A pointless update? Unboxing and comparison of the new Airfix P-51D Starter Set

[@MannsModelMoments]

What do you think of this release? Would you have preferred a different US fighter, like a P-47 or P-39? Let me know in the comments below!

[@benmanning4340]

I think this comparison yet again goes to show that "they don't make e'm like they used to!" I'd take the 2012 kit anyday, being a seasoned modeller and not a beginner, in fact I've just ordered the Red Tails one from KingKit for just £8 - really good value for money in the older kit considering the detail Airfix put into it. 👌

[@patrickcosgrove2623]

The P-47 Thunderbolt I think is a good shout, for a starter set.👍

[@MannsModelMoments]

I'd have loved to have seen a P-47 in this vein - there would be nothing to compare it against, just a new entrant to the Airfix range of a very popular and important aircraft. Sadly not this time....

[@ModelMinutes]

I think that Airfix's long-term plan is to have a good range of easy-build kits for their starter set range, and then the other kits can be made into "gift sets" (which is the format they are already taking). Having the most popular subjects as beginner-friendly, simple kits for this range makes sense to spark interest from beginners, whilst also being simple enough that a beginner can make good progress and achieve a good result. The older 2012 tooling has a number of flaws, the control column and aerial masts are too thin and either snap on removal from the sprue or have too much excess flash that it becomes a chore to solve. The landing gear legs are also far too thin and without careful care during assembly (for example gluing the wheel to the landing gear door as well) they will collapse under the weight of the aircraft. I think given these issues being a bit difficult to solve, the beginner kit makes sense here, and hopefully they addressed these problems in this new version

[@MannsModelMoments]

All fair points, but implementing a long-term strategy at this point in time seems risky. I don't see the ROI for this kit in particular given that it's been marketed to beginner (even if not absolute beginners) several times over the past decade and a bit. Given that this kit doesn't have a control column, you could just leave it off the current one and achieve the same result, and they've actually introduced some problems in this version (for example the "always down" tailwheel. As I mentioned in the video, it's not that this is a particularly bad idea or kit, it's just been introduced at an odd time and the choice to refresh the P-51 particularly doesn't seem a very sound business decision when there's so much else which could have given them a bigger bang for their buck. Perhaps there's a hidden secret plan that isn't apparent - and I hope there is - because I would like Airfix to be successful....I just think this is an odd, not very high revenue generating use of money when they could really do with some solid wins.

[@BobMuir100]

Brilliant! I cannot argue with you on a single point and that’s rare! I am also pleased to watch a creator that’s on the Airfix list to be critical of the product. Additionally I must say I am impressed with how you are growing your brand your reach your presenting skills whilst you are not exactly my type of channel I watch you often and you have certainly found your market and are serving them. Congratulations!! Bob England

[@MannsModelMoments]

Awesome, thank you!

[@jaws848]

Agreed,if i didn't know any better i would have said the 2012 kit,which is a fantastic kit,was the new one

[@ricardoroberto7054]

The inside gear doors only lowered when the gear was in movement and then closed again. This is why they moulded it this way. But photos show on some aircraft this didn't happen and they stay lowered when on the ground so it's nice to have the choice.

[@ricardoroberto7054]

I made the RAF version and it's a lovely kit. Its clearly a better kit so buy that and get your own US decals. Thanks for pointing out the differences.

[@MannsModelMoments]

Cool, thanks

[@tristacker]

When I started building kits, accurate details were not my priority. I wanted something that resembled a spit/p51/stuka that I could build without having to do lots of filling, then play with. I liked things like moveable controls, and turrets, cockpit that could open and close. Only later was build quality and historical accuracy important, and it was time to move to advanced kits.n

[@derpkerblerp61]

The goal of a starter set should be to ensure a first-time modeller comes back for a second go. making it simpler to achieve a satisfying result with no experience and often no help from others is how you achieve that. the P-51, 109 and Spit are the right aircradt, as they're the ones everybody knows.

[@MannsModelMoments]

I partially agree. You're right about the rationale for a starter set, I don't think the part about "no help from others" is - I don't see that really happening in the real world (certainly not from the anecdotal evidence I have from my shop). The Spitfire, 109 and P-51 are recognisable to be sure, but Airfix already has them covered in this regard and I'm not sure exactly how much market left there is to capture in this area there is, so I actually DON'T think they're the right aircraft - or maybe they are but just not at the right TIME - maybe in a year or so after the economy picks up a bit and they've bostered their finances with other, more popular and higher ROI investments.

