The Unofficial Airfix Modellers' Forum

dwomby wrote:Well put, Phil.

David

wot 'e says!

I do remember that my early Matchbox builds always seemed to look better than equivalent Airfix ones, even though (generally) the Airfix kits were perceived to be more accurate; brush painting with Airfix enamels was (at eight years old) never going to be the best of finishes, and the engraved lines just helped to make it a little better!

I was well into modelling when Matchbox came on the scene. I and my friends thought the bright colours of the plastic made them toy-like and weren't impressed by that. The choice of subject matter impressed us more as did the clean fit of parts.
As for the panel lines, didn't notice nor cared a sot, it just meant there was still a groove when we'd sanded a seam.
I still like Matchbox for both its subject choices and the quality of the kits.

I grew up on MB kits - it's all the Hardware shop in my little village in the Cotswolds sold. The only time I got an Airfix was when we made a trip into Witney or Banbury. I always thought their subject matter was excellent and they generally looked like they were supposed to.

I've been playing with their F-16A/B kit recently - considering it was released before the aircraft went into full production I'd say it was a pretty good effort - the intake in particular. All it really needs is some AM Wheels and Loadout.

Same here. The Post Office/drapers/haberdashers shop in the village sold a selection of Matchbox kits on a high shelf above an opening that separated the two halves of the establishment. Pocket money was always saved for some of the more attractive items. Airfix was an esoteric novelty seen as Christmas/birthday gifts or on occasional trips into Cardiff or Bridgend with a favourite aunt.

I remember when I was a nipper nearly every newsagents had a small selection of models somewhere inside.

I recall it was Woolworths for Airfix and newsagents and/or sub-post offices for Matchbox in this neck of the woods when I was young. Which is a long time ago now I've always felt that Matchbox were a little braver in their subject choice than Airfix and certainly I prefer Matchbox military vehicles and still enjoy building them today.

I have a real attachment to Matchbox kits, they are responsible for me catching the model making bug back in the early 70s, found this in my Mums loft, 2 colours bung it together ...job done..quick result for an 8 year old.

They still have a massive appeal to me and I have toyed with the idea of collecting them, don'..t ask me why

Can you still find original kits from the 70's and 80's?

wokka wrote:Can you still find original kits from the 70's and 80's?

Yep, there are specialist sellers and good old ebay will often throw them up. What you'll pay can vary!

iggie wrote:

dwomby wrote:Well put, Phil.

David

wot 'e says!

I do remember that my early Matchbox builds always seemed to look better than equivalent Airfix ones, even though (generally) the Airfix kits were perceived to be more accurate; brush painting with Airfix enamels was (at eight years old) never going to be the best of finishes, and the engraved lines just helped to make it a little better!

That pretty much sums if up for me regarding the Matchbox kits... Local newsagent always had a few in the window, Airfix was a trip to Redgates in Sheffield town centre with my Nan and her purse...or visit to my Auntie in Doncaster.
Does anyone remember the model shop in Donny that used to have completed kits hung from the ceiling with the kit name and a price on it attatched to a little price card....it was a killer as a kid seeing them hung there built to a good standard. Remember thats how I ended up with Bit O Lace B17!....and obviously the box art.....I Digress ...sorry

Anyway ...thought the loft find needed a make over so I took a razor saw to her....

I live in Donny. The two i know of were Cuttresses (sp?) Closed down years ago, before i moved down here and TAG models. Also closed a couple of years ago. Now there is Williamsons on the A19 in Bentley. Pands models in town and the South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum has a pretty good shop too. I am sure there is another but never been in but will report back when I do

All the best.

Greg.

Cutresess....thats it BOOM !!....My Nan could never pronounce it ha ha ha ...Ill take thee to Cutrus...will get thi sen sommat.

She was an ex buffer girl who lived in the wooden huts on Wincobank....NAILS !

Ahhhh...." Memories..la la la ".....breaking into Diana Ross now LOL

Cheers Si

Used the original decals too...couldn’t believe it! Ha ha

Crommy wrote: Ahhhh...." Memories..la la la ".....breaking into Diana Ross now LOL

Cheers Si

I'm sure it was Barbara Streisand and Gladys Knight who had big hits with this song (from the movie "The Way We Were").

Your right..ha ha...Gladys...how could I forget...you pipped me to it Eric!