Airfix vs Gecko.. Austin K2 Ambulance comparison

I have put together a scoring system to compare the Airfix vs Gecko K2 Ambulance. The result is a surprise!!

[@sam-samanthaconnelly9674]

I really enjoy that. You should keep that format for all reviews.. The written list is a great idea.

[@charliegrec]

I think the gecko kit is a nicely packaged kit and with the extras the gecko is the clear winner here

[@greybeardmodels]

Nice one Nigel, I like the idea of the Nigel Standard Scoring Report. You should apply this to all reviews 🧐 You raised some interesting points. Cheers Bob 👍

[@NigelsModellingBench]

Great idea Bob, however, it'd difficult to do with an unknown quantity.

[@modeltraingeek6544]

I can’t believe how different the kits are very interesting thank you

[@nickbutler7935]

Nice review, particularly like your scoring system.

[@derrellreynolds6226]

Your opinion is very much appreciated sirrrrrrr. Thank you for all you do.👍

[@NigelsModellingBench]

So nice of you

[@PeteFoaleArtist]

Great Video, thanks, Nigel. I think the two are built for different skill sets. Airfix has always been a popularist producer whereas Gecko seem to be for the experienced 'Concours' builder. A cheeky thing to do which will help greatly with developing skill sets is to download the Gecko instructions and scratch build some add ons (jerry cans, blankets, bags etc). I have some spare tank rider and armoured car crew figures which I'll use as crew and walking wounded figures.

[@julianmizzi1295]

Airfix are what got me into the hobby many years ago. Great review !

[@seanconservativeburke]

I'll stick with the gecko kit . I ,prefer a more challenging kit better details is a major key point for myself ? The flash never bothers me at all unless it's extreme. Great review Nigel , have a great day

[@flyduck]

enjoying the Gecko kit - excellent level of detail. I like kits where you have to layer up the detail even if there are quite a few small fiddly bits.

[@seanconservativeburke]

Agreed 100 percent, the gecko kit is the only way to go ?

[@marcelhuard5774]

Great review and comparison Nigel. I really like the format. The only addition I would add as far as categories is accuracy. I'm sure that would require a bit of research prior to the comparison so I understand why it would be omitted. It would be nice to know for example which grill is accurate. Really appreciate your reviews and build videos.

[@Duececoupe]

Just had my Buccaneer and Austin ambulance delivered from Airfix the other day, love the kits! Looking forward to see what else they bring in 1/35! Excellent video....👍🏻👌🏻👏🏻

[@Duececoupe]

....I must say though, that I was disappointed that Airfix didn't make a complete engine!

[@NigelsModellingBench]

Enjoy!

[@Duececoupe]

@@NigelsModellingBench I certainly will young man.... Oh, btw....Airfix has "Katy" as well with the decals if you look closely! 😁😎😍🥰

[@andyrichardsvideovlogs8835]

The scoring categories you use are excellent and well balanced and as Bob said you should consider using that as a base for all reviews. They are both excellent kits. Basically it comes down to what you want out of the kit. Certainly the Airfix is better for novices, and that's surely the market it's aimed at - the everyday modeller whilst the Gecko is aimed more at the "discerning " modeller. Great video 👍

[@NigelsModellingBench]

I think it would be difficult to do Andy, unless comparing two or three kits, as I did with the B-52's.

[@glencwilson]

An interesting comparison which is balanced and objective. I went for the Gecko version just because I fancied a more complex build. I have done their skid loader which turned out great. Their instructions can be less than clear so you do need to test fit things before committing to glue. I haven't done a recently tooled Airfix kit yet but the instructions do seem to be written with the modeller in mind. Seeing the built versions side by side would be interesting.

[@NigelsModellingBench]

Thank you Glen

[@r.d.1991]

Now that was a decent comparison! 😃👌

[@NigelsModellingBench]

Thankyou

[@johnkelly2098]

Interesting exercise you've carried out, Nigel. I am sure I am not alone in appreciating the time and effort you put in. Thank you. I received my Gecko one yesterday and had a good scan through the box. Interestingly, I do not recall seeing any flash and the tires showed no mould seams which you referred to when reviewing yours. The transparencies are not perfect but certainly not hideous. It would appear kits could vary from box to box, for example when my pre-ordered new tool Airfix 1/72 tempest V arrived, the spinner was gruesomely short shot and the amount of flash was unbelievable while the internet was full of very favourable reviews. You can never rule out pot luck!

