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Author
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Topic: Airfix space lineup of plastic model kits
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Jay Chladek
Member Posts: 2272
From: Bellevue, NE, USA
Registered: Aug 2007
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posted 01-01-2010 01:27 AM
   
It was recently announced on the Airfix website that they are (re)issuing some more space kits for 2010 to go with their 1/144 Saturn V and 1/72 LM kit. Here's what I've been able to gleem from one of the people who is involved with kit development: - 1/144 Skylab Saturn V- This will be the Airfix Saturn V, but with the S-IVB stage replaced with the Skylab orbital workshop in its stowed configuration (no Apollo CSM or LM provided, so it builds into the Skylab only). The Skylab is provided in stowed configuration only, so you can't build it out of the box as an orbiting Skylab. But, the rear end of the Skylab will be provided, making it a little easier for modelers who want to convert it.
- 1/144 Saturn 1B- The rare one returns as this model hasn't been kitted since 1989-90 and it sold out quick then. Presumably, this model will feature the retooled CSM and S-IVB adaptor that the recent Saturn V reissue has. There are no other retooled parts planned for this kit either.
- 1/144 Vostok rocket- This is a straight reissue of the original kit. No retooled parts are planned. This kit isn't the most accurate since Airfix fudged a little on their scaling (probably basing it on the one finally unveiled in the late 1960s). As such, it is a little skinny in parts. The upper stage bits feature parts for Vostok, early Soyuz and Luna launch shrouds (improperly listed as Sputnik, but it is really a Luna probe shroud with a third stage rocket motor). Tiny models of the Vostok and early Soyuz craft are also provided.
It is nice to see these two old kits see the light of day again, but the Skylab Saturn was TOTALLY unexpected and a most pleasant surprise. I have no idea on the issue dates for these, but they may be soon as the Skylab is currently in the test shot phase right now. |
Tykeanaut
Member Posts: 2212
From: Worcestershire, England, UK.
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 01-01-2010 04:26 AM
I must get my 'paws' on the Vostok rocket, haven't had one of them for years! |
cspg
Member Posts: 6210
From: Geneva, Switzerland
Registered: May 2006
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posted 01-01-2010 09:03 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Jay Chladek:
to go with their 1/144 Saturn V
Hopefully this one will be back in stock! |
E2M Lem Man
Member Posts: 846
From: Los Angeles CA. USA
Registered: Jan 2005
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posted 01-06-2010 03:08 PM
Boy we can't wait to see these! I have seen the Airfix Apollo/Saturn V around here and there Jay, even here on the left coast! But, the Saturn 1B and the Vostoks, just in time for their 50th anniversaries! Yee-haa! |
Tykeanaut
Member Posts: 2212
From: Worcestershire, England, UK.
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 02-10-2010 11:42 AM
Has anyone any idea when these new kits are due to hit the high street shops? |
Jay Chladek
Member Posts: 2272
From: Bellevue, NE, USA
Registered: Aug 2007
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posted 02-15-2010 10:35 AM
I did some checking with US based distributors anyway and so far, no information as to when these might be out. Of course, with Airfix being UK based, they will hit in England first. The toy show in Germany was last weekend, and if Airfix had a display there, then they might have the initial release dates finalized.I just checked Hannants and while they don't have release dates listed, they have the part numbers and estimated prices: AX05172- Vostok £13.99
AX06172- Saturn 1B £16.99
AX11150- Saturn V Skylab £34.99 And yes, there are still the Apollo Saturn Vs from Airfix near where I live as well. So they are out in the US (and have been for some time). |
Obviousman
Member Posts: 438
From: NSW, Australia
Registered: May 2005
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posted 02-15-2010 11:57 PM
I'll have to get the Saturn 1B.By the way, which do people consider a better kit: the Revell Saturn V or the Airfix (1:144 scale)? |
Jay Chladek
Member Posts: 2272
From: Bellevue, NE, USA
Registered: Aug 2007
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posted 02-16-2010 12:57 AM
As it stands, the current issue of the Airfix Apollo Saturn V is the best of the lot. Prior to this reissue with retooled parts coming out, the Airfix and Monogram (the company that originally tooled up the 1/144 kit currently offered by Revell) had their pluses and minuses, but were for the most part pretty equal. But Revell's current issue requires new decals as they screwed up the coloring of the letters (printing black instead of the correct red). The Airfix kit in its current guise now has a correctly dimensioned block 2 CSM on top and it looks much better then the too skinny CSM that the earlier Airfix and Monogram issues had. Plus, those earlier kits had block 1 CSMs, which would make them accurate (if they were the proper size) only for the Apollo 4 and 6 test launches.That isn't to say that the Monogram kit can't be accurized though as Realspace models makes a resin Block 2 CSM for it and Rick Sternbach's SMS decals has some nice decals for the 1/144 and 1/96 scale Saturn model kits. But my money is on the Airfix kit as now having an edge over Revell's, meaning a better replica done out of the box is now possible. |
history in miniature
Member Posts: 600
From: Slatington, PA
Registered: Mar 2009
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posted 02-16-2010 09:51 AM
Squadron.com, has the Saturn V in stock, got one last week, not this one! 
