Let's All Use Gentle Humour - Why I Love Airfix but don't like Tangerines

[@parsfan4938]

Hey Harry - have a (small!) curry on me; your vids inspire me to persevere at my return to modelling after 40 years despite having ten thumbs and zero skill 😁

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Good on you matey… who needs skill, just enjoy yourself… thanks for the curry.

[@phillipm1039]

At 60 years old I still get so excited whenever I shop for Airfix kits its the memories of past builds and the fascinating box art which no other manufacturer has that sense of history. So yeh with you all the way with Airfix Air Harry.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

I do linger longer in the Airfix section at the hobby store… more fizz!

[@philipratcliffe1408]

It's doing a model that interests you and that might not be perfect but is Fun to make and I have Fun doing all my ones. You always have an insight on things, and with that and your humour, which is why I like you and what you do. Keep it up Harry 👍👍

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Cool, thanks Philip

[@maevethefox5912]

"It's a hobby, we should all just be enjoying it" are the wisest words ever spoken by a fan of something. Be it model kits, Star Trek, music, whatever, so many fan groups I run into any more seem to just scream "you're liking itwrong!" back and forth endlessly, and it's ridiculous. I build a big pile of 1/35 armour kits and paint maybe 5% of them, because building them is what's fun to me. I throw on a movie and pick at them in the evening, and certainly don't care to get mucked up in noisy compressors and smelly thinners. it's a hobby. it's fun and relaxing. there's no wrong way to do it if you enjoy doing it that way.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Very true.. if you are enjoying yourself and having fun, there is no need to put down anyone else. I think the Tangerine Fan boys are so bored with their models they lash out at us Apple builders because we are having too much fun! LOL

[@davidoswald6194]

Love your sense off humour, I'm a old bloke too....I love how you scratch build and make the kits yours....keep up the good work mate.....awesome 👏

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Thanks David 👍

[@davideaves563]

Airfix. My Old E boat build has had more likes & positive comments than any other kit I’ve built so far. Nuff said 😁

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Exactly… and it deserves it

[@robertgrimsted877]

Watching your vids always cheers me up thanks Harry

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Glad to hear it Robert

[@MrJoeGarner]

Personally, I build Tamiya kits almost exclusively. I don't mind them being, simple fact is they looks great without a lot of effort.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

and that was my simple fact too

[@williamault2490]

I truly love your videos, especially your humor!! You have inspired me to take another swing at a kit from my youth, the old Revel1/426 U.S.S. Arizona, only this time around, it'll be the U.S.S. Oklahoma. Lots of work, oh yes!! Easy quick build, oh no!! But you have inspired me to take on this project. I look forward to many more years of your quality videos and hard work. Thank you from this Yank!!!

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Enjoy the build William

[@rustykilt]

At 70, I am not ashamed to say i buy Airfix because it takes me back and I relieve my childhood. Airfix though produce a good product and frankly I buy models purely for the subject it represents, so many makers are on my list. I loved the early Revell aircraft in 1/72, with the sliding canopies as with the WARHAWK, when i was 6. Great days when i just built for fun and did not understand accuracy or rivet counts. My poor grand-dad who suffered my demands to buy another kit. Covered in glue and paint, I was happy, building kits on the kitchen table during breakfast......my poor long suffering mum.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Great story Rusty.

[@mickfifty]

Hi Harry, just watched your video I like you was brought up on the bagged Airfix kits, my first kit was the Spitfire I was the tender age of 7, now 61 and that was the highlight of my week to get my pocket money on Saturday morning 2 shillings and sixpence then when we went to funny money 50p, I would then go with my Grandparents to Falkirk and my first stop would be the model shop buy the kit, glue (Tube type) and paint and still have some change left over to put away for savings, get home and have the model built and painted by the time I went to bed. I still love building Airfix kits whether they be old or new takes you back to a better time. I also like the Tamiya kits if I want a quick build and know it will normally be hassle free then you make it harder by adding all the aftermarket stuff to them 😀Well over the last year I have got into building 1/200 Trumpeter ships and I am really enjoying them as I think they are like a mixture of Airfix and Tamiya, some parts need TLC to get them to fit and look good then you have other parts that you just snip and clean and ready to fit to me the best of both worlds. Look forward to your progress on the Warspite

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Warspite video out in a few days

[@cosmarendy8417]

Thanks ‘air’ Harry for another enjoyable waffle 👍. I too grew up on Airfix, and they still hold a special place in my modelling heart. I think I’ve built all the kits I had as a kid that my 50 cents pocket money could buy and some other ones beyond my young nine year old budget in recent times. Thanks from Toowoomba.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Bloody cold up your way now matey… that’s were we put Dad to rest last week… didn’t get into double digits all day!

[@cosmarendy8417]

@@HarryHoudiniModels my condolences Harry. It is hard. I’m building a Airfix 1/48 spitfire mk XIV for my recently departed Mum who gave it to me in January for helping her with down sizing. I’ll be keen to see your finished Airfix Warspite. Yes, too cold presently. Keep up the waffle 👍

[@garylawless3608]

Hi Air Harry! I too started modelling with Airfix kits as a teenager, until I found girls & surfing to be more interesting, but I have fond memories of building planes, cars, and anything my pocket money or my parents could afford. I remember they mostly were small scale and came in plastic bags with a coloured cardboard description panel sealing the bag. Humbrol paints were the popular paint back then as well. I am now 70 years old, and I only took the hobby up again in recent years as something to do with my young grandson, and I am hooked again! I have a small collection of finished armour projects now, and about 15 -20 still in the box, waiting patiently for my attention. I am still working, so I have to schedule some time for my hobby, but I have never had more fun doing something I really enjoy. Nowadays, I am building some of the popular brands like Takom, Tamiya, and others, but I have built a few modern Airfix kits. But I still remember those old Airfix kits, and wish I had kept a few. BTW, I have been married to my all-suffering spouse for 50 years now, but I understand your frank description of your experience. Sad, but everyone has a different view of life with a spouse. At least you have children from those marriages, and that must make you very happy. Cheers for now from south of the border!

