Oh, Airfix…
Like scores and scores of modelers I owe a debt of gratitude to many kit and hobby products’ manufacturers. What would we do without them. In Airfix's case this is especially valid for the period of my childhood. So many hours of delight, fun, excitement and dreaming awake.
But not so much lately, as the hobby universe expanded and many other players came to the field, and Airfix seemed to struggle to remain relevant.
Of course, I have purchased and happily built to satisfaction a number of their newer releases, but also out of nostalgia tackled some of the civil classics of yore. I must say: I was struggling to keep a smile.
Now we know that Airfix loves for some reason to bestow upon the unaware modeling masses “Modeling Refried Beans”. Generally, I don’t blame people for wanting to make money, if it is in the right way. We know those Airfix molds are looooong amortized. And yes, many modelers, me included, love a trip down to Memory Lane. But it needs to be done with dignity, and criteria, not just cranking up sub-par dodos. I am ashamed to see their old DH Comet still "in print", among many examples. What have newcomers -perhaps kiddos- done to deserve that kit?
You will find in this blog some Airfix nostalgia builds. Unfortunately I utterly regretted a couple of them, like the Fairey Rotodyne, which is a despicable kit by today’s standards in so many regards: bad fit, non-existent accuracy, faulty instructions, bad transparencies, inadequate decals, etc. If Airfix has to choose a subject for their “Refried Beans” program (instead of concentrating in keeping up with the rapidly improving and evolving modeling universe) please be that a reasonably good kit…and at least bother to improve it a little bit, purge the instructions of mistakes, and add a part or two, plus new decal options.
So, here is my current build of the Airfix Shorts Skyvan, started many months ago, a conversion to a modified sort of Skyliner with the addition of an aftermarket set from IPMS Austria (thanks Rainer and Sönke again) and an “in the works” Arctic Decals set:
https://wingsofintent.blogspot.com/2025/11/shorts-skyvan-laboratory-of-space.html
In that post the desire is expressed that aftermarket manufacturers would provide new engines/props/details for this very old kit… in need of help. Or that some valiant kit manufacturer will take it upon themselves to provide a new Skyvan, as it is high time for that indeed…
Today I saw that Airfix will be soon re-releasing this kit, again as part of their “Refried Beans” program. For what I can see on Airfix's site/blog, it will come with nothing new regarding the old, tired, outdated, ill-fitting parts, dubious transparencies and too prominent rivets. Even the decal sheet has still an old, arch-seen option, together with a new one that will drive modelers mad with its utterly complex masking (masks NOT provided). Of the literally hundreds of beautiful schemes available, is that the one to provide? I also look forward to see how the "mouth" decal of this second option will wrap around the complex volume of the nose. This second scheme was perhaps chosen for a reason as inane as looking like a quasi-military camo. And the cherry on top of the cake, Airfix will finally “include” (not) new prop options… in the form of 3D-printing files to be downloaded! because you know, every modeler has a 3D-printer at home? … I mean, C’mon! Hey, why don’t you print or mold those props yourself, lazy Airfix, surely won’t break your piggybank? and what about a thimble radome, like the one many of them used? Better wheels? Better “normal” props? Cabin windows that won’t look like a distorted jello? The molds have paid for themselves ages ago; invest a pound or two, will you?
The old Skyvan kit has no doubt been a success, many of them can be seen built online and seemingly are amongst modelers’ favorites. Including me. It deserves better than a release that fixes none of the known and many kit´s issues, and adds nothing to it but a cheeky “DYI” and a “faux camo” scheme. "Exciting" marketing is not a substitute for quality.
I don't mind old kits. I don't mind simple kits. On any media. This blog is full to the brim with them. I like and enjoy a challenge. But please notice that we are in 2026. If you are doing a re-release, work a bit on it, add something, fix something, don't just pull a fast one with colorful marketing. You are no small one-man outfit or cottage industry. You (Hornby Hobbies Ltd/Hornby PLC) are a corporation. You have the means and resources. (And, as you also own Humbrol, would you please have a look at color/density/formula consistency of the enamels? lately the tinlets -that I have used all my life, many decades- are driving me nuts).