The only issue with the kit is where the seam is, the bulge. It must be sanded and re-scribed.  |
RocketmanRob
Member Posts: 268
From: New York City USA
Registered: Mar 2005
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posted 03-14-2010 11:04 AM
The Airfix website now says that the Saturn 1B and Vostok will not be available until 2011. Bummer. |
rasorenson
Member Posts: 96
From: Santa Clara, CA, USA
Registered: Nov 2009
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posted 03-17-2010 11:00 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Tykeanaut:
I must get my 'paws' on the Vostok rocket, haven't had one of them for years!
I have a couple of Russian kits for 1/144 Vostok and would be willing to part with one if you like. |
rasorenson
Member Posts: 96
From: Santa Clara, CA, USA
Registered: Nov 2009
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posted 03-17-2010 11:03 PM
It continues to surprise me that a 1/144 Skylab orbital deployed version has always been so scarce - nonexistant. I guess I'm too lazy to design one of my own. |
divemaster
Member Posts: 1376
From: ridgefield, ct
Registered: May 2002
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posted 03-18-2010 04:01 PM
quote:
Originally posted by rasorenson:
It continues to surprise me that a 1/144 Skylab orbital deployed version has always been so scarce - nonexistant. I guess I'm too lazy to design one of my own.
Getting the solar panels to scale and have them actually stay up has always been the problem. Even photo etched brass can be too heavy for the type of supports that were used. |
Tykeanaut
Member Posts: 2212
From: Worcestershire, England, UK.
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 03-19-2010 03:43 AM
quote:
Originally posted by rasorenson:
I have a couple of Russian kits for 1/144 Vostok and would be willing to part with one if you like.
Many thanks, my only concern is the shipping costs. I find the USPS quite prohibitive to many imports I would like. |
Tykeanaut
Member Posts: 2212
From: Worcestershire, England, UK.
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 12-30-2010 04:21 AM
Well it's nearly 2011 and I can see no mention of the Soyuz or Saturn IB on the Airfix website. Perhaps they have abandoned their plans? |
cspg
Member Posts: 6210
From: Geneva, Switzerland
Registered: May 2006
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posted 12-30-2010 05:31 AM
From their website: Space 1:72 Scale - A02026 - Angel Interceptor
- A08011 - Stratos 4 - TSR.2MS*
*Includes TSR2 decal optionsSpace 1:144 Scale - A10170 - Space Shuttle
I fail to see how the TSR2 is space-related... |
Jay Chladek
Member Posts: 2272
From: Bellevue, NE, USA
Registered: Aug 2007
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posted 01-09-2011 03:04 AM
The TSR-2 is a modified version from an anime series called "Stratos 4" and it was modified to carry a meteor busting missile to the edge of space. The story revolved around members of a Meteor Sweepers squadron, the second line of defense from incoming rogue comets to earth. The first line are space station based Comet Buster squadrons that use nukes to destroy incoming rogue comets before they hit the Earth.While this version of the TSR-2 is fictional, it did incorporate rocket powered ZELL (Zero Length Launch) to get airborne and a tail mounted rocket booster for high altitude flight (ala the NF-104 used by the Aerospace Research Pilot School in the 1960s to train pilots how to operate at the edge of space). For those that want to build a model of a real TSR-2, all the original parts and decals for the TSR-2 prototype remain in the kit. The Angel Interceptor is a reissue of a vintage Airfix kit of the craft seen in the 1960s Gerry Anderson series Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons. Airfix in both cases is simply listing their subjects as space kits and not making a distinction between "space" and "Science fiction". I wouldn't get all bent out of shape over it personally as even real space subjects have good SF modeling potential (think of how many Gerry Anderson models made use of Airfix Saturn V and 1B parts). Plus, I saw somebody recently do a very nice NASA TSR-2 with the Meteor Sweeper mods as the jet makes an interesting "what if" subject and it looks good in white with blue NASA stripes from the 1970s to current day. By the way, I heard scuttlebutt that one of the new Airfix Saturns may be finally appearing in stock on January 15th in shops in the UK. I think it will likely be the Skylab, but I do not know for sure. |
moorouge
Member Posts: 2454
From: U.K.
Registered: Jul 2009
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posted 01-09-2011 09:31 AM
Am I missing something or just showing my age? I always thought TSR2 was a British fighter to replace the Lightning. Unfortunately, it fell foul of budget cuts and only two (?) were built. |
cspg
Member Posts: 6210
From: Geneva, Switzerland
Registered: May 2006
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posted 01-09-2011 11:51 PM
quote:
Originally posted by moorouge:
I always thought TSR2 was a British fighter to replace the Lightning.