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

That’s what I needed… a long suffering spouse… I just kept dating sexy strong women who beat me up!

[@johnnoble01]

Ill tell you what really grinds my gears is the people who think BIG is automatically better even if its a crappy job. Ive seen 1/144 scale stuff that would shame bigger scales. It seems to be really popular with the RC community of which i also belong. Some of my RC buddies can't understand why i build plastic kits as well. Even more of the tangerine/apple's analogy.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Yep fruit explains everything

[@Madcat2099]

I started building Airfix ships long before I ever saw a Tangerine.Tangerine never explored the wide variety of naval vessels.HMS Iron Duke is still one of my favorite kits.I enjoy Apples and Tangerines,I also enjoy Dragonfruit.Thanks for a great video

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Haha Dragonfruit! I got that one :)

[@johnclarke25]

Great fun video again,comeing 63 still love the airfix range,find now I pick up kits to replace the ones I fecked up growing up,anyway great vid, and for an ausie,yam quite funny.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Good on you John

[@davidpowell6098]

You are a rare commodity in this dog eat dog world, Harry, an honest man ,not trying to be what you are not. G'day from North Wales, UK.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

You guys still eating dogs in Wales mate?

[@davidpowell6098]

@@HarryHoudiniModels No Harry, you don't see them in the shops these days.

[@georgeb.311]

Very enjoyable as always Harry. Really enjoyed your conversation. As others have alluded to, I build from lots of different manufacturers. If I want a serious workout, I’ll wrestle with a Revell kit or similar. Sometimes it nice to click a Tamiya together and admire the finish. Having said that, if you want a battle in Tamiya form, try their 1/48 Sea Harrier, it’ll give the best of us a run for our money or like me, reduce us to tears.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

I wonder if their Sea Harrier is a rebox like the few Italeri kits they have rebadged.

[@georgeb.311]

@@HarryHoudiniModels Not sure Harry, it is as they say…a stinker. There’s a reason why you can pick one up for £10 quid.🙂

[@Lambeast]

Good one bro. Pick your “flavour” and enjoy the journey and experience. Have a blessed day.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Great advice Magnus

[@petermerz2704]

Thanks for sharing Air Harry! I don’t remember seeing Airfix kits in the 60’s in Canada. But then, I was looking for Star Trek kits. Anyway, happy days and model on! 😎🇨🇦

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

They were not fully into the La’mericas until late 70’s so you colonials missed the great hay days of Airfix.

[@petermerz2704]

Hahaha Air Harry! Ya, we’re a little behind the times in some ways. I was in Ausie Land back in 2013. On my way to NZ for my daughters wedding. We were laid over for 8 hours so we hailed a cab and he gave us the tour of Sydney. Nice city.

[@ColonelVermel]

Hi Harry, a little late to the party but nevertheless: rightly said! Sorry to hear about your dad. I still got mine and really enjoy the time we have when we‘re marvelling over the new builds I finish. I really looking forward to watch more of your stuff!

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Thanks Colonel, lots of build, review and chatty videos for the last 7 odd years to watch.

[@judebrad]

The first kit - aged 7, I was shocked that the fuselage halves where already in their two pieces. I was expecting to have to build formers and stringers. I agree the Indian plastic does not do Airfix any favours. I binned a Whitley because the wings, despite weeks of clamping, refused to join any way nicely.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

I have heard rumours that Airfix will bring back the English plastic and do the moulding for some of the range locally in the near future. We can only hope this is true.

[@nickjoy8868]

Thanks for a thoroughly insightful and thought provoking video. I hear on the grapevine that a lot of the Airfix moulding is coming back to the UK from India and that recent models have a much harder styrene plastic- hope springs eternal! I'm brand new to your channel so am totally impartial; and I agree with pretty much everything you said. I've only returned to plastic models 5 years or so now, worst model I've built was the Airfix 1/72 Sopwith Camel with utterly knackered moulds, flash and sink everywhere and I've turned it into the model I'm most proud of. Good going Harry, keep up the fine work.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

That Camel kit was first tooled in 1957, so by now the moulds would be rooted. Not to mention those very early kits were of a low standard of detail and accuracy compared to what we expect now. I look forward to a better plastic from Airfix, not happy at all with the curry flavour soft stuff of late.

[@vaughanlockett658]

We have similar youthful backgrounds our father's introduced us and inspired us . I was brought up on apple's because that's all we really had. And like many things got a lot better, tools and painting has made massive leaps. Thanks Harry. Don't think I will go back to the black and white TV with three channels or the outside lav , or waiting for two hours for the water to heat up once a week before you had a bath. Something's are better off in the past. And we live in a time where we have much more choice and information, it's just we appreciate it more and we develop the skills to deal what was handed to us in the past.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Goodness me. Where did you grow up? We had running water, an inside toilet, and electricity in my youth. The only time I ever had an outside toilet was when I bought a 100 year old cottage to renovate in my mid 20’s. The first job was getting a plumber in to install a dunny inside the bathroom.

[@brucegibbins3792]

This cap looks very much in appearance to WW1 & WW2 Kreigsmarine EM cap, Harry. All the cap needs is a Talley, black cloth, gold thread embroidered name. Another excellent show, BTW. Big thanks for that. Oh, yeah, the hobby of kit building is what it means to each individual modeler

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Dad took off the ribbons… they used to have them when I wore the cap in the 60’s

[@gracefaithCHRISTscriptureGOD]

Another Great video, take care and keep up your updates 👏👏👍👍

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Thanks, will do!