[@janmajer865]

I work in the plastic injection industry and it is surprising how different each bit is when it comes out the machine.There might not be any flash for a lot of shots and suddenly one starts getting flash or short shots.The machines can be adjusted but it takes the machine a while to adjust so it will produce a few bits which are scrap.It is up to quality control to decide what passes and what gets scrapped.The materials vary in price as well and some of them cost a fortune.

[@mikeanthony2625]

Great idea for scoring different kits of the same object. Really enjoyed the comparison. One other consideration could be price. As always love the video always good to have an honest opinion 👍👍👍👍

[@HeirweghB]

Really a surprise result. Good from you to notice the difference in the grills. 👌 I would like to see your normal advanced build using MIG-Ammo stuff. 😁

[@Matteline]

For what its worth, my primary criteria for a model is how accurate it is to the real thing. How well the kit is presented - packaging, instructions etc. and how easy it is to get a good looking finished model - engineering/design, quality of plastic etc.are obviously significant factors. I am reasonably experienced modeller and I can scratch build a number of additional details as and when needed / desired. I am not a rivet counter, but things like are the dimensions correct? are the wheels the right size? But when given the choice of two kits of the same subject the overall accuracy is a pretty big deal in judging one against the other. Still, it is your channel and as such you can do what you want. But I wanted to pass on this thought as I am finding it quite rare in kit reviews *not only yours) tp find the accuracy to the real thing to be included in the assessment. I did see that the Gecko kit has am 'Ice Cold in Alex' option in the paint / decal scheme... something I felt for sure Airfix would have (and should have) included in their kit.

[@andypreston2982]

wow an honest opinion nigel i have both kits , see where your coming from

[@randomnickify]

I really like idea with the list of categories, keep it up 👍

[@NigelsModellingBench]

Thanks!

[@billballbuster7186]

Airfix kits are broadly similar to Tamiya, Revell and other popular brands, great for the average modeler happy with a good quality representation. The majority of purchasers will be able to built the kit without issue. Gecko and some other Chinese manufacturers produce a truely masterpiece kit with exceptionally fine detail. But to do this the parts count is very high, many parts are very delicate and need careful assembly. Parts location can also an issue as sometimes there are no locating pins or tabs as a guide. Lots of questionable Photo Etched Brass, which has its own issues. These kits are strictly for the advanced modeler with great eyesight, steady hand and infinite patience.

[@paulrogers9324]

Good review, perhaps cost should be included as a balance to complexity.

[@steve1315]

A good informative video nigel, surprised and pleased to see airfix the winner.

[@Paul-wy4de]

Great review Nigel , I like the look of the airfix kit , but I like the extra detail of the gecko kit , may have to get both

[@NigelsModellingBench]

You should!

[@neilg8009]

I think this is a cracking review Nigel it has made my mind up. I imagine your test pilot licence from Airfix is in the post

[@NigelsModellingBench]

Doubt it.. Don't think I am their favourite customer??

[@neilg8009]

@@NigelsModellingBench It is a good thing you reviewed their Amblumance(I am from South Wales)it's there just in case you need it.Seriously I loved the point system..so much I bought the Airfix model.Hope they love me now.:) :)

[@nickbrough8335]

@@NigelsModellingBench I would argue that a semi-critic is the best reviewer if you want to get better anyway.

[@JeffDonahueScaleModeling]

Hi Nigel, Great video. It is really interesting how you determined your scores. You could do this with all your reviews and instead of writing it out, you could do a graphic on the screen. I am looking forward to seeing both of these built. Thanks for sharing. Have a great day. Jeff

[@brianemmons1206]

I like the scoring system and to be honest I am going for an Airfix kit due to the smaller number of parts, that suits my numb fingers and failing close range eyesight better. Yes the Gecko kit looks good with all its detail and reminds me of some AFV kits that simply have too many parts at times to make a simple fixture. Having looked at the history and photo reference you can see their are a few different bonnet/grill/side panel designs and widths, so the narrow looking grill dose not bother me as it still looks the part :)

[@darkwood777]

I think that you don't need to paint match the red cross color for the roof vents on the Airfix kit. It looks like there is enough left over red decal material to cover those vents. That is a guess, but I would try doing it that way.