[@nickcarter9855]

Great review... I totally agree ... Why? The Thunderbolt or a P-38 would be great starter sets and already having the 2012 RAF one, I won't be buying this one too quickly... 😀

[@MannsModelMoments]

The standard Series 1 and Series 2 P-51s from Airfix are also this 2012 tooling too!

[@FinsburyPhil]

I agree - they got this one wrong.

[@Dwarvious]

I’m thinking Airfix have leant into the idea that newer generation modellers (Kids obviously,) have a lower attention span so this kit is aimed at them specifically by reducing the parts, the amount of cutting and sanding and even the cockpit decal. Just a crazy theory but that’s what I’m thinking, why else tool this when the old one is better?

[@jaws848]

That is EXACTLY who its aimed at

[@MannsModelMoments]

Yeah, I agree, I'm just not sure it's the right thing - I mean, if you're too ADHD that an instrument panel and decal are too much, then gluing ANYTHING together is probably too much too! I think Airfix are in danger of leaning too hard into making models more like toys...

[@jaws848]

@@MannsModelMoments well said.👍

[@Dwarvious]

@@MannsModelMoments Yeah, models aren’t toys though you can have a degree of fun with them. Maybe Airfix are leaning more to their Quickbuild range thinking starter sets could be some way of bridging a gap from that to “proper” models

[@Flakmagnet1701]

They could always make the decal optional.Same for other cockpit detail parts, and supply a one piece canopy along with the 2 part one. Basic cockpit, or detailed. 2 options. What that costs in instructions and extra parts can't be more than the cost of a complete re-tool. Broadening appeal I am 100% behind. But not dumbing down.

[@Zero_Reaper13]

Thanks for the video, you have highlighted for me it is better to stick with the 2012 tooled kit. Do you have the code for the 2012 tooling so I know I puck up the right kit.

[@MannsModelMoments]

Glad it helped Get it before Airfix phase it out!

[@quiddity1977]

Heres me (not done much modelling yet) watching mos's video review & thinking it was great to include the shadow stands. Now i want the older starter set & airfix to sell shadow stands separately!

[@MannsModelMoments]

Right on!

[@HellfireModels]

My first kit was the old p-51 starter set back in 2020. Can't exactly say I struggled with the instrument panel or the flaps though :P

[@MannsModelMoments]

Thanks for that - good to hear from the exact target audience!!

[@Rockies76]

You bring up my main frustration here with your point about the disappearance of popular model varieties, P-47 or even a P-38 Lightning. Mustangs in 1/72 scale are my favorite aircraft to model and I was looking forward to this new tooling. Seems they cut too much out of an over saturated model. Not a very competitive strategy. This will be a “one and done” as you said. Thank you for the informative review.

[@MannsModelMoments]

Yeah it's a real head-scratcher - I mean what untapped market is this going to capture? A P-47 or P-39 starter set would have been completely without competition....instead they're going to get a few newcomers who haven't already done the existing kit. Surprising ROI calculation to say the least!

[@randalscott7224]

I agree with you that a Thunderbolt in this format would have been a better option. Another better option might have been an early P-51 with the "high back" or "razor back" fuselage. They could include the "Malcom" (Spitfire style) canopy as fitted to some P-51s for those beginners who hate painting "greenhouse" canopies.

[@randalscott7224]

Now that I think about it, "proper" kits of the Thunderbolt or early high back Mustang would be most welcome!

[@jezhall4544]

They also released the 2012 kit as a starter set in 2019 via Aldi/Lidl but in US markings

[@BunnyNiyori]

The thing is molds ain't cheap. They'd need to really want this new mold, when they could have just made a bunch of 2012 with new markings perhaps. It seems like Airfix thinks the market is strong and healthy enough to spend money and resources extravagantly. The money to make this slightly different mold, could have given them something new and original too. I'd be talking to whoever ok'd this idea, and telling them to "get it together damn fast"

[@MannsModelMoments]

Exactly my thoughts. As I mentioned in the video, it's not a bad kit or idea, just wrong aircraft at the wrong tine

[@Razer_-fe9mo]

The kit looks to be not too bad. I personally would prefer something more modern. Perhaps a new tooled F/A-18 or Sukhoi SU-27. Kids these days are probably more interested in more recent fighter jets.

