Airfix RAF Personnel - 1/76 Scale Plastic Model Kit - Unboxing Review

Join me in this video as I complete an in-box review of the 1/76 scale plastic model kit of the Airfix RAF Personnel figure set from the Vintage Classics range of kits.
Find out what's included in this kit & what I think of it.
Buy the kit here:
amzn.to/2rhE5vm
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This video is intended for adult scale model enthusiasts.

[@ModelMinutes]

Find the Airfix Luftwaffe Personnel set review here! kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5i1aZuwiqllhas

[@ModelMinutes]

:D

[@Stansman63]

I remember having a few of these Airfix figure sets back in the mid seventies, seeing them again is like running into an old friend from my youth.

[@ModelMinutes]

Awesome! :D

[@MisterHampshire]

In addition to the other positive comments, thank you thank you for not succumbing to the obsession of having to add entirely pointless and superfluous music anywhere. Why people feel the need to add that idiotic noise to their videos which fights the important bit, the narrative, is beyond me. So, thank you for keeping it music free.

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks for your comment! This was pointed out to me very early on in my YT experience, so only about 4 or 5 of my videos feature music. All of my subsequent ones are narration only, which i'm glad you approve of :)

[@jjs3287]

Looking at that box gave me a massive flashback!

[@ModelMinutes]

:)

[@jedlahaye4765]

This set hasn't really changed and my recollection of 40 years ago the showd the colour scheme and the figures I have left are still in top condition, great video

[@ModelMinutes]

jed la haye thanks for watching!

[@MaxTSanches]

I remember this kit but at 19p. Thanks for the memories

[@ModelMinutes]

Max. Sanches imagine if they were that price today! I’d have thousands 😂

[@brianartillery]

The polyethylene that these were made of was a pig to paint - the original figures were in an ivory colour which showed paint well, but once painted, unless primed with very watered down PVA glue, the paint would just flake off. Have you tried the 1/72 scale Revell RAF pilots and groundcrew set? It's in hard styrene plastic, and the figures can be assembled as on the box, but, as they have separate arms, legs, and bodies, they can be swapped about. There is a Luftwaffe set, but it's a Preiser rebox with a couple of new, underscale figures included. Not great.

[@ModelMinutes]

Hmm, will have to investigate that revell set!

[@Payne2view]

I never get past the madness of Airfix making 1/76 scale figures and buildings for their 1/72 scale aircraft models.

[@ModelMinutes]

Yeah . . i'm going to be making a video on this at somepoint - stay tuned! :D

[@ianpotts3819]

I had hundreds of these when I was about five or six years old I used to paint them at that time and yes it was humbrol enamel back then I especially remember the Waterloo series

[@ModelMinutes]

Awesome! I think i've got enamel i'll use for the base, and then acrylic for the top

[@dotty265]

Arghh. Waterloo series. I had loads of Waterloo figures but had forgotten all about them until your comment. Thank for prompting a reminiscence.😀

[@sirrathersplendid4825]

If you want the paint to stick, two stages are absolutely vital: (1) After cleaning off the flash and sprue tags, etc., scrub the figures in hot water mixed with dish soap (fairy liquid) - this will remove mould freeing agent; (2) Undercoat with undiluted PVA (i.e. white) glue; you might imagine this will obscure detail, but it won’t and will dry clear and ready to take paint. Also note that the old Humbrol enamels are not ideal for this type of plastic as they are inelastic and tend to flake at slightest stress to the figure. The new acrylic paints, such as Vallejo, are much longer lasting and also easier to use (simply rinse brushes in soapy water to clean).

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks for the info! I hadn't thought to give them a coat of pva first

[@vasili1207]

Dam just binned the british paratroopers and german infantry... couldn't get the paint to stick after washing with fairy ... then alcohol... then i tried lemon .. acrylics just flaked off with the pressure from a brush 😠 slight bend and the paint was gone. How do you clean the figures up ... i found that impossible too 😁 . Thanks for the pva tip

[@sirrathersplendid4825]

Vasili - A very sharp blade is the best way clean up mould lines and flash. After cutting the worst bits away, use the blade sideways to scrape off any remnants. Another tip: If you’re having trouble getting the PVA to stick to the figure, dilute it with a small amount of water plus a drop of dish soap.

[@vasili1207]

@@sirrathersplendid4825 I did try a new blade but still no dice and when i used the edge it sort of went fuzzy if you know what i mean hard to explain. I may have a few loose lurking around if i find them i will give it another go. Cheers dude appreciate it. I may email airfix and ask whats the technical reason why they cannot use the moulds with normal plastic. Because i was excited to see all the old kits that i never built 80's kid i missed the goldern airfix times 😑 now i will avoid all the vintage figs 😳

[@sirrathersplendid4825]

Vasili - Yes, the fuzzing or furring can be a real pain, and it’s very difficult to get rid of. Some people use a heated metal pin or rod to melt it off. Best to use a blade sharp enough to remove the flash without causing the furring in the first place.

