Airfix Folland Gnat T.1 Yellowjack - 1/72 Scale Plastic Model Kit - Build & Review

[@granttong6523]

I think you do a great job without resorting to shelves full of every shade of paint and airbrushes. Looking forward your future builds.

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks! Sometimes you don't need a lot of stuff to get a model finished :D

[@julianmhall]

@@ModelMinutes a good workman uses what he has available, as you do Matt :)

[@Reactordrone]

I've always found that when you have to paint something yellow it helps to paint it white first. Yellow (and red) tend to be very transparent colours and will show through any colour differences like puttied areas and seams.

[@ModelMinutes]

Yes, i'll be looking at doing that on my next one :D

[@RaiderDave-xe1pn]

Thanks for the tip, is that just matt white? I have the kit, the yellow plastic version, in my queue.

[@swiftwig4530]

These are probs my favourite videos

[@ModelMinutes]

awesome!

[@starflyxxl8600]

I have built this kit twice, lovely model. One is a yellow Jack and the Other is raspberry ripple

[@ModelMinutes]

nice!

[@wonkabar186]

Cracking build; its nice to see someone who produces quality models without the use of fancy airbrushes and tools, keep it up!

[@ModelMinutes]

Thank you very much!

[@ModelMinutes]

Sniperous zone if some people like hand painting, or using an airbrush, then that’s their choice. At the end of the day it’s the enjoyment I find in this hobby that I focus on rather than the finished model

[@ModelMinutes]

Sniperous zone number one goal ☺️

[@barshankarmakar4342]

Folland Gnat, the Flying bullet in Indian Air Force during wars of 1965 and 1971. It has given a commendable and highly reputable service in Indian Air force. Popularly known to hunt down American made F86 Sabres of Pakistan Air Force.❤❤❤

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks for the info!

[@paulellam6926]

Brill, I have this one too build, was a bargain at Aldi for £2.49! Cant wait to get stuck in after getting tips from your build! Keep em coming chief!

[@ModelMinutes]

I wish mine was that cheap! All the models in my local lidl/aldi sould out very quickly!

[@mznabi]

paul ellam that’s what I buy paints for!

[@abbush2921]

Christ I saw it on saIe here in Canada for 25 Canadian .

[@matthewemem]

I would highly reccomend masking for canopies. I brush paint all of my kits and it works perfectly! Keep up the great work Matt!

[@ModelMinutes]

It's something I do occasionally (depends how I feel and what i'm using to paint) but I imagine over time it will happen more often. Thanks for watching!

[@willm5032]

I made one of these, it was bloody tricky and that yellow was dire haha

[@ModelMinutes]

yeah, the yellow paint is so bad

[@Smk_spotting]

So excited as I have this kit in 1:48 scale and I can’t wait to see how my favourite KZbinr does it!! 😊

[@ModelMinutes]

Nice! I've seen the 1/48 version but haven't got one yet

[@Smk_spotting]

It looks really good on the sprue

[@johnkelley9877]

It looks really nice Matt! That is a unique scheme and very attractive. Thanks for this build and the honest review of the kit. It helps to know what areas of attention a model needs.

[@ModelMinutes]

I'm glad you liked it! Thanks for watching :D

[@jantimmer5558]

That turned out fantastic! I also like the turntable shots!

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks! Just trying out some new things to make it a bit more fun :D

[@swing.wing_singh]

Was great to watch a build video coming off you finally. Good work with the Gnat. Really liked the Yellowjacks version. I built the Red Arrows one a few years ago. Nice work

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks for watching! I've got the red arrows version in the stash somewhere . ..

[@simonjohnmarsden9129]

Thanks for posting your review and build I subscribed now .just got back into modelling so I pop this kit up and super to get a preview of build .good work keep on the workbench simon. 🔥👋👋🎉

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks for the sub!

[@poupay74]

Thank you soooooo much! You saved my life, I had no idea how to do this but you showed me how to do it. Thank you so so much. I will surely subscribe to your channel. Tysm😉😉😊😊😊😊👍👍👍👍👍

[@ModelMinutes]

Glad I could help!