[@carlovanucci]

My first kit was an Airfix "Baggy" kit of a Westland Whirlwind, which I bought for 24c in 1968 on my 5th birthday! So, I fully agree what you say about apples vs tangerines!

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Good on you Carlo

[@fredericksmith5235]

Well said Harry, I started on Airfix back in the 60s and a company called Frog models and I loved them, I now build any kit by any manufacturer, it just needs to take my fancy, Tanks, Aircraft, fingers and ship's, I'm with you on this, there are to many people with to many options that they should keep to their self, keep up the great work.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

You know that say about opinions….

[@vogonpoet5860]

gotta admit my stash has many makers, most good kits, then i have 4 PM MODELS kits but i try not to remember those, i make planes, armour, ships and sci fi, havent tried making fingers, but if you have , i have to hand it to you, its a subject i havent nailed !!!!!

[@robinkendrick5507]

I like listing to your vid's Mate, reminiscing over model Airfix kits so loving it.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

They are even better if you watch them

[@robinkendrick5507]

True, but who would stroke the cat then?

[@michaeldilley4384]

An excellent talk Harry. I agree Airfix are and have always been under rated. If some people think they are so crummy, how come they are still in business long after most of their competitors from the 60s and 70s, are long gone. It's as you say Airfix suit some, Tamiya others and some both. Interesting slip of the tongue, Airfuks! What was on your mind? Kind regards, Mike.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Becker gave me a T-shirt years ago which said Airfux as a joke, it just stuck in my mind

[@Noilaedi]

I would love to see your take on a Master Grade/Real Grade/Perfect Grade Gundam kit ("Gunpla"). Pretty fun builds in my opinion.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

I have always fancied making one or a big robot. Looks like fun.

[@Kconv1]

Can I like both Airfix and Tamiya? Though my real love is Aurora and the Aurora likes (Polar Lights, Moebius, Atlantis)

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

You can like anything you want, as long as you don’t ram your preferences down someone else’s throat… just enjoy what you do

[@jezhall4544]

Harry just found your channel I have now watched for the last 2 hours love them. A good laugh with good content and informative

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Welcome aboard Jez

[@plasticmonkey5594]

thanks harry ,you always cheer me up with your vidios

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

here… have a banana

[@johnf3885]

Airfix kits and model soldiers were the cornerstones of my youth from the late 60s and 70s. I have so many happy memories of building kits with my dad who has only recently passed away. Happy memories from simpler times.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Yes the nostalgia is morish

[@bradster1708]

I enjoyed your short comment about Mathmatics, as a fellow "weirdo" math appreciator I would just say that smarter people than I have referred to Mathmatics/physics as the "language of nature". I am last of the Boomers and spent my teen years making Airfix models, HMS Hood brings strong memories. The Airfix catalogue gave me hours of pleasure. Now as I approach 60 I have been getting back into models and right now 72 scale armour from young upstarts like Flyhawk, Vespid, Dragon, Hobbyboss etc. Lastly Lard whopper schmeckler, can't help myself.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

I was so surprised how big the Hood was, even in 1:600 and it was the first ship kit where I painted the deck and tried to detail the hull. It was magnificent. Dad made me a wall display cabinet which I had all my Airfix ships in. Wish I still had some photos, but they were lost years ago. Lamb Waffle Slapper! yay!

[@donalexander4113]

If you hate Tamiya so much you should send me all those Tamiya paints you have in that wall rack. Lol

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

I don’t hate Tamiya… I just don’t enjoy building their kits or the abuse I get from Tamiya Fan boys just because I won’t worship the brand.. Yes you can have all my Tamiya paint. I don’t use it anymore now I have found Lifecolor and Hataka.

[@allisonmerlin7593]

Hi Harry, I really enjoyed your apples and tangerines video, much prefer Cider than just juice!. Same generation as you Harry, just glad Airfix is still here. That Airfix 1/48 Hawker Fury model you constructed is unique in the way that you built it! Good work Harry all the best to you. Allison Merlin from uk.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Good on you Allison

[@anthonywallace8534]

The first airfix kit I bought was a Lancaster bomber back in 1970 a 1/72scale I have never built it still got it box a bit tatty it is a black plastic injection it’s a bit warped in places but repairable I am 66 so I better get round to build it love your channel keep them coming

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

That is a classic kit. I got if for Chrispness back then and built it quickly on the day, but smeared too much glue on the nacelles, so got a whipping for that.

[@brianartillery]

I try not to remember the dark times of Airfix - but the stuff made in the Heller factory was SHIT. I remember buying a 1/72 Blenheim IV, getting it home, and finding some parts already broken, and others on the frame in a web of flash. I took it back to the model shop, and showed the manager. He opened another one, and it was the same. Every one he opened was not fit for sale. The styrene was as brittle as all hell, and had not survived shipping. Awful. Even the boxes were rubbish, featuring a photo of the kit, usually very badly constructed, as US rules dictated that you had to show exactly what the box contained. And don't get me started about the bastards who expurgated the glorious Roy Cross box artwork a year or so later, as some of it might be 'upsetting' to certain people.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

These days every snowflake gets offended by anything you say.

[@billballbuster7186]

With you there, quality dropped significantly, using old tooling that was past its best.

[@Armadacon]

If I remember correctly. It was Australia that dictated that the Airfix box art was changed. The 'violence' had to be removed. As for the photo box tops. That was the Palitoy era (Owned by General Mills). Thankfully. Sanity has returned.