[@davidlister9982]

Thanks for the review. Makes me want to exhume mine that I've saved from the 70's and repaint them properly!

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks for watching! I'm sure you version will be identical!

[@anthonybeech676]

Nice to see these old kits making a comeback but not sure about the rubbery plastic. A hard plastic compound would be easier to work with and the paint would stick better.

[@ModelMinutes]

anthony beech yes, I completely agree!

[@chrispacer4231]

Wash than , and use acrylics than seal them

[@Lostinspacedreal]

New viewer but you do some honest and good videos, for that I think you deserve another subscriber!

[@ModelMinutes]

Awesome! I really appreciate you taking the time to watch my videos :D

[@Thomas-tb4ub]

Jeez thanks for this episode, I haven't been able to find one for ages and I want to buy them

[@ModelMinutes]

Dangerous Gaming they’re available on the Airfix website at the moment!

[@Thomas-tb4ub]

@@ModelMinutes I've seen, I couldn't find a good review and I kinda wanted to find one before I order it.

[@ModelMinutes]

@@Thomas-tb4ub Ah i see, i hope this helped :D

[@rudidedog243]

Good vid....I remember these figures but I remember them in a yellow ish colour , but the plastic was always soft

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks for watching 😊

[@johnleightell8188]

I actually own and seriously impressed with the quality of mine. I have the Luftwaffe personnel also equally as crisp. Looking forward to your review and be nice to see your painting of them. If your planning to.

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks! At some point I will get around to painting them :P

[@9501599]

Hey Matt great review but I think that the recurring poses are for a squadron so if you have 2 spits and a hurricane type diorama then the groundies would be doing similar things to each aircraft. Enjoy your reviews.

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks for the info!

[@hevendor958]

i do have the airfix vintage classic HMS Belfast witch the kit was my first airfix kit im currently working on it

[@ModelMinutes]

Nice! :D

[@calvinsaxton9925]

nice kit review. the figures remind me a bit of the Airfix 1/76 Luftwaffe Ground Crew kit.

[@ModelMinutes]

I believe they were designed at the same time! I'll have to see about getting some next time

[@captnskeetr8219]

Really cool,also id like to see you build the 1/76 M3 half track vintage classics edition

[@ModelMinutes]

A great suggestion! Thanks :D

[@jameswornica803]

I think the one that you said was holding a bomb is actually holding a fire extinguisher for when the planes first start up .

[@ModelMinutes]

It's a very strange looking fire extinguisher :P

[@strikeeaglemodels1588]

Can’t wait 😊

[@ModelMinutes]

yay! :D

[@jpwphotographicstudio3891]

Yes, did them back in the day, but seem to remember you could clean them up to a good standard, the soft material they have used today is impossible to do anything with.. Can't say I'm particularly impressed with these figures at all. Very flash heavy as well.

[@ModelMinutes]

Great point!

[@chrispacer4231]

SEPTEMBER 2nd 2020... I could use this set...I have a REVELL/ GERMANY 1/72 scale Spitfire Mll... great detail... would like to make a diorama with it...thanks for the video

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks for watching!

[@maxbodymass]

figure at 3.44, is preparing a C-24 hand operated camera . this was an enlarged airman proofed version of the civilian C24 camera popular prewar. The official title C-24 hand operated photo reconnaissance camera.

[@ModelMinutes]

That's awesome! What kind of aircraft would it have been installed in?

[@maxbodymass]

I would not use the word installed. one airman with hand held camera hang out of side of aircraft in to the slipstream !! I have pictures of aircraft types Ansons, Oxfords, in WW2, but could be used on any number of types (bombers etc) post war Shackleton in both maritime recce, and colonial trooping roles. also Berlin brigade and cyprus on a Chipmunk (back seat passenger had to stand up lean over side and take pictures hairy experience or what!!!). came out of service RAF late 1950s Army air Corps late 1960s Rhodesia Air force late 1970s (used with fire force helicopters and lynx).

[@ModelMinutes]

maxbodymass wow! That’s insane. I just assumed it would be part of the plane, be removed to access the film. It’s interesting to know that they were still hanging out of planes to take pictures by that point!

[@maxbodymass]

Cheap simple and to a point it worked do not know how clear a shot you got but good enough .

[@phillipdoorbar1615]

Looks more like an F.24 with a 5” lens or an F.52 with an 8”, as fitted to PR Spitfires and Mosquitos. Would make more sense than a hand held, as theses are RAF ground engineers, fitting things to aircraft.

[@harrymarwick2529]

Isn’t that a MK1 hurricane on box art? Sure you said Spitfire.