[@jonnyfowler2740]

I wish I could get this set on Amazon. It looks so fun, especially the colours ✈️🛩💛😭

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks! I'm not sure where this might still be available . . .

[@jargo101]

Nice build! Glad to see someone else that uses decalfix (indeed humbrol products taking a lot of stick on the internet) and citadel nuln oil!

[@ModelMinutes]

Couldn't agree more!

[@marsbar7099]

Nice! I just got one of these so this will be helpful

[@ModelMinutes]

Glad I could help!

[@alessiodecarolis]

A little trick about gloss paints: after some bad results I always use matt ones, then I apply a light coat of gloss varnish, the results are better. Another advise, wait at least one day before apply decals, some paints don't react well with decals' softener. A very good model in any case!

[@ModelMinutes]

yep, very true, i also do this on some of my other models

[@marcelfulgoi1361]

Really nice build! It turned out beautifully .

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks for watching!

[@brassfoot100]

Going to have a stab at doing this kit as I got mine a couple of weeks ago when it was even cheaper (last one in the shop in a plie of unsold cutty sarks). Thanks for heads up about the yellow and silver paints. I'll stick with enamels and a rattle can for the yellow. Hopefully it'll come out as good as yours.

[@ModelMinutes]

All the kits in my local Aldi/Lidl sold out in a couple of weeks! Thanks for watching :D

[@angelreading5098]

Nice build,the only area that I would alter is sticking the canopy on with a PVA type of adhesive,it does not harm the plastic and will fill small gaps too,I concur that yellow is a difficult colour to use,the problem these days is that cadmium is no longer used in paints sadly the substitute pigments are not as good and have poor coverage,I like your idea of overpainting in clear enamel finish,great appraisal of this neat little model,your site is good because it covers basic modelling as not all of us want to use air brushes with all that messy cleaning,good to see paint brushes being used ! look forward to seeing your other builds so certainly worth subscribing to,keep up the good work sir !

[@ModelMinutes]

I do use PVA occasionally, but find it has a long drying time so isn't always suitable for certain smaller parts, but yes, the canopy would have been an ideal candidate in this one. I'm glad you like my videos! See you in the next one :D

[@Teqamasala]

I have this but I went onto build my bf109 hopefully I'll pick it up again soon because I have started it and it is a good kit and fit with the few steps I have built with it

[@ModelMinutes]

It's not a bad kit to do!

[@SoymeScaleModels]

Building one of these at the moment, the yellow is much easier to airbrush than brush, so its not as bad for me. This Gnat, XR992, which is now registered as G-MOUR was restored back to flying condition back in 2014, and is flying to this day along with 3 other gnats with the Gnat Display Team at North Weald Airfield!

[@ModelMinutes]

That's awesome! Thanks for letting me know!

[@brianbeale528]

G-MOUR is actually XR991. XR992 was written off (damaged beyond repair) in Dec 1969 . Copied from Aviation Safety Network website - Aircraft abandoned after erroneous call that engine was on fire - fire warning was intended for Gnat T.1 XR995. Cirencester, Gloucestershire. Pilot (Fl Lt Dickie Duckett) was ordered to eject and sustained minor injuries.

[@briansmith4354]

For Tello top coats try one of these tips: Try a base coat of silver Try a base coat of black Both depends on the thickness of the paint, thinning ratios, density of the yellow color, so on. Both work though so give it a shot. Also start with light base coats of flat yellow - reason is it does not pull away from corners, edges or panel lines. Then top coat with a yellow go Loss top coat.

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks for the suggestions! I'd even heard that painting on a pink base layer could help :P

[@RaiderDave-xe1pn]

Just got this kit, well the yellow plastic Airfix Project version, which has been put to the front of the queue. I going to do my version wheels up on a stand and when I get the trainer Gnat that will join it, my Red Arrows version is wheels down. Thinking back I don't think i used any nose weight on my Red Arrows and it sits fine.

[@ModelMinutes]

That’s interesting!

