Airfix McDonnell Douglas Phantom FG.1 A06016 1/72 New Tool
Posted: January 13th, 2018, 1:23 pm
Awaited by many as a successor to the old Airfix 1965 release, this new tooling should not disappoint too many people. Ok, so it can only be built OOB as a Navy bird, but there are already after-market parts and decals available for those who wish to portray an RAF version. As ever, I cannot comment on specific accuracy issues, suffice to say it looks like a Phantom even in bits in the box, so there is a good chance that it'll look even more like one once built!
The box is the now usual substantial tray and lid Airfix type (Revell take note!) and compared to some manufacturers, this must add a fair chunk to their production costs. For those like me with stash storage issues, where boxes of necessity need to be stacked ever higher, strong boxes are worth having! The box art is well up to the standard of recent Airfix releases, and is by Adam Tooby. the usual notes regarding the subject, decal variations etc. are printed on the sides.
The instructions are printed clearly on plain white paper, with the now expected grey-scale illustrations with red (and isolated green) highlighting to indicate specific parts or sub-assemblies. All looks fairly logical, and there are useful guides regarding the three major build options (Wheels up, Take-off, or storage) and weapons load-out (of which there are plenty of choices). There are two further sheets printed on glossy paper showing the three differing schemes provided, plus a fourth showing the location of the myriad stencils included on the decal sheet! Talking of decals, the sheet is very nicely printed, with nice clear colours and all look to be in register where applicable. They are printed by Cartograph.
The box states that the kit is made in India, and the plastic is a light grey colour and feels a little harder than some of the older Chinese produced Airfix releases. Although the inevitable ejector pin marks are present, it is unlikely that any will be visible or need filling; no corresponding sink marks can be seen either. Sprue gates are reasonably small but I'm sure there will still be a couple that give problems when releasing the smaller or fine parts! There are six grey frames, and one of (very!) clear parts.
Panel lines look to be nicely done; obvious enough to still be seen under paint, but not so big that things fall in never to be seen again. There is also extensive rivet detail, again recessed and restrained in size and depth.
As mentioned above, the builder has three build options to consider from the off:
1. In flight, wheels up, or;
2. Ready for catapult launch, with extended nose-wheel oleo and dropped flaps, or;
3. Stowed on or below decks, with wing-tips folded and radar dome swung to one side.
In addition, the radar can be modelled extended (for maintenance) or stowed. Weapons provided include Skyflash and Sidewinders, plus SNEB launchers and 1000lb bombs
All in all, another cracking release from Airfix. I am certain that someone somewhere will have found a missing rivet or fastener which will result in much criticism of Airfix (again); for me, and I suspect most hobbyists, even OOB this will build into a great model which will impress 99.99% of people who see it. Nice job Airfix!
And the real thing in service
The box is the now usual substantial tray and lid Airfix type (Revell take note!) and compared to some manufacturers, this must add a fair chunk to their production costs. For those like me with stash storage issues, where boxes of necessity need to be stacked ever higher, strong boxes are worth having! The box art is well up to the standard of recent Airfix releases, and is by Adam Tooby. the usual notes regarding the subject, decal variations etc. are printed on the sides.
The instructions are printed clearly on plain white paper, with the now expected grey-scale illustrations with red (and isolated green) highlighting to indicate specific parts or sub-assemblies. All looks fairly logical, and there are useful guides regarding the three major build options (Wheels up, Take-off, or storage) and weapons load-out (of which there are plenty of choices). There are two further sheets printed on glossy paper showing the three differing schemes provided, plus a fourth showing the location of the myriad stencils included on the decal sheet! Talking of decals, the sheet is very nicely printed, with nice clear colours and all look to be in register where applicable. They are printed by Cartograph.
The box states that the kit is made in India, and the plastic is a light grey colour and feels a little harder than some of the older Chinese produced Airfix releases. Although the inevitable ejector pin marks are present, it is unlikely that any will be visible or need filling; no corresponding sink marks can be seen either. Sprue gates are reasonably small but I'm sure there will still be a couple that give problems when releasing the smaller or fine parts! There are six grey frames, and one of (very!) clear parts.
Panel lines look to be nicely done; obvious enough to still be seen under paint, but not so big that things fall in never to be seen again. There is also extensive rivet detail, again recessed and restrained in size and depth.
As mentioned above, the builder has three build options to consider from the off:
1. In flight, wheels up, or;
2. Ready for catapult launch, with extended nose-wheel oleo and dropped flaps, or;
3. Stowed on or below decks, with wing-tips folded and radar dome swung to one side.
In addition, the radar can be modelled extended (for maintenance) or stowed. Weapons provided include Skyflash and Sidewinders, plus SNEB launchers and 1000lb bombs
All in all, another cracking release from Airfix. I am certain that someone somewhere will have found a missing rivet or fastener which will result in much criticism of Airfix (again); for me, and I suspect most hobbyists, even OOB this will build into a great model which will impress 99.99% of people who see it. Nice job Airfix!
And the real thing in service
