Airfix Herrick kits...are they selling well?

[Softscience]

This question is to those of you with a finger on the pulse of Airfix sales (Ratch et al.).

Has Airfix seen a good return on their Operation Herrick kits of the Jackal, Landrover, Snatch and Merlin?

In the last few days, my interest in 1/48 AFVs has been growing strongly again (it's been at a low since 2009), and I'm just curious if Airfix's releases had been a flash in the pan like UM's, ICM's and Italeri's forays into 1/48 armor. Or have the kits done well enough that more 1/48 AFVs may be forthcoming from Airfix?

It wuold be really nice for Tamiya to have a solid competitor in this niche market.

[Ian]

I'm tempted by them. Very tempted....

[lancfan]

I would really like to add these subjects to my collection but they are the wrong scale for me- I would want 1/76 scale versions to interest me, perhaps they could try releasing one as a trial?

David.

[jssel]

I like 1/48th and If I could find them I would buy them. Help me Hannant's, you're my only hope.

[JamesPerrin]

My LMS told me they thought it was a bad move as Tamiya had pretty much stopped their 1/48 line after poor sales - I don't know if that is true or not. The Herrick sets tie in nicely with the Lynx and Merlin helicopters and make a nice little mini collection in itself. The Herrick operation though is very here and now and unless there is unfortunately another conflict in which these vehicles get deployed I wonder if there is a much of long term future for them in the catalogue. I'm sure Airfix have worked out what they need to sell to recoup their outlay.

[spitfire1677]

but they are the wrong scale for me- I would want 1/76 scale versions

Wrong scale for me too...though I would like 1/35

Regards
Chris

[Softscience]

My LMS told me they thought it was a bad move as Tamiya had pretty much stopped their 1/48 line after poor sales - I don't know if that is true or not. The Herrick sets tie in nicely with the Lynx and Merlin helicopters and make a nice little mini collection in itself. The Herrick operation though is very here and now and unless there is unfortunately another conflict in which these vehicles get deployed I wonder if there is a much of long term future for them in the catalogue. I'm sure Airfix have worked out what they need to sell to recoup their outlay.

Tamiya have slowed their 1/48 production, but hardly stopped in. Back in 2005-2007 they flooded the marker with their 48th line. They were releasing about one kit per month. Since then they have slowed to maybe two to three kits a year.

I don't think they sell as well as they could, but they keep coming.


I hope Airfix keeps at it with their line, as Tamiya does not seem interested in releasing modern armor in 1/48. I think Airfix could become a real powerhouse in that particular part of the market if they follow up their dune buggy AFVs with something like a Challanger, Abrams, or Stryker.

[feanor]

Ayup All...

I think they need Taliban fighters to go with them to make a reasonable set, Too much skewed toward 'Our' forces and Incredibly expensive, including the Buildings. I think the only Modern 'Arab' sets Ive seen are in 35th. apart from the Airfix Bedouins, of course... ;)

[Softscience]

Expensive? Airfix?


Have you seen the cost of AFV kits these days?

[SJPONeill]

I've also been put off them by their scale...if they had (also) been released in 1/72(ish) or 1/35, I probably would have snapped them up but, for me, they don't just fit into my 1/48 modelling...a bit of an Arthur and Martha decision by Airfix...

[Gregers]

They are not too hot sales wise, we still have them on the shelves at work. Heric is still an ongoing operation and our troops are still fighting and dying so it is still 'too close to home' for some. Different scale and a couple of years after Heric ends maybe but not yet.

All the best.

Greg

[PaulBradley]

I'd like to see them expand the range to include vehicles we can use in WWII airfield dioramas. Scaling up the new Bomber Command set would be a good start.

A Fighter Command 1940 set could include a NAAFI van, squadron dispersal hut, chairs and tables and trolley accs, as an example.

[Stuart]

ok so we have them to go with the lynx and Merlin.... when are we getting a 1/48 Apache Mr Airfix?

I've been mulling over these kits, I'm not sure if I fancy having a crack at these kits or not, I think I would if I had a Merlin to go with it.

Fair dues to Airfix for having a crack at them though, they're good kits by all accounts.

Regards

Stuart

[rob_van_riel]

.... when are we getting a 1/48 Apache Mr Airfix?

In 1983, kit number 07101

[Softscience]

ok so we have them to go with the lynx and Merlin.... when are we getting a 1/48 Apache Mr Airfix?

I've been mulling over these kits, I'm not sure if I fancy having a crack at these kits or not, I think I would if I had a Merlin to go with it.

Fair dues to Airfix for having a crack at them though, they're good kits by all accounts.

Regards

Stuart

Yeah, I just hope they're not a one-off sort of thing like 1/48 afvs seemed to be for Italeri, ICM, UM and Bronco. I suppose if they turn a profit, Airfix may produce more.