[@philevans5390]

Great Rant Harry, Great comment's, I am mid sixties and when I went to my local Woolworths in the 60'S They would have already made kits attached to a massive board looked great and buying a Airfix kit with those small little Airfix glass jars of paint great days. Thanks again Harry for a laugh,Best wishes,Phil Wales UK.👍👍👍👍

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Good on you Phil, glad you got a laugh out of my video

[@jantimmer5558]

Sorry to hear about your dad. Built a few new airfix kits and thought they were really nice.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Thanks Jan

[@johnirwing2571]

Totally agree Heir Harry as some one else who started building kits in the early ‘60’s (my dad bought me my first one to get me off Superman comics) Airfix kits were something you clagged (geordie term -stuck together without finesse) together and played with. Paint came later, I have a vague recollection of basic enamel colours in a set of vials. Revell kits were a rarity and didn’t see Tamiya till the mid ‘70’s. Did I care about accuracy and fidelity in my youth? Did I bugger, that came much later and I think the vocal “modellers” are putting pressure on manufacturers to produce more detailed and accurate kits which are fine for where they are in the hobby but is to the detriment of the sheer fun and enjoyment kids seek from simple basic kits. Enjoy watching you musings and in awe of you work, keep it up, catch you later Air Harry.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Yep fun and enjoyment or why bother?

[@robertooyendyk3628]

Haven't built an Airfix kit in years, last one being the 1/32 1910 type B bus. The kit showed its age but still went together ok. Recently bought their 1/48 DH82 Tiger Moth which looks a reasonably good kit when compared to Eduard and Roden, hope to have it built for the 2023 S.A. model expo.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

That Moth should be nice, their 1:72 new tool version went together very well and both are finely detailed, well fine for an Airfix kit.

[@matthall143]

Greetings from Oxford!! .....waffle worthy of the Oxford Student Union debates.....love it!

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Have at it then!

[@hobbytime2098]

Great video as all ways Harry quick question I am building the airfix hms bounty and am looking for a wood deck for it there's two manufacturers on flea bay of decks for it Which one would be best to go for any suggestions on manufacturers would be best cheers

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

I would need to know the manufacturer names to comment. Personally I would use the individual Artwox deck planks, as I did on the St Louis and Amerigo Vespucci, but I hear they are out of stock everywhere right now.

[@FullMoonStudio]

I am glad you have enjoyed your modeling journey. I know I have enjoyed mine. Everyone's will be a little different. The important thing is to have fun! I had kind of forgotten about that one, but I built that white box E-boat in the 70(s) when I was a kid. That was fun. Might have to try an E-boat again sometime.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

I’m sure it will prove to be just as much fun the second time around

[@coreyward9000]

Good video. I decided long ago to choose whatever kits I wanted to build based on the subject only, more or less completely ignoring the brand. The only time doing this has left me frustrated has been when I recently built a revell 1/48 corsair which was originally tooled in 1963 and featured working landing gear and folding wings, which while revolutionary for the time made it hard to keep any kind of accuracy, still fun though.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

I remember those workable undercarriages by Revell.. didn’t you turn the prop to make them lower or raise?

[@coreyward9000]

@@HarryHoudiniModels this kit just moved the gear by pushing the wheels backwards but the wheel itself actually had to rotate 90 degrees to fold into the wing correctly, which meant that the bodywork in front of the landing gear stuts had to float independently on the strut. Really incredible engineering for 1963, would love to see a company have a go at it on a new kit today!

[@thomaslundy5123]

@@coreyward9000 I think that your Corsair is a reissue of the 1963 F4U-4 Monogram kit-part of their kid-friendly WWII US Carrier line. I remember the tiny black plastic hoops that hold the front gear doors on. Kids in the 1960s and 1970s did not have anywhere near the same opportunity to learn how the aircraft of WWII operated as they do today. A well-appointed elementary school library might have had a few William Green books on hand. So the working features were quite welcome. I know that the Monogram SBD kit helped me understand the battle of Midway, even though the bob-crutch mechanism was not quite right.

[@timmaslow5193]

I have more Airfix kits in my stash than any other make. Why? Because they offer the aircraft I'm interested in (Cold War - mostly from the 60s and 70s at 1.72 scale) they're pretty well detailed, they go together nicely and I built them as a kid. If I want to super detail them I'll have a go at scratch building or will buy an aftermarket set. The plastic is a bit soft but I'm used to it and don't have a problem with it really. My stash also contains Eduard, Revell, Italeri, Hasegawa, Sword and a couple of AZ (which are a bit of a challenge) but not a single Tamiya.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

And you can live a Tangerine free life, but still be very happy!

[@benmccarthy5010]

I watch your Videos because you take the Oldest Kits and Make them SHINE!!! I could watch a TAMIYA video, but I learn more from you mate! I want to buy a 1/96 Constitution for the 3rd time in my life and finally finish one.... because we know when it's done it'll look fantastic!!!!!!

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Great idea Ben… go for it

[@darkknight1340]

If it ever got to the point where I adopted the "build it as fast as possible,bugger the details" ethos,I would definitely hang up my paintbrush.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

My thoughts too mate

[@billballbuster7186]

Really interesting chat as always. In my early years I built mostly Aircraft and Ships, but in the late 1960 I built more military vehicles. For a decent collection you had to learn the art of kit conversion and scratch building. My first project was converting the Airfix M4 Sherman to a very colourful British Sherman MkIII (M4A2) featured in Airfix Magazine. That publication was my inspiration for many years with its articles on conversions and correct painting. I could not afford the Superb Airfix 1/32 Crusader or the Lee / Grants until later when the scale had gone out of style. But back then these kits were far, far superior to the early Tamiya kits which were really R/C toys without the R/C bits, your T-34 is a prime example. Tamiya kits were hit and miss until the 1990s when accuracy became more important. The secret of their success was the sheer numbers of kits produced, especially German WWII which really caught on fast.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Well that’s a new take on Tamiya… thanks for your insight Bill

[@billballbuster7186]

@@HarryHoudiniModels Glad to add to the discussion. Incidentally the very first Tamiya kits were all remote control. But this was not popular outside Japan, so they took the R/C out. However you could buy it separately.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

That explains a lot!