[@GregsModels]

Great comparison Nigel. Wonder if the price between the two is markedly different?

[@NigelsModellingBench]

Very similar if you shop around Greg

[@crazylocha2515]

About £5 or around $8, Gecko being the higher priced from looking around UK, US , Hobby Link, MBK, and a few other assorted places.

[@toboldlygosmodelworks1973]

Interesting, I think you'll find a few Airfix Katie's being built and sadly gecko's ones being used for parts of wrecks in diorama's. The Airfix kit is quick to build and there is also aftermarket for the wheels (Def. models)

[@NigelsModellingBench]

But,, what about that grille James?? That Gecko one is totally different than Airfix??

[@toboldlygosmodelworks1973]

@@NigelsModellingBench looks like they've got a sprue mixed up the k2 truck has a different front.

[@NigelsModellingBench]

Well, the sprue is correct for THAT kit, so if they mixed up at the design stage??? Looking at the cad images on the side of the box, it looks like it was meant to be that way?? TBH I think gecko got it wrong??

[@leebryant2366]

I,m just building the gecko SOD At the moment, i find the plastic a bit soft for the tamiya extra thin and the small parts melt or bend

[@stevesstuff1450]

*IF* Gecko have made the wrong type of grill for their kit, then that's a pretty big faux-pas...!! It changes the whole look of the front of the vehicle; especially as it appeared to be considerably bigger..!! 😀 I'm no expert on the vehicle, but just looking at the box illustrations, and those given in the instructions, then the Airfix version is looking correct.... I think you need to dock points from the Gecko score for that mistake... ;-)

[@NigelsModellingBench]

I agree, the Gecko looks too flat?? We shall have to look at built models to compare.

[@paulmanuse2353]

Nigel did you find out if the front grill on the Gecko kit is correct? Great comparison!!

[@NigelsModellingBench]

I think we need to look at both built up?

[@phillipsiviter2024]

Not at all surprised that the Airfix kit scored higher overall than the Gecko , they have come a long way over the last decade. So much so that I get interested when a new kit comes out.

[@TringmotionCoUk]

I watched another comparison recently and all it boiled down to is "same price more parts so airfix is crap" Which is nonsense. I am "taking my time " with a low part count dragon Sherman (I had a good laugh at the instruction jibe) and it is looking lovely The bit I really didn't like on the other review on the gecko was the comments about potential IP infringement, which,if true, I really don't like as a matter of principle. Scores on the doors give a good balance 👍👌

[@tonydrake462]

Im not. Airfix gets may too much underserved heat. I've only found issues with their 48 spitfire in my airfix builds in the last 2 years.. they are always fun and in line with this. Unlike revell who still can't get it right (sr71) or Eduard who stuff up all the time (too difficult or crap decals).. nice review.

[@kennethmclennan905]

Been looking at WONDERLAND MODELS IN EDINBURGH SITE IT LOOKS AS IF GECKO HAVE ALSO HAVE A AN EARLY VERSION OUT

[@BDeVizio]

Nice review Nigel, both kits look the part but the Gecko does look more accurate. I would say those side windows actually increase the accuracy of the Gecko kit as the ambulances were fitted with early versions of acetate which during their service did flex and warp, as per how its been moulded. Whilst yes it doesn’t look nice it is one of those pieces that show the designers did do their research which is a thumbs up in my books. Either way both a fantastic new kits and which ever people choose to build they’ll enjoy!

[@NigelsModellingBench]

I am fully aware of the fact the side windows were flexible, I did say this in the video. I am talking about the front screen being "wobbly" on the Gecko kit. I believe Gecko messed up with the grille??

[@decroberts1307]

Interesting review, bit surprised that Airfix came out on top. I'd be interested to see a follow up review of the two kits built side by side to see if the scoring alters.

[@NigelsModellingBench]

Noted!

[@ianm7239]

An interesting review, can’t say I’d agree but it’s your review. I’m at the latter stages of the Gecko build, nearing the external paint and I have to say the build has gone very well, the extra detailing has made the kit for me. I don’t tend to flood my builds with Extra Thin so no problems with the plastic for me. I’d agree with you Nigel, if you want a simple build then Airfix all day long, but the need for Def Models wheels at 2/3rds the price of the original kit seems to take away from the ‘simple’ part of the build. Gecko is for a modeller who has built Tamiya and Dragon armour kits (I hate this advanced label for modellers) Thanks for all three reviews Nigel.