[@ModelMinutes]

I said Spitfire or hurricane 😂

[@ModelMinutes]

Fred Smith yes, I said Spitfire or hurricane pilot running towards his machine. It does look to be a hurricane but clearly at the time of recording I wasn’t sure, so said the safest thing I could think of. Clearly it wasn’t safe enough 😂

[@brnesouthwest9915]

Thanks for your video, the original kit was done a beige coloured Polypropylene, not the hard Styrene that the aeroplane kits were made from. Originally you were told to wash the kits in mild bleach before painting. The cameras are typical of those from a PR Spitfire that would have window in the fuselage behind the cockpit. The Polypropylene is notoriously bad to paint. Trimite one of the specialist car paint manufacturers would recommend using an antic spray plus a 2 part paint system on P.P. Since the takeover by Hornby they seemed to have lost their. I was horrified to have purchased a HAR Seaking without no air crew, also a major fail when they're not available as an additional accessory item either, where other manufacturers would have ensured you had them. I know there are few pose choices, if anyone is thinking of hacking an arm off and putting into a different orientation P.P will not glue together it can only be long term joined by heat fusion only.

[@ModelMinutes]

Yeah, it's a shame about the choice in material. I too have also noticed the lack of figures in sets these days, a real shame seeing as machines are meant to be used by people, and don't work too well on their own :(

[@strikeeaglemodels1588]

The crew isn’t bad at all Mate.Eduard Have Done one and frankly it was a very bad design.Great video mate 😊👍

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks for watching!

[@SprueFascinationChannel]

Nice video review 👍

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks!

[@fliegeroh]

Why did Airfix make all it's ground crews in 1/76 scale when it's planes were in 1/72 scale?

[@ModelMinutes]

Throwback to when they made OO gauge railways i suppose - most of their vehicle kits are 1/76 too

[@scalesmodellingmagic5883]

You might need to get some ww2 Gurkha figures

[@ModelMinutes]

That would be interesting

[@scalesmodellingmagic5883]

@@ModelMinutes I’ve seen some on eBay for around $20 but not sure what that would be in pounds

[@malysmc8399]

How did you get on painting them I couldn't get the paint to stick at all even after washing sprues

[@ModelMinutes]

You can see a few of these figures used in my most recent video! kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJnWgIisl6pgmtU I will be showing you how i painted them in a future video. I spray them black though, and then used that as a base layer. It stayed on but if you bash them about you run the risk of the paint flaking off again. It's the plastic - it's no good really

[@malysmc8399]

@@ModelMinutes no it's not good shame it's not the same plastic I remember as a young boy great work on the lanc btw love your channel

[@ModelMinutes]

Maly SMC thanks 😊

[@GOAT-K2]

Hey I wanted to buy some for my diorama are they any good and does the paint stick to them

[@ModelMinutes]

mould quality is ok, but the plastic they used is not great for paint - you will find that it wants to flake off

[@GOAT-K2]

Hey do you have any good alternatives for my hawker typhoon 1/72nd scale?

[@heloiseodonnell]

Hi there, I’ve just bought this set and was wondering if you had any other recommendations for paint colours, I’m going to order 96 as you suggested - thanks!

[@ModelMinutes]

Take a look at my Lancaster build video - I paint them in that one, or take a look at my IG here instagram.com/p/CBNSisLhGou/?igshid=9981fy7tz0ie

[@heloiseodonnell]

@@ModelMinutes thank you so much!

[@ey7290]

My problem with this is its 1/76, i have no 1/76 aircraft so i cant really make a diorama because sizes would be off

[@ModelMinutes]

They are a bit off from 1/72 but I can’t imagine it looking too noticeable

[@ey7290]

@@ModelMinutes its just a thing i have because i have a 1/48 B25 i build many years ago and it just looks out of place compared to the other 1/72 bombers i have

[@ModelMinutes]

Aaron Brall 1/48 is going to look out of place with 1/72 planes seeing as they are massively different scales....

[@Terangeree]

People aren't all the same size in reality. 1:76 scale figurines with 1:72 scale aircraft is, I believe, an acceptable variation.

[@ModelMinutes]

@@Terangeree I'm certainly ok with it :P

[@thedyerchannel8391]

Do you have the lindberg OA-9?

[@ModelMinutes]

Joyce Kirkpatrick unfortunately not at the moment

[@thedyerchannel8391]

@@ModelMinutes I'm building it right now. I might submit it to the viewer creations series!

[@allhaillordtachanka1957]

Darn

[@ModelMinutes]

Darn?

[@allhaillordtachanka1957]

@@ModelMinutes I didn't come with painting directions!

[@adriancabrera3014]

MMMM this 1:76 scale :( is not very useful and common i think

[@nathancoghill9802]

I managed to get a box of 1/72 scale figures. At least then you can put it with a 72nd scale aircraft.

[@ModelMinutes]

I'm not sure the scale difference will be too noticeable - i guess i will find out :P

[@nathancoghill9802]

Funny story, I got a box of 76th scale infantry and compared it with my personnel and yet the RAF personnel looked smaller than the infantry.

[@ModelMinutes]

@@nathancoghill9802 hmmm that's interesting :P