[@Flakmagnet1701]

I'd buy the 2012 kit all day long over the new tool. While adding in the flaps/ailerons is fine for a beginner, the moulded in wheel doors are not a good idea. Also, I thin the option of an open cockpit canopy is nice for a wheels-down kit. But then, with no instrument decal, you;d want to cover up the cockpit as a flat black undetailed panel would look wrong.Also noticed no control column in the new kit. They clearly decided to strip as much detail out as they could to make the kit as simple as possible. I would think a P47 razorback would be a good idea as a starter kit. Slightly less common.

[@MannsModelMoments]

Absolutely - I also glossed over the scheme, but if this is meant to appeal to a young, inexperienced audience, could they have found a more boring P-51 scheme??? I think a checkerboard fronted P-47 or a shark-mouthed P-39 would have caught the eye of this prospective market far more than this bare metal bird!

[@nchlau]

Welcome the new one, but i prefer they make P-51B/C with bubble canopy

[@MannsModelMoments]

Indeed

[@The_Modeling_Underdog]

Gonna be mean on this one. Sorry, Alex. Not only the kit has been oversimplified. It's traded nice features for unexplainable cock-ups like the ones you mentioned. Somebody juts didn't think it through.The plastic looks awfully cheaper and thinner on the meat. Recycled and repurposed, probably. Airfix traded a starter winner for a cost-cutting money grab, I suppose. And the shadow base is simply hideous in design. That's it. On the 2012 kit, it's a very nice model. Had no issues building it when it came out. Very enjoyable. A more advanced modeller could even use it as a starting point for a more involved project as well. P.S.: The flaps and main landing gear doors on the Mustang are hydraulically operated. As soon as the system is de-pressurized, both elements start to drop on their own. The doors can even look a bit more or less off-set on their drop, which is a very nice detail. Anyhow, there's my 2 cc. of vitriol. Cheers.

[@ronaldbyrne3320]

Yes, a whole set of shadow stands would be useful. You would think that would be a no-brainer, Alex. 😊

[@MannsModelMoments]

Only for those of us with brains! Lol 😁

[@ronaldbyrne3320]

@@MannsModelMoments 🤣🤣🤣

[@danmeehan1390]

I don't build 1/72 scale. I do take your point. The D-Day Thunderbolt idea would have been a great idea and would be well in keeping with the 80th Anniversary this year. This Mustang does seem like a pointless idea

[@blarrrggg]

I will always opt for the one with shark decal

[@MannsModelMoments]

haha...me too!

[@blue2sco]

You forgot to mention that the rudder is a moulded part on the new USAAF starter kit.

[@MannsModelMoments]

Well I didn't really forget, I just didn't mention it as I don't think it's a major positive or negative in this regard

[@PeteCourtier]

Surely new modellers only want an easy build and not be tangled up in minutiae. Good effort from Airfix 👍👍

[@MannsModelMoments]

Not really - see Hellfire Models comment. Also my issue is not with this being simple, it's that it compromises to be model for simplicity in a subject that already has a simple enough starter kit. Why not give new modellers something new??

[@davidsumpter7117]

I started with snap together kits of tanks, funny cars and planes in the late 70s. I don’t see how a kit like this is all that different.

[@MannsModelMoments]

As I said in the video, it's not a bad kit per se, it's just an odd choice when they already have a serviceable P-51 and they don't have other similar subjects (P-47, P-39 etc)

[@6346n]

How disappointing! The old kit is much better. I know. I'm building the old kit now and I quite like it.

[@jaws848]

Never met the team from airfix but im curious as to who ecactly has the final say,be it yes or no, as to what subject matter they decide to release.

[@MannsModelMoments]

I've met a few of them, but this one I really can't understand!

[@jaws848]

@@MannsModelMoments there must be someone who has the final say.. as the saying goes "the buck stops with me"

[@MannsModelMoments]

@@jaws848 I think ultimately that's Dale, as he's Head of Brand

[@jaws848]

@@MannsModelMoments ah i see.thanks for that,Alex.👍

[@nickbrough8335]

@@MannsModelMoments sounds like a non-role if I’ve ever heard of one.

[@XC70n05]

Would be interesting to compare these with the two old Mustangs as well. Series 1 and Series 2

[@MannsModelMoments]

I can save you the time - both these kits are the 2012 tooling as show in the video, but with different decals!

[@stephenprice4001]

It looks like you will have the hole in the bottom again if you choose not to use the stand. Why wouldn’t they provide a plug to fill it?