[@NigelsModellingBench]

Thats the whole point really Ian. If you want the extra detail you will go for the Gecko kit.. but, will those who want the Airfix really see the need for the DEF wheels?? I'd sooner get the Gecko kit.. BUT.. that grille???

[@unknownrobot2881]

Why are you assuming the grille on the Airfix kit is more accurate? From phots of the real thing I would say the Gecko grille is closer to accurate.

[@billgriffiths1685]

Great video, will you be building both kits?

[@NigelsModellingBench]

Not sure yet

[@hamilton9479]

Personally having watched both reviews I'd prefer the Airfix. I'm too old for all those small parts on the Gecko and probably would not have had the patience even when I was younger. The Airfix looks fine to me and I've always believed in the KISS principle. But at the end of the day, it's nice for people to have a choice - just a little odd that they come out together. Coincidence or by design one wonders?

[@unknownrobot2881]

Surely the location and concealment of pin marks is engineering? Also you don't give points for the included figure in the Gecko kit?

[@ianthomson9363]

Very interesting! If I was going to buy one of these kits, I'd like it to be the Gecko with all its extra bits & pieces, but having so many parts for the wheels scattered over 3 or 4 sprues would drive me nuts. But then I'd want to build the Ice cold in Alex version... I imagine there'll be aftermarket decals for the Airfix anyway. But for me, the big NO against the Gecko is the lack of colour callouts during construction. So I still don't know which I'd go for. Regarding the paint colours, yes Airfix only give Humbrol colours but as you say they can be converted. I've been watching the series of programmes about the Hornby factory. When the first test shots of the new Airfix kits arrive (they've done the new Spitfire, Mosquito & Vampire) all the designers have a go at building one. They all have a bottle of Tamiya Extra Thin on their desks, not Humbrol tube glue!

[@NigelsModellingBench]

Apparently the Ice cold in Alex version is in the Airfix decals?

[@ianthomson9363]

@@NigelsModellingBench The Airfix kit is the right period (1942), but the film wasn't made until 1958, so the serial number may not be correct for the film version. I know that's nitpicking! A comment on Airfix's own unboxing video suggests the the figure included in the Gecko kit is of Princess (as she was then) Elizabeth.

[@nickbrough8335]

@@ianthomson9363 I thought that was obvious from the box art.

[@janmajer865]

The Airfix kit is great it goes together very well the only time I used putty was to fill in a few injector pin marks a lot of them are hidden

[@ianthomson9363]

I've made a final decision (having previously said that I wasn't going to buy either!): I had a small win on Premium Bonds and I'll buy both kits. I'll build one as the Ice Cold in Alex version- probably the Airfix kit, and the Gecko with an open bonnet with the figure as a tribute to our much-loved and missed Queen. The best of both worlds!

[@Gordo3958]

Very nice review. Only thing I would add is the quality and the ‘relevance’ of the photoetch on the Gecko set. I do a lot of ships and the quality of the brass from various manufacturers and aftermarket suppliers varies greatly. In terms of ‘relevance’ what I really mean is whether it really adds to the model. Again I have come across ships with crazy, crazy small photoetch which is sometimes not seen and frankly adds nothing except increase frustration levels. Does the Airfix suffer from the lack of PE - from your review probably not? Finally, I believe the Airfix does have the bonnet decals for the Ice Cold in Alex version. Thanks for review it was excellently.

[@NigelsModellingBench]

I know too well what you mean about useless PE and poor quality. I once built a trumpeter ship and binned it as the kit included PE was thick and crumbly?? An aftermarket PE set cost more than the kit!!

[@SAS672]

A very well thought out and fair review Nigel. That grill issue could be a game changer for quite a few modelers, but which one is accurate? As I was thinking of doing a diorama with 2 K2s I think I will have to buy another Airfix kit as the difference between the grills will drive me crazy. Its nice to see Airfix uping their game a bit...........all the best

[@NigelsModellingBench]

I believe the Airfix grille looks better?