Me too, hence my question!  |
Atlantis
Member Posts: 111
From: Cullman, AL
Registered: Dec 2007
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posted 01-10-2011 12:21 AM
On the TSR2's see Wikipedia. |
Tykeanaut
Member Posts: 2212
From: Worcestershire, England, UK.
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 01-10-2011 08:28 AM
Reply from Airfix answering my Saturn 1B and Vostok kits query: The 2011 catalogue is yet to be released so we can not confirm the exact release dates of the these kits as yet. The catalogue should be out within the next week or two, so please feel free to contact us again and we should be able to provide you with further updates regarding the release dates of these kits. |
cspg
Member Posts: 6210
From: Geneva, Switzerland
Registered: May 2006
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posted 01-10-2011 09:58 AM
To be released within two weeks, yet they don't know what the content of their catalog is? Funny. I mean, really, funny. |
Tykeanaut
Member Posts: 2212
From: Worcestershire, England, UK.
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 01-11-2011 09:10 AM
Just to keep those interested updated. The Airfix website is now listing the following although not available as yet.Saturn V (A11170)
Saturn 1B (A06172)
Saturn V Skylab (A11150)
Vostok 1 (A05172) |
PeterO
Member Posts: 399
From: North Carolina
Registered: Mar 2002
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posted 01-11-2011 01:59 PM
From a posting on the Yahoo! Space Modelers Group, according to Airfix: - Skylab - due Feb
- Vostok - due March
- Saturn 1B - due March
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divemaster
Member Posts: 1376
From: ridgefield, ct
Registered: May 2002
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posted 05-07-2012 07:36 AM
Airfix has re-released the 1/144 Saturn IB for those that are interested. Another great kit. You just need to buy the $25 resin update kit from RealSpace Models to replace the out of scale SLA/CSM/LES. Worth every penny.Editor's note: Threads merged.
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PeterO
Member Posts: 399
From: North Carolina
Registered: Mar 2002
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posted 05-07-2012 07:36 AM
Airfix has retooled the SLA/CSM for the new Saturn V and Saturn IB releases, so there's no need for the RSM set. |
divemaster
Member Posts: 1376
From: ridgefield, ct
Registered: May 2002
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posted 05-07-2012 07:38 AM
I'm impressed that they retooled something so old. Cool! |
Ronpur
Member Posts: 1211
From: Brandon, Fl
Registered: May 2012
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posted 05-24-2012 09:36 AM
I love the reissues of these models. I used decals from Rick Sternbach's Space Model Systems and even repainted my old 1B as a Skylab 2 launcher. I am glad the Skylab came with the Apollo parts, so I could use them for my old Saturn 1B. I will try to post some photos. |
Ronpur
Member Posts: 1211
From: Brandon, Fl
Registered: May 2012
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posted 06-26-2012 08:30 PM
I finished my Airfix Shuttle Atlantis. I added detail to the SRBs and ET (ribs) using 1/32 in graphic tape and very thin medical tape for the thermal fabric. I am very pleased with my STS-135. I still want to do a bit of painting the top of the ET to give it a it of variation in color.
 |
Ronpur
Member Posts: 1211
From: Brandon, Fl
Registered: May 2012
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posted 06-26-2012 09:15 PM
Here is my collection of 1/144th scale "retired" US Manned Launch Vehicles: On the left, in front, are the Mercury-Redstone, Mercury-Atlas and Gemini-Titan (Realspace). Behind, left to right are the Saturn V 500F (Revell) The rest are re-released Airfix: Saturn 1B - Apollo 5, Saturn 1B - Apollo 7, Saturn V - Apollo 11, Saturn V-Skylab 1, Saturn 1B - Skylab 4 and Space Shuttle Atlantis - STS-135. |
the clocks running
Member Posts: 382
From: Rochester, NY
Registered: Jan 2012
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posted 06-26-2012 09:56 PM
Nice collection of 1/144 scale spacecraft! |
Jay Chladek
Member Posts: 2272
From: Bellevue, NE, USA
Registered: Aug 2007
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posted 06-27-2012 09:21 AM
I agree, very nice. Doing up a Saturn 500F AND a mission Saturn along with a Skylab is a cool touch.Are the astronauts for your STS-135 stack Yuri Gagarin figures from the Airfix Vostok? Nice idea! |
Ronpur
Member Posts: 1211
From: Brandon, Fl
Registered: May 2012
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posted 06-27-2012 03:11 PM
No, the astronauts came from my spare box and were from the Revell shuttle. The 500F has one F-1 engine and sits on a cutdown version of the pad from the model. |
cspg
Member Posts: 6210
From: Geneva, Switzerland
Registered: May 2006
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posted 02-16-2016 07:47 AM
For Airfix Afficionados, an Airfix history book came out earlier this month:Sixty Years of Airfix Models
by Jeremy Brook Published to coincide with the sixtieth anniversary of the first Airfix aircraft kit, Sixty Years of Airfix Models, tells the full story, year by year, of the company and its products. |
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