[@adriancabrera3014]

I always paint with black matt before apply silver paint :)

[@ModelMinutes]

Yes! I've started to do that on various things (but not all the time)

[@sanjayram1101]

Fantastic

[@ModelMinutes]

Thank you so much 😀

[@julianmhall]

Thought.. when painting jets, maybe the inner of the exhaust various shades of red / orange to simulate the heat it produces?

[@ModelMinutes]

I've seen some very convincing weathering from other modellers where they do gradients of metallic paints with blends of purples and things to make it look like the heat has affected it

[@SprueFascinationChannel]

Remarkable Gnat 👍

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks for watching!

[@ShuttleFactoryScaleModels]

I'm glad to see that you have discovered the joys of a turntable for photography. I'm also glad to see that you have started to use Creative Commons Music in your videos. I just check out Bensound, I might have to start using music from there too. BTW make sure you check out the KZbin Audio Library in you channel studio......................ANYWAY great video and model Matt, keep up the great work!

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks! Yes, I thought I might try and mix things up a little bit :D

[@jordyncollier919]

Looking forward to it!

[@ModelMinutes]

:D

[@joeshmoe9978]

Brush painting yellow is difficult. I tried it a long time ago on an Estes model rocket, and it didn't turn out that great. I like the Yellow jacks version that you did better than the Red Arrows, the silver and red/orange(?) trainer, or the "Hot Shots" version that airfix offers.

[@ModelMinutes]

Yes, i've found yellow to be troublesome! I'm glad you like this version - the Red Arrows one will probably be the next Gnat I build though

[@jamiegray6931]

This gives me flashbacks to the red arrow Gnat I built as my first kit. That red gloss was just as horrific as the 69 yellow. Very horrifying for the first kit I built.

[@ModelMinutes]

Yes - I built the provost in the red scheme and that was horrendous

[@jamiegray6931]

@@ModelMinutes I really want to re do the gnat just to see how I could do it with the skills I'd learnt since. But that paint puts me off.

[@michaeldilley4384]

Just found this build Matt. Lovely job, and I couldn't agree more that it's such a pity the supplied paints are so naff. Thoroughly enjoy your channel. Kid regards.

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks a ton!

[@swing.wing_singh]

So you wash the canopy as well in the warm soapy water? Does it help in any particular way? I've never washed canopies because I don't know if I can and if I should.

[@ModelMinutes]

I do. I find it makes them more shiny - a bit like when you wash your drinking glasses, they always come up shiny at first then dull down over time

[@BennyCFD]

Great build as always......I can't seem to find the AIRFIX Folland GNAT t.1 Yellowjacket model kit anywhere.

[@joeshmoe9978]

There are a couple of them on eBay right now. The yellow jacks comes in a starter set.

[@ModelMinutes]

They seem to come in and out of the range periodically

[@ModelMinutes]

Yes! They're probably ones people bought cheap over christmas and now selling for profit . . . .

[@FredWilbury]

Good one Matt , guess what I thought I’ll do as always and not wash it and guess what big mistake when spraying with primer it was a blotchy mess so lots of prep to redo it 😢😢😢😢 regards Fred

[@ModelMinutes]

it can be annoying when the paint doesnt stick :(

[@BlackAce-zr2ms]

The first time I built the Gnat it was the Yellowjack one... the thing was that because the instructions were a bit misleading I put the undercarriage the wrong way round.. 😂 Since then I've recently built the Gnat in the Red Arrows scheme.. I do have the standard trainer version to build also..

[@ModelMinutes]

I've got the red arrows version to do at some point, and I just finished the Hot Shots variant recently too :D

[@teresamarsh2793]

I rember building that as well tbh i build all the ones i could get a hold of and bought a airfix model stand that can hold 5 planes to display them.

[@ModelMinutes]

Nice! Did you build the old gnat from airfix or this newer tooling?

[@teresamarsh2793]

@@ModelMinutes yes i also but the fooland gnat with the bombs under it

[@ModelMinutes]

Teresa Marsh that’s cool!