[@ianbarratt5245]

Hi harry love your videos like you was brought up with airfix kits which are brilliant my uncle was into kit building and when he passed away he left his collection of nearly 50 kits to me and most were all from the 60’s and 70’s so iam going to have fun building these iam same age as you so us old timers need to stick together keep up good work see you on next video from Ian in uk

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

That’s a great legacy you received. My Father left me a box of Matchbox die-cast cars. Not quite the same, and none vintage. He took to collecting those later in his life.

[@gimp6019]

Harry, great video. I remember the old apples and they were fun builds. Some of the red box kits can have a few surprises that can lead to the experience of scratch building, and developing other skills

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Which can be rewarding in itself. Tangerine assemblers just don’t get that.

[@hermanhandbrush4402]

I like Tamiya a lot. I've built quite a few of their tanks. I don't build Airfix so much, but I made a 1/72 Hurricane some time ago that I was impressed by. And when I was more into small scale armour, I built a lot of Airfix kits. I think for each of us, there are kits that are too easy, and kits that are too difficult (except perhaps for very good modellers, for whom no kit is too difficult). In between is that sweet spot: A kit that is challenging enough to be fun, but not so hard it begins to feel more like work than fun. I think where that sweet spot is varies a lot for each modeller.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Very well said Herman.. each to their own, as long as no one throws tangerines at you!

[@OfficialAirfix]

We love apples, but we would say that ;)

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

I do love your Apples :)

[@iainmenzies4252]

The point about the lack of reference materials to compare the accuracy of kits to reality is right, but that's also true for those who were designing kits way back when.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

That is so true of very many Revell and Pyro ship kits… sheer fantasy. Airfix had a better reputation for getting them close, if not quite banana award status.

[@williamrowell3628]

Hi, Air Harry I identifie as an Apache attack helicopter myself. Think you're awesome, keep it up!

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Thanks Heli Will.

[@marcblank3036]

A good model is like a canvas, which is turned into art by magicians like Houdini. All Tamiya provides are perfect painting by numbers kit. Obviously with great result due to the high standards. Airfix is nostalgia ans luckily they have a superb line

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

You either understand and love Apples… or you are blindly assembling Tangerines.

[@marcblank3036]

@@HarryHoudiniModels Always loved the Apples, Rasberries, Mangos and admired the tangerines. Can only afford the older Apples as the new harvest is becoming quite dear too. Here in Vietnam managed to buy some Kitech and cheap Trumpeter sideline kits, which obviously need more work but are great fun. Keep up the channel, Harry, love looking at your work

[@nheather]

A theory about panel lines. They were big back in the day and as you quite rightly point out, when you slapped paint on with a hairy stick (airbrushes and compressors were so expensive back then, basically out of reach back then) you could still see them. Now we have much finer panel lines, so fine that when you paint them, even with an airbrush they are hard to see - so what do modellers?, they flood them with wash to exaggerate them and make them stand out - yep, the same guys that complain about big panel lines.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Yep those who know the least shout the loudest

[@tommiehowardthepoliteonion3886]

Just got a used older white box Monty's Humbler staff car boy you can feel the weight of the orginal plastic. Bought the recast so much more lighter now thats math.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Yes that would be right… too many curry bubbles in the new stuff.

[@jacquikowalewsky7691]

I have an identical modeling history to your self. Still love scratch building- gives such satisfaction. Fully agree with your views.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Thanks for watching Jacqui

[@nickbutler7935]

Great video Harry, certainly touched on a variety of subjects. I am of similar age etc ( only divorced twice tho lol ). Like you my experience with Airfix is uncanny 60's & 70's building my 'little Baggies' then moving up the next levels and boxed kits. Break from modelling in 80' & 90's (marriage,work and kids). Started back on the Hobby around 2005. Airfix brand has been a roller coaster, but seems relatively stable again. Heck. even re-joined the Airfix club. I enjoy your channel and contents, may have different views on some things, but that is life and I respect your point of view. The world could learn from us old model makers. Anyway keep up the great work. Don't change to suit the Minorities and 'Waffle' on my friend.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Thanks Nick.. I just intend to build what pleases me and if you like that great, if not move along. Plus a lot of Waffle

[@kenhanson1819]

True words of wisdom, Harry! Like you I built a lot of wooden airplane models from kits and many scratch-built from plans. When I returned to building plastic models it gave me a whole different perspective on model building. If the tangerine lovers would just broaden their choices beyond tangerines, they might just discover this hobby is a cornucopia of selection to feed the brain and add to the enjoyment.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Sadly if you are used to getting a participation medal just for assembly, then not winning a prize because you might need to scrape a little flash or clean seam lines, plus actually test fit and file a part to get it into your model, is just too confronting for those brought up solely on a diet of Tangerine.

[@scottfoster9452]

Hi Harry, I enjoy eating both tangereens and apples. And I really enjoyed this monologue, whilst I am assembling the Tamiya 1/35 Matilda infantry Tank as well. I am super detailing it with two aftermarket detail sets, one photo etch and the other epoxy resin, and I feel as happy as a pig in shit. A previous presentation of yours, has inspired me to purchase the Air Fix 17th Century 1:144 Vasa Royal Swedish Navy Flag Ship. This is a type of kit, I have never attempted before and I am excitedly looking forward to receiving it, and the challenge of assembling and painting, it. When I first saw you wearing your father's South African Navy service cap, I thought you looked like some sort of esteemed, experienced and destingwished gentelman minister, in the privy council, of King Henry the VIII. Please keep up the great work, and condolences to you in regards to the resent passing of your father. Please take good care of yourself.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Thanks Scott

[@scottfoster9452]

You are welcome and have a good day.👍

[@TheEdmond30]

Harry I hope your Airfix makes you happy, I have both apples and tangerines in my stash... But have you heard about the new Lord and master that is an Eduard Profipack?