[@rudolphbondefangerer5513]

Possible both? Did Austin change it from one year/model to another? Or did they use different grills for different usage? I would imagine that a car built for Sahara had a bigger radiator and different grill from one ment to be used in Essex? Keeping sand out and such. But I don't know. I'm not Austin.

[@polticalme1677]

I don't think the Gecko grill is wrong at all. I looked for pics of the actual ambulance after I heard about this issue. From what I can tell after examining a huge pile of photos thoroughly, the grill isn't as rounded as on the Airfix kit. Well, there's still the possibility that Austian made different grills in different years. Still the Gecko kit seems to be more accurate. They even got the canvas of the rear compartment right and the way they engineered the upper portion of the closed cab doors is simply outstanding. Most other companies would've offered just flat clear parts. I ordered the Gecko kit - my first one ever. I got it for 34 €. The Airfix, well, Academy kit would have cost me 36 € or 37 €. In this case less is more - more expensive.

[@nickbrough8335]

Airfix looks to be a very nice kit, so I'm not that surprised that it stands up well against the Gekko kit., especially where youre comparing on a category v category basis. Of course, as modelers we look for different things in a kit. I would argue some categories should have a higher importance weighting than others. On this basis, Gekko might have won overall, as the extra detail and the texture finish on some parts makes it a better option for many modelers who prefer the extra details levels. For me the presence of etch parts with no plastic equivalents gets the model a 0 and a pass from me automatically. My conclusion is that Airfix has brought there design processes up to very high levels and are now producing very good kits (although some extra QC might well be appropriate). What Airfix now lacks is the extra "finesse" that modern Tamiya, Takom etc would add. There also seems to be something of a fetish from Airfix on part count, which is misplaced imo. This Airfix kit is currently £5 cheaper than the Gekko one in the UK. Although I will never buy the Gekko kit, I think the extra detail, etch and surface texture is certainly "worth" more than £5 and you'd spend more than that on after market etch and resin to bring the airfix model to a similar standard (hypothetically). I would also argue that too many current Chinese kits are solely aimed at the very high end modeler community with excessive very small detail and etch. I also think Airfix is one of the few remaining manufacturers that are actively seeking to bring the hobby to kids today. They have my respect and support for that.

[@nickbrough8335]

I should add, I'd like to see Airfix add the necessary finesse, but not go to the super detailing levels of detail. Or if they do, to sell them as add-ons/extras (I prefer to leave space for the AM suppliers though). Its all about providing the choice where the modeler choses not the manufacturer imo.

[@janmajer865]

I am busy building the Airfix kit and can't fault it it goes together very well.

[@sneakyfildy]

I always considered Airfix as some low-cost, sub-par option. Maybe all Airfix kits I saw in local shops were those 'starter packs' with paint and brushes you know. Never built one however. Gecko: Lack of colour callouts is very strange and disappointing. Overall Airfix looks too basic and not so interesting as Gecko. 'the more parts - the better'

[@nickbrough8335]

the new releases ones from the last couple of years have mostly excellent (and have gradually got better over time). Of course, like Tamiya they still re-release older ones so there's a range in quality even before you head over to the classix series with the 50s to 70s molds.

[@RimsModels]

Great video my friend really interesting results I. Totally agree with your scoring airfix make great kits and excellent value for money the beginners video is a great idea need to attract more new modellers thanks for sharing and keep safe 👍👍

[@Andy.Gledhill.Models.]

Cracking comparison Nigel. No doubt the Airfix kit wins for simplicity and ease of building. But the Gecko wins on detail. I think a beginners build video series of the Aifix kit would be a good idea.

[@jackwills7092]

humbrol 74 BS PORTLAND STONE

[@pgmetcalf]

Interesting stuff. I wonder how much the manufacturing costs in terms of funds and time affected the quality of the models? Do you think you'll enjoy the Airfix build more?

[@NigelsModellingBench]

I think the Airfix would be a more "fun" build? But, having said that i really want to look into the radiator grille shape now.

[@Looney2ing]

Good way to objectify the comparison. But shouldn't it also include price? Or better value for money

[@leebryant2366]

something else the kit dose not have very good connection points

[@craigfresch575]

have you tested the Kinetic Mrap???

[@NigelsModellingBench]

No mate. I hear its good though?

[@TheEdmond30]

very early