a casual modeller unless you've got lots and lots of time.
Well the baby will be able to help out by the time you're finished! I've just got this kit and I should have it done by Christmas.
Thanks for your honest reply. Kit makers need to hear from actual buyers/builders.
Cheers!
Looks great Gary. Looking forward to seeing the build. Thanks for sharing! 😎🇨🇦
Thanks 👍
Greeting Gary, this looks to be if it is going to be a great build, best wished for this build, so get building so we can all see how it turns out, best wishes for this build, cheers from a Kiwi living in Australia.
Thanks Les, always good to hear from you!
Hey, Gary. Anticipating the new build. Great seeing how your skills are advancing. Always impressed.
Thanks LT!
Hey Gary, just went and bought myself the Derwent Waterbrush Multi-Pack at a local Art Store. Thanks for the heads up. I'm just at the point where I will be applying decals to my 1/72 Airfix Bristol Beaufighter TF.X. I'm sure it will go much smoother now.
Great stuff - but it's @PlasticAlchemist you should thank!
good to see doing this. id like to have a go myself at this kit. i watched a vid of the two kits the other day, but the guy was saying neither kit had the right radiator cover. grill. greybeard models.
I wouldn't know about that. On the side flap of the bonnet in the film it looks like the louvres are in two sets - both kits have them as long louvre slots. And they don't say to sand off the bonnet badge on the Ice Cold Katy!
@@garys_stuff to be honest Gary, I think both kits look great. I do like the geko. Kit more though. Bit more complex. I'm no rivet counter, but the video intrigued me. I'm sure he said there were different mk's of the Austin, so it's probably that. Thanks for the reply, and keep the vids coming mate. Thanks, Stu.
Nice one Gary.. I actually bought the Airfix version after you’re video build on that. I am hoping to get hold of a loose Princess Elizabeth from a Gecko version.. Any pointers would be greatly appreciated..looking forward to the build..Chris
Hi Chris, glad you got one, the Airfix Katy is a very nice kit I think. I wonder how many people might be getting in touch with Gecko Models saying that their sprue with the figure was missing from the box....
looking forward to the build, Airfix used the wrong seat(original lost,replaced by one from a TR7. have scratch built replacement, looking forward to seeing if Gecko did the same.
You'll have to wait until part two or three of the build I think!
@@garys_stuff it’ll be worth the wait
I was quite worried about you last week, Gary. I think it's a great idea to work through your feelings by carving plastic. This is a very demanding kit and you ll be sharing it with us. Seems like a lot of effort to avoid your Do-17Z pocket history. 😀
Cheers Randy - no need to worry about me. Still a few challenges but on top of things. Model making helps enormously, of course. And I haven't forgotten the history bit, it's just delayed!!!
That looks amazing, good luck with it!
Thanks John!
@@garys_stuff I'm Mark 😂😂😂
So you are, Dave. Sorry mate, late night and too much glue vapour, I think...
@@garys_stuff no worries Jim, glad we cleared that up.
I just ordered this kit and found out too late that it's the box without the princess! Argh! I wanted to build a diorama after the famous picture and now I can't do it. That's more than annoying but of course my fault.
EDIT: I was mistaken! It actually IS the kit with the princess! I thought the figure would miss because of the box art but it's the exact same kit! Forget about the rest of my comment because I'll be building the dio the way I wanted to.
I actually wanted to build the cab with folded doors as it was represented in that pic, but when I saw how lovely the clear parts were moulded I changed my mind. I can still leave the doors open so ther view inside the cab isn't blocked. After subbing I'll go on and watch your build videos. Happy new year!
Nice on Gary, it’s a great kit. Takes some work though. I’m still working on mine as I’ve been delayed by recent events here in the U.K. it’s certainly worth the extra work. Good luck mate 👍
Two days and I've built the chassis!!! Amazing detail.
Hi Gary I watched your videos on your airfix build and you have read my comments on this, to ve honest I think I will give the airfix a wide birth becoz I've watched other modellers videos struggle with the fit of the parts during construction, although this gecko kit has a zillion more parts I'm leaning towards buying this kit rather than regurgitate my vow to never buy another airfix vehicle kit, so I am looking forward to following your build. All the best Peter. 👍
Hi Peter, just be prepared that the Gecko kit is way, way more complex than the Airfix one. But if you're happy with that then the detail is astonishing and the fit is mostly very good.
@@garys_stuff hi Gary many thanks for responding, I accept there are many more parts than airfix I'm not a novice /beginner modeller even though I'm disabled in my left hand and I'm used a building kits with zillions of parts and lots of photo etch but I'm not easily put off by the number of pieces and besides I'm due to have minor surgery on my hand in early October which I'm hoping will give me back full use of my hand so we'll see how I get on it may take me a lot longer than your goodself but that's the joy I get from modelling. I enjoy the solitude and silence and the concentration helps keep me focused, lol you should see me paint 1/35 miniature figures I'm so fussy if it's not right to my eye I clean off the paint and start over, I have several waiting completion 🤣
@@peterharman8466 you'll love the photo etch then! All the best for the surgery.
@@garys_stuff hi Gary yes I reckon I will, I've been watching your gecko build and see what you mean about small parts lol and due to my problem hand I've learned ways of compensating for my disability, thanks for the well wishes with the surgery I'm hoping in time with physio therapy I'll get full use back which I'm hoping for as I haven't always been disabled in the hand and I miss terribly playing my guitars and piano which I haven't touched in over 6 years so here's hoping 🙏👍👍
Very nice kit. Is Gecko models made in China? What's the retail price in the UK? I will follow your build of this nice British Ambulance.
Gecko Models is a Chinese company so yes, they are produced there. In the UK they retail for around £40.
Check with SprueBox, a newer UK company online. Owner is a huge supporter of Models 4 Heroes and was at the recent Airfix Creators day (as was Gary). Good dude and seems like his prices were competitive with the other UK online retailers.
Nice review there Gary, I'll of course be following along, this one looks a little to fiddly for my tastes so I'll be sticking to the Airfix Katy when it hits the shelves down under. I thought the figure was to be in resin and not plastic, tbf I don't remember where I saw, heard, imagined that.
It is very fiddly - I do wonder how many people will buy this thinking it's Airfix level, this very much isn't!
Somehow I assumed the figure would be in resin and I was surprised when Gary showed us the Elizabeth sprue.
Building this kit at the moment and it's one of the most frustrating kit's I've built for a while, Reminds me of a Dragon kit where things are stupidly overcomplicated for example the wheels/tyres and hubs, think the airfix kit is more user friendly but the Gecko kit fights you all the way!!😡
It is a beast, isn't it? Have a look at the fun I had building the chassis...
The 3-part tires are a departure. I hate trimming vinyl and this avoids the centre seam of the Airfix tires, though that is in hard styrene and easy to work with.
I'm more concerned with the lack of sidewall detail on the Airfix tires.