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Yes and I have some of their kits… look great and will be fun to build. Lots to keep me interested.

[@tinmansscalemodels]

I'll love Airfix when they do a 1/24 CAC Boomerang

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

I will pen them a letter on your behalf

[@stuartmcdonald8669]

Great Harry had a good laugh thanks 👍

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Glad you enjoyed it Stuart

[@dadctf6243]

😂 Tangerines/Tamiya I got it before you mentioned it 😜🤣

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Yes you did… but I find I have to explain my jokes for the colonists of north La’Merica sometimes…

[@dadctf6243]

@@HarryHoudiniModels😂 😂 they have a different sense of humour thats for sure. I only found your channel last week mate and it’s hilarious, keep up the good work 👍 And for the record I like Tangerines and apples and raspberries but I’m a newbie to all of this stuff

[@mogadeet6857]

Working on a Meng kit at the moment. It really makes me love simpler things.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Yes they do tend to over engineer the kits these days.

[@kevinjohnson8220]

Airfix are a bit hard to find where I live, however I have no complaints about them in general and I've been impressed by their new releases over the past fifteen years or so. I do have two or three in the stash and one is even a ship.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Good one Kevin

[@DutchDaveModels]

Thanks for pointing this out. Same reason I like Matchbox kits and kits from former Warsaw-pact countries.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Yes they have a special charm all of their own

[@russproctor9267]

Don't forget m8 people enjoy pears, bananas, and even the odd guava too! :) Spot on Harry.. bottom line is to enjoy the fruit that makes u happy.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Variety is the spice of life… and yes I agree: enjoy the fruit that makes u happy, but also respect others choices as well.

[@russproctor9267]

@@HarryHoudiniModels To right! keep em coming Harry! enjoying your channel

[@kilbar67]

Loved that video, my first to watch of yours, you have a new fan👍

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Good on you Paul

[@Bengineeringprojects]

Spot on mate, I really like the original 1971 spitfire in 1/24. I have made the revell 1/72 boat i liked it, i RC'd it aswell get to do a video on it lol

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Yes please make a video, that would be interesting to see.

[@floatsomboy]

As A kid of the 80's and 90's growing up in South Africa, I started on Matchbox and Airfix kits. In fact I still have a Matchbox Avro Lancaster kit stashed away somewhere. They where a good basis for a build and gave you the essence of the subject, especially as a kid. All manufacturers have had their up and downs in terms of quality and fit. I have some Revell gems and some shockers from them. Just getting back into the hobby myself, enjoyed the video.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Thanks matey

[@keithhowe507]

You've inspired me to get back to build my billing thanks Harry

[@keithhowe507]

Bounty

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Good to hear… Model on matey

[@Yves95128]

Hi Harry, I think that people want to build the brand that they grew-up with, to find the fun that they had back then and it works. I grew-up with Matchbox, I know that the planes panels lines are ridiculous but I still enjoy it once in a while, specially the 1/76 armor with the little diorama, that are actually not bad at all, people hate rubber tracks but once painted and weathered it's alright to me. The thing that I really dislike on old kit (Revell, Monogram, ...)are raised panels lines, they look bad and scribing doesn't looks great either, as it's hard to find and keep a consistent depth. I remember when I was 10, taking my allowance to get the latest Matchbox, comics and some candies to the news store, great times... Thanks Harry.👍🏻

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

I did not see or build a Matchbox kit in my youth, but have enjoyed a number of them in the last decade. They are lovely, fun, little kits, with heaps of potential if you want to upgrade them, or not. Just fine out of the box. Smile included.

[@michaelcarter3161]

Ah, yes...Matchbox kits, with their exaggerated panels and multi coloured parts were great fun to build. I particularly remember the larger scale kits. I remember the the Hawker Hurricane and the Lysander had very prominent panels. Such a shame this company isn't in existence...who knows what subjects they could have come up with to delight us.

[@geoffreyclark9909]

I hate airfix. Just got one of their mystery boxes and they gave me another hawk. As a club member I'm all hawked out. Doing the Aldi chrimbo £5 special fw 190 and for the price of a jar of coffee it's pretty good. So I will renew my membership and build at least four airfix kits next year as well just to remind myself why I hate them. Great vid bud.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Masochist?

[@whtalt92]

@@HarryHoudiniModels I guess some people don't do well unless they have something to gripe about ;)

[@geoffreyclark9909]

@@HarryHoudiniModels well iwatch all your videos so yes I am

[@BattleshipOrion]

My first set (the one in the post) is an Airfix BF109E-3. They got a decent collection of capital ships, but I lack space to put them...so wish and one hand, and get it anyways in the other as I say. I plan to try a Tamiya kit, but I'll stick to which ever one has a small, not-so thoroughly detailed Kreigsmarine, and not worry about my rivets as long as it looks right. I'll primarily use Tamiya for their glue, paints, and tape though. Having family in the US Navy we could really care less if a specific detail is right. To us what matters is the thought and reason of why the model was built. I have family who served on, and or has been aboard the USS California (Cruiser, not the Battleship), and what they say is that it's my model of the ship, so I can detail, and weather how ever I please. I like my ships pristine, maybe a few bits of damage, but mainly clean hull's, freshly painted anti-growth paints, and shining brass screws. If people wanna make the wreck of Arizona, or Hood, that's on them, Arizona and Hood will be as if they were just commissioned in my fleet.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Keep em clean… I prefer that look as well

[@george_364]

That whole flight to the moon and moonlanding was filmed with an Airfix kit upgraded with a little bit of scratch building. They were that good. 😃 But how is the quality of this Warspite kit, as it is red box.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

The Warspite now is better in some areas such as the deck and hull, but the small pieces like the casement guns are just binable. But that’s ok, as I said at the start of the video, we have the technology we can make it better! To fix the turrets and deck boats I have ordered 3D replacements from Shapeways. So that will be interesting to see how it lifts the model.

