Airfix 2022 Range

[PaulBradley]

Here's the US release schedule and price list, courtesy of my local hobby store owner:





These dates may be somewhat aspirational, given the World shipping chaos that reigns..... It does seem rather front-loaded, as if they've already put many of them back into production and are waiting for the Slow Boat from India.

[JamesPerrin]

You make a good point about most releases being Q1/2 and nothing Q4. I wondering if they are avoiding announcing kits with long lead times like the Tempest was only for things to keep slipping. As you suggested elsewhere, could we be in for further news?

Or are they just filling cargo containers with stock expecting things to get worse before they get better?

[JohnRatzenberger]

I’m still waiting for Airfix/US to fill 2021 pre-orders, some 6 months old.

[iggie]

The K2 Ambulance is still to arrive, although in fairness I can't actually remember now when it was originally scheduled for...!

[beany]

I can't believe that the nearly £80 RRP price tag for the new 1/48 Buccaneer isn't raising more eyebrows. I know that it will be discounted by the larger traders and some can get the Airfix Club discount - but by comparison the new 1/24th Spit. is only the price of a Series One or Two kit beyond it.
I wouldn't mind if it was going to be festooned with PE and other goodies that you'd expect from the likes of Eduard and so on, but at the end of the day, Airfix kits are still pretty basic affairs (and I am still a huge devotee of Airfix, but have often been disappointed by their content versus pricing). I watched an interesting YouTube by Sam's Trains who was reviewing the new Hornby 2022 Range and pointed out that not only had they raised prices by 10% before Xmas but have done it again for the 2022 catalogue. Some locos in the 2021 catalogue are nearly £40 more for the same thing in 2022. The blame is - probably quite fairly - being put on the shipping and materials problems that Covid has caused, but the price hikes are not as yet being reflected by other manufacturer of model kits or trains. Perhaps Airfix are just leading the pack in this respect, but I remain to be convinced. Add to that Airfix still have concerns to address with quality control such as Classic Jaguar kits with large body parts missing and 1/48 Spitfires with horribly short shot tails and I think Airfix have some way to go to being a brand leader and maintaining the good reputation they have enjoyed recently.

[JohnRatzenberger]

The K2 Ambulance is still to arrive, although in fairness I can't actually remember now when it was originally scheduled for...!

IIRC, fall of 2021. That's not my issue, since it's not available over there also. But the B-17 has been out "over there" for a while & nothing here. Odd since it is a US aircraft, in US markings, one would think ....

[iggie]

The K2 Ambulance is still to arrive, although in fairness I can't actually remember now when it was originally scheduled for...!

IIRC, fall of 2021. That's not my issue, since it's not available over there also. But the B-17 has been out "over there" for a while & nothing here. Odd since it is a US aircraft, in US markings, one would think ....

Well, you could certainly be excused for thinking that...

[shangos70]

The 2022 range looks good but there is no way I'd be paying double what I paid for the original release of a Lightning F.2.I'd have plumped for the new Meteor in 72nd as the Xtrakit/Mpm /Airfix one can be tricky and the decals in the Airfix boxing were poo, but again not at that price.I was really surprised, nay shocked at the new prices. As Al says there are reasons for the increases but it's not coming out of my pocket. This game is getting to be very expensive and thats before you add masks and etch or aftermarket decals. I suppose a tight wad like me will have to wait for any deals at shows ( if they run) or Ebay specials.
Good luck to them though, its good to see more of the old classics reappear and with new decal sheets they aren't too bad a price.

[Ratch]

You make a good point about most releases being Q1/2 and nothing Q4. I wondering if they are avoiding announcing kits with long lead times like the Tempest was only for things to keep slipping. As you suggested elsewhere, could we be in for further news?

Or are they just filling cargo containers with stock expecting things to get worse before they get better?

It will be interesting to see what's actually in the catalogue

[Ratch]

The K2 Ambulance is still to arrive, although in fairness I can't actually remember now when it was originally scheduled for...!

Originally scheduled as an autumn '21 release.

[wokka]

I hate to say this but it looks like Airfix are going the way of so many British companies, that is pricing themselves above the competition without having the wow factor that will make enough people part with the cash to buy their products. There are so many short run manufacturers out there who are producing nice kits for maybe the same if not much more money than Airfix are offering. I would hate to see such an iconic brand fail.

[SJPONeill]

Be good to see the Series 1 helicopters make a comeback, Scout, Gazelle and Bo-105...

[Gregers]

Be good to see the Series 1 helicopters make a comeback, Scout, Gazelle and Bo-105...

Agreed, I would add the Puma to that list too.

All the best

Greg

[Stuart]

Nah, I think the only thing I'll be getting this year, assuming it ever arrives, is the new Tempest. Other than that I'll be sticking to the stash

[skypirate]

I am still a huge devotee of Airfix, but have often been disappointed by their content versus pricing.

Hear, hear!
Keep the price of kits down by putting all that 'invisible' interior and a clear fuselage half in an 'optional extras' kit for those who need it.

David