[@thesidingshow4656]

Very nice

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks!

[@blacknass1943]

nice airplain :)

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks!

[@andyrichardsvideovlogs8835]

Vast improvement over the original 1964 tooling which in itself was a good kit apart from being moulded in red plastic. Personally, I'm a huge fan of the Humbrol Metalcote range. A very fine paint, dries quickly and does not obscure detail or leave brush marks. Yellow. Yes, 69 is a terrible paint but so are most yellows for technical reasons. It is hard however to find a suitable "lemon" yellow. Good model 👍

[@ModelMinutes]

Andy Richards thanks Andy! Your comments and criticism is always well received ☺️

[@finleyford8509]

Can’t wait

[@ModelMinutes]

Not long to go!

[@elliottday900]

I found you didn’t need to add weight to the front of this kit .Mine turned out fine👍

[@ModelMinutes]

Really? I dare not do that and run the risk of it sitting :/

[@NereoSal]

Have you ever brush painted Tamiya acrilycs?

[@ModelMinutes]

I have! I find you really need to thin them, if you do them straight from the pot they tend to dry unevenly and clump

[@santiagojoseporrosantos6006]

You are right, I recently bought humbrol 11 silver acrylic and I was very disappointed...

[@ModelMinutes]

Yes, it's not a great paint

[@jellybean2755]

I am looking forward to this one the old Red arrows plane before they used the hawk

[@ModelMinutes]

It's certainly a nice little kit!

[@jellybean2755]

Thanks for the advice again I am thinking for my first video to do an unbox review on my Horten Go 229

[@ModelMinutes]

@@jellybean2755 That's an interesting kit!

[@jellybean2755]

A very odd design for the time

[@ModelMinutes]

@@jellybean2755 odd or innovative? :D

[@20m86]

very good comes out beutifly

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it :D

[@santiagojoseporrosantos6006]

One question, what is the ratio satin enamel with white spirit/thinners?

[@ModelMinutes]

I couldn’t objectively say, I measure by eye until I get the right consistency. I would say that it’s probably about one part thinner to two parts enamel

[@santiagojoseporrosantos6006]

@@ModelMinutes Thanks Matt. I am going to try your technique of using enamel varnish because I was using humbrol clear gloss varnish and sometimes it ruined the paint/decals when I used acrylic thinners to clean the black wash (now I assume that clear gloss varnish is acrylic based🤦🏻‍♂️)

[@ModelMinutes]

Santiago José Porro Santos that’s interesting, maybe it is!

[@santiagojoseporrosantos6006]

@@ModelMinutes by the way, following your advice I recently bought Tamiya Extra Thin Cement and I have to say It is one of the best products I've ever used (I was using revell contacta)

[@ModelMinutes]

Santiago José Porro Santos it’s some good stuff! I do use contacta and humbrol cement when appropriate though

[@Blitzzx_x]

I love the set the yellow is kinda wierd as i still see the sprue colour

[@ModelMinutes]

it is a little translucent, probably should have used an undercoat

[@ethanclark7968]

Why does some paint feel sticky even after I mix it and add water to thin

[@flying.models1136]

Some paints are for airbrushes and are lacquer based

[@ModelMinutes]

If it's a gloss paint it will be like that

[@ethanclark7968]

Ok thank you

[@holycrusader308]

Y E L L O W!

[@ModelMinutes]

:D

[@sglenny001]

Hi lello

[@ModelMinutes]

Hi!

[@MrVhbob]

You said it. What's with this "chairs" business ? Are they Martin Baker Mk IV ejector chairs ?. Surely they are Seats

[@ModelMinutes]

Haha! Who knows? Perhaps i'll use the term "benches", "sitting devices" or "posterior locators" in the future

[@marsbar7099]

XD

[@kapitanrex1]

using yellow is allways pain in the ass, I used matt Revell and Hataka Laquer Yellow, (hataka is awesome) and it was terrible job with both yellows

[@ModelMinutes]

That's a shame. I've heard good things about hataka though

[@mznabi]

with 64 i think the paint is so thin you barely need thinning for a nice finish

[@ModelMinutes]

Yes, that can be the case sometimes. It depends on the batch though as i've had some which are thicker

[@mznabi]

Model Minutes yeah it’s the same gamble with old airfix kits and humbrol paints in general

[@arthurmee]

Chairs? 😮

[@ModelMinutes]

chairs

[@fury4539]

Good vid. When are you doing the face reveal?