[@HamilkarBarkasScaleModelling]

I think that nostalgia plays a bigger role in this hobby than some people will like to admit, but that is totally okay :) When i was a kid those Airfix, Heller and Revell kits were the only ones i could afford and get my hands on, even though a lot of the fancy stuff already existed, but how would i get that as a 8 year old with no credit card lol?! So to me it is the other way round, now that i can afford the stuff i always wanted, why should i keep building the "old" things? It is good to move on from there, even though it was a great starting point. I see your point that the original Airfix kit editions were superb, you have in fact proven this several times already. Very entertaining video, as always mate!

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Yes the old Airfix are the reason I love Airfix. I’m just stuck in the past :)

[@leslieschramm6252]

Like you I started with Airfix and building R/C planes with my dad. Baggy kits on a Saturday morning, in the early 70's. Been back to plastic for a couple years. And I like a good review and buy what I fancy from whomever makes the "best" one. Last Three are a Revell Horton ( It's a tad grim) an Airfix Bolton Paul 1/48th scale ( It's lovely) Eduard Zero 62 (Also Lovely) But there's a couple "Vintage Classics" waiting, and I know they are a tad rough at the edges, but I enjoy the modelling. Finally bought the beach buggy, it looks a bit of hard work, but I always fancied building it, and also fancied the girl at the model flying club who's dad drove one. But I also fancy the Tamiya BF109 G6 in 1/48. My fingers and eyes appreciate the larger scale. Like your dinner, have what you like, if you don;t like sprouts, don't buy the bloody things. But one definite discovery, modern glues are a damn sight better.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Yes the glues are better but still make me see pink elephants if sniffed for too long

[@leslieschramm6252]

@@HarryHoudiniModels If you can train them to dance, you can run away and join the circus.

[@usssaratogacv3lefevre978]

Very nice comments, Harry.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

So different to the wankers who still abuse me on the Tamiya video. They really are a bunch of drongos… the Airfix crowd however are generally a nice bunch of guys.

[@alanthorne3921]

Grew up with Airfix from the early 70s and love them and still do.Yep Tamiya is too easy.My late friend Martin friend was a champion at building r/c planes from plans and bits and pieces.The owner at the model shop said Martin was a rarity as everyone wants a plane where you snap on the wings and away you go.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

My mate in the 60’s had a snap together plastic plane held in place by rubber bands with a very little glow plug motor… we all laughed at him, but when he pranged it into the ground it just fell apart and could be put back together again with the rubber bands from his mouth retainer. LOL

[@syrmalcolm]

Like ya say - everyone has their preferences. Me, I like potatoes. Apples and Tangerines don't make many of the subjects I like in my pantry.. :) Seriously though.. hobbyin' is about fun.. finding fun, enjoying the fun, and however you get there. I enjoy your view on things, and appreciate the perspectives. Keep on bein' you HH. And keep on enjoying.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Potatoes you say.. well I like them if they are sweet… thanks Mal

[@mikenilsen3005]

I totally understand your perspective on this topic, I think there are a lot of modelers out there that have forgotten the core reason people build models i.e. for fun! What is fun for one person can be a complete nightmare for someone else, and we have to respect each others views and reasons for their likes/dislikes, at the end of the day it is their model, if it is what spins their wheels all good for them! I don't understand the need to abuse someone if their preference is not the same as yours, again we all have different needs to fulfill when we build a model and that's fine by me. I have to admit I have never tried apples, not because of any real aversion to them, just never had the opportunity to try one, though I am quite keen on trying their new Vulcan bomber :). I have mainly been building Tamiya kits since I got back into the hobby, and this is more due to my skill level/patience, I stand in awe for your scratch building skills and patience with fixing problems with kits- my scratch building skills are not great and this is where I get frustrated with bad engineering/design/extrusion, these issues generally are pretty minimal with newer Tamiya kits so my frustration levels don't reach the point where I think ""f#@* it, I've had enough!" and bin the model. On saying that, I have been building kits by other manufacturers more lately, so again maybe won't be too far away from trying out an apple!

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

When you do want to dip into an Apple basket, and need some help, let me know so I can steer you away from the few terrible kits and point you towards the ones that fit and are more fun.

[@mikenilsen3005]

@@HarryHoudiniModels Great, thanks for the offer, mainly an aircraft builder now so definitely keen to being pointed towards the better ones!

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Then any of the newer 21st century CAD kits would be a pleasant surprise for you. Just check it is not a rebox from the 80-90’s as those can be very hit and miss

[@billballbuster7186]

Brought up on Airfix until the 1980s when the kits fell behind other manufacturers, Tamiya, Hasegawa and others had leaped ahead with their tooling, especially recessed panel lines. The greatest contribution Airfix and Frog made to the Industry was Constant Scale. The Americans made the kits to fit a box size, hence all the wierd scales.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Yep, box scale was a nightmare, just a marketing trick so cats all got the same size boxes to play in!

[@jasontorre3267]

Started modeling in the 80's best kits were matchbox airfix and Hasegawa. Back then I was building aircraft. Tamiya back then was not common and was expensive. No a days I do like and build Tamiya armor kits. Although I do enjoy Takom Dragon Acadamy and many others. I'm building vehicles I like and don't really worry about the brand. For me an authentic paint job is the challenge. Also the dirt and rust. I do enjoy a build challenge now and then. Sometimes I just want a quick simple build.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

When I want a quick fun build I get an Egg ship, tank or plane… lots of fun and not expensive, with plenty of scope for myimagination

[@andyd7139]

Hi Harry have you built any of the 70s Matchbox kits and if you have what do you think of them?