[@MannsModelMoments]

Yeah, good point too

[@the.just.able.biker67]

I'm building the airfix F-51D at the moment and it's gotlots of extras including a full suite of ordinance and a choice of two different propellers. It's going together beautifully, so I don't understand ehy they've retooled it. 🤔 If anything I think Revell need to be retooling their P-51D. That kit is basically unbuildable.

[@MannsModelMoments]

I think they'll probably keep the 2012 kit as their "standard" kit, and phase out the 2012 kit in the starter sets. That's oK as a general principle, but it's not going to get a rapid return on the investment the way a new starter set of a previously un-tooled (from a modern Airfix POV) kit would. For me, the P-51 would probably be the LAST kit that gets this treatment, after all the possible untooled aircraft are added....

[@taggarz3656]

A very lack luster kit release - with that 2012 tooling also being one of the kits which have been in the Aldi / Lidl range for £6.99 as well. I know this is not the same like for like comparison, but as a non starter I personally would buy the non starter 2012 version which is £8.99 over the new 2024 starter kit One of my biggest dislikes is the lack of an instrument panel decal, especially with no detail molded in for the instruments. I was disappointed that the Spitfire Mk Vc Starter Set also didn't have an instrument panel decal, but though Airfix had started to move away from it when they included it for the F35 starter set. I wonder if the BF109 will have one? If it does, the Starter Sets will be very inconsistent on if they have those decals or not

[@jaws848]

Those stands as shown in the 2012 kit instructions are not available and have not been for a long time

[@jaws848]

I wonder how the new Eurofighter Typhoon starter set will compare to the older 1

[@MannsModelMoments]

No doubt I'll have a video on that when the time comes too! :-D

[@MannsModelMoments]

Yeah, I didn't think so....

[@MannsModelMoments]

It does send mixed messages when the F-35 starter set - which is the most popular Airfix kit in the shop - has both multiple options and instrument panel, whereas this most recent offering does not. It shows a definite lack of discernible strategy, and if your customers can't intuitively work it out, then what are they doing?

[@kennethjames9416]

Airfix has made this kit basic in order to get first time modellers,like their previous Spitfire,Hawk and F-35 its not intended to replace the older Kits.I think its a great idea it is designed to be built by someone who has limited modelling ability and as such can not be compared to the earlier Mustang.

[@MannsModelMoments]

It absolutely can be compared to the earlier Mustang. Just because Airfix has a particular use in mind, they don't control who buys it or for what...in any case, all my priorities points regarding market saturation still stand, and the fact that if they're making this, they're not making something else

[@chrisflowers6479]

I agree i think it's a poor choice it's been done too many times. I know it's a famous aircraft but something different like the P47 would make it a bit more interesting.

[@MannsModelMoments]

I wouldn't even fault the choice if this was an older kit and hadn't been released for a while, but they've already pushed this as recently as last year...so how many are going to look at this with anticipation? We're not even talking other manufacturers here, we're talking Airfix cannibalising it's own customers!

[@jameshoughton9319]

See i disagree with you about the starter set I think the recent starter sets are more starter sets and user friendly than the older starter sets I think if you take the options away it stops these young or new modellers getting in over there heads

[@MannsModelMoments]

The explain the F-35B starter set that has options for hovering, in flight or landing? It's the most popular starter set in my shop - in fact the most popular Airfix kit of ANY type - by a country mile. I don't think removing an instrument panel and column, or at the least not providing a decal for what's there is going to make anyone feel "in over their head". Case in point - a young lad who comes into the shop with his mum and buys kits regularly - his enthusiasm for the hobby is clear, and he's bought some kits twice because he's lost pieces...you're not going to capture someone who the hobby doesn't appeal to by dumbing things down more and more. Still, even given that this is a good absolute beginner set - how big is the market for a new P-51D starter set given the existing one has been around for 12 years in various forms, including last year as a starter set? Definitely smaller that that for a new P-47 or P-39 starter set, I'm pretty sure.

[@grantlassing7055]

I think if you looked carefully you would see that the old 2012 die was in serious trouble with the control column , undercarriage legs , and aerial becoming very flashed over and virtually unusable , possibly the original Die had become seriously worn to the point of being beyond economical repair and Airfix are taking the opportunity to completely redo the kit starting with a starter set and hopefully a full kit later , note also the plastic has changed from the old light grey soft type to the later darker grey semi translucent hard plastic