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks! Not sure yet . . . .

[@fury4539]

Wow you replied again !!!

[@ModelMinutes]

@@fury4539 Of course, why wouldn't I reply?

[@fury4539]

Don't know usually yters ne never reply to me and you are the only one to reply as a yter.

[@repeatedaction4273]

Yellow is a very hard colour to paint using airbrush and brush I find with airbrush hard to get a solid colour and with brush it’s just wierd! 😀😂

[@ModelMinutes]

Matt yellow I dont usually have any problems with, this gloss stuff is much more difficult though

[@repeatedaction4273]

Model Minutes I agree gloss is quite hard but with airbrush if painting yellow you have to put a light primer colour

[@ModelMinutes]

History In Scale I’ll keep that in mind!

[@marsbar7099]

Idve used matt yellow then glossed it

[@ModelMinutes]

yeah . . I wanted to see how the included paint would have worked out

[@gregtaylor6146]

Nice build though, for me..... a little too heavy on the 'weathering.'

[@ModelMinutes]

Yeah I could have gone a bit lighter

[@Aradebil]

Humbrol gloss acrylics are the worst stuff i have ever worked with :( I butchered my Hellcat with it their gloss Dark Sea Blue :(

[@ModelMinutes]

Oh no! It's definitely paint i'd avoid in the future

[@doctordirk6316]

A kit like this should be a perfect intraduction to plastic modelling but I found the general fit of parts dreadfull, requireing lots of filler! like the kits I built in the seventies! I also bought an aftermarket cockpit set which, after I'd painted and weathered it did'nt fit the available space!, the ejector seats being too wide and too high which meant I could'nt close the canopy!. I threw the whole lot in the bin this morning to get it off the bench!. Only Japanese/Chinese kits for me from now on.

[@ModelMinutes]

Oh no! I'm sorry to hear that you had those problems - as you can see in my build I was fortunate that everything fitted together fine with no filler needed. Was it this exact kit or was it the old tool Gnat from airfix that you had? I can imagine the older one being no good but this one was fine for me

[@doctordirk6316]

@@ModelMinutes It was the same kit. I found I had to cut off the rear fuselage locating pin and then clamp the whole length of the fuselage in order to aline and glue them, then there were gaps at the wing/fuselage and intake joints. The poorly fitting resin parts will teach me not to try and be clever, I'd carefully masked and painted the canopy following examples seen on KZbin,then found it could'nt be closed. I'm sorry to report I sat at my bench and thought 'enough'. I'm going back to m/cycle restoration, which has it frustrations but I genuinely think it's a poor product.

[@carlosballesteros4670]

I can't believe you did this and must say that for the standard of all your models, this is a sorry piece of plastic model poorly painted. Why this way? I mean, the airplane itself could pass but the canopy?!?! Why? It was going to be a beauty. I'm sorry but had to be said.

[@ModelMinutes]

What other way would you have done it?

[@carlosballesteros4670]

@@ModelMinutes very simple way: air brush and masking the canopy. Honestly, I can't understand what for you did by hand. If there's a reason why I subscribed your channel was the quality of your work, but this......

[@ModelMinutes]

I'm glad that you chose to subscribe, but I think it is worth remembering that this video is nearly 3 years old. When i built this kit back in 2019/2020 I didn't yet own an airbrush so completing it using one was out of the question. As a result this was still at a time where all my models were either hand painted or relied on rattle cans. For example, this video still uses my old logo, editing style and white backgrounds - so it could be argued on the whole that this video isn't exactly up to my current standards. If you subbed due to recent uploads I think it's a bit harsh to judge past me to the same standards lol