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

I have, quite a few, and they are fun, but on my channel the only one I’ve shown is a Revell rebox of the Matchbox Beaufighter which I kit bashed with left over Airfix parts.

[@Jeff-cv4qn]

Some younger pups don`t understand us old codgers air Harry! I did the Spitfire and loads of Hurricanes, Golden Hind etc, Airfix were the first models I made back in the late 60`s Still have lots of Airfix kits to build today and Heller.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Bloody millennials LOL turn that music down and get off my lawn!

[@vogonpoet5860]

typical HH video ! and i agree fully. I have great memories, age 10 sat cross legged on the floor ( never happening again with these 60 yr old legs! ) building airfix jets that never saw paint ! In those days if you went to a model outlet, (mid 60s to mid 70s) in UK, the shelves were crammed with Airfix hundreds of subjects from 1:1000 to 1: 24 scale, or tens of Revell kits, you bought airfix, you got revell as pressies from aunts or grandma for xmass or birthdays. late 70s you would see large impessive boxes containisg Rally cars,Armoured vehicles from Tamiya or kits from AMT or Morbius, but unless you were well paid it was Airfix still ! Then one fateful day you bought a new release airfix kit, you knew it was special because instead of the box 'action' artwork there was a photo of a completed model, thats when you became familiar with flash and milliput. that was when you realised airfix was spending more on the photobox than the kit. These days there are companies by the hundreds making everything from pin accurate to if you squint it looks like kits, but Airfix has got its act back on the rails, they may be a little WW2 fighter obsessed and lost some kits they shouldnt, but the quality is returning as is their sense of reality price ways . its no coincidence that if you talk to almost anyone about making models, the first name on their lips is Airfix !

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

You must walk amoung Airfix safe circles in ole blighty.. them septic tanks may differ

[@anthonywallace8534]

Can anyone remember the balsa wood model plane when you use to wind it up with a propeller and elastic band that was in the sixties

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Sure do as I discussed in my video

[@dean22593]

Good video Harry. I’ve built Airfix’s 1/72 B-25 and Henkel H-111 and was thoroughly impressed with the fit. It was Tangerine like. I often build Tangerine tanks but I can’t stand their rubber band tracks. The quality there is very hit and miss. So if I buy a Tangerine T-55 I’ll add a set of Takom or Miniart individual link plastic tracks. Satisfaction to be had there. 👍

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

As long as you enjoy your hobby and don’t throw tangerine abuse at anyone then you will be fine.

[@sydneymartin952]

Good Day Harry, I was wondering if you had a favorite airfix kit that you built?

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

G’day Sydney… Although there are many Airfix kits I treasure, my recent build of the Airfix BMW R.69 motorcycle was a joy to work on. Lovely white Box kit with my favourite 60’s Airfix plastic. Went together like a dream, fit was perfect, but had just enough challenges in constructing the frame and working on all the metal effects to keep me interested.

[@philliprowe2656]

Folded the wings of the Buc and added an Eduard photo etch set!

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

That will fix it!

[@brucegibbins3792]

I like the lid, Harry - SA Navy eh, very cool. I have a replica/copy WW2 EM German Kreigsmarine hat that's very similar but for era correct badging.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

I don’t know what Dad did with the ribbons, they used to be on the hats. Maybe I should make some up: S.N. Houdini? I have the South African badges.

[@brucegibbins3792]

@@HarryHoudiniModels looks like you're all set Harry. All you need to do now is wait for the next ANZAC Day parade to see if any of the old Diggers can guess its origin. The SA cap looks much the same as the between wars USN, "Donald Duck" hat just to make the guessing game a little bit more fun.

[@clouddog2393]

l Love Airfix , I love Tamiya .Not over keen on Dragon . Have got a soft spot and a lot of affection for Airfix Kits . Used to buy them from my local Woolworth back in the '60,s . Have recently returned to building planes after years of A.F.V. modelling and guess what l,ve returned to ? Airfix and also another one of my favourites Revell . Brings back happy memories of being a kid again getting the old kits l used to build back in the year dot . Nice video Harry .

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

I actually don’t mind the absurd over engineering of Dragon.. yep 12 parts to make a jack… hahah. I really like magic tracks, out of the box, not much clean up, click together and go on fast - as I have shown in my videos about indy link assembly using my own simple and quick method. But yes Airfix was my first love, and although she grew old, fat and a bit wrinkly, I still am very fond of her, Never had a date with tangerine until I was old and grumpy!

[@stevenbudd3725]

You'll hopefully be heartened to know that the forthcoming 1/24 Spitfire Mk IXc is being moulded in the UK. I very much identify with your fondness for 60's and 70's Airfix - when I was very young I used to run hotfoot to the village green, pocket money tightly in hand, to exchange for a bagged Airfix kit from a revolving stand in the shop. I sometimes wonder what the small boy would have said back then to be told he'd later be the first to build to completion a test shot of the 1/24 bubble top Typhoon and subsequently the car door version, along with a bunch of other test shots of Airfix new tools. Great episode - I like apples too...

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Good on you Steven

[@mikeslattery8715]

My, very first kit was a Pyro MG and The whole model was molded in dark maroon. That was 1959 I, was 5 years old, I found some Testors flat black For the tiresand Testors chrome for the spoked rims and windshield❗😁😃☝️ As you say ,down under, Good day! & Hoo Roo!❗😁👍😃☝️.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Yep “g’day” is a form of greeting.. to say farewell it is “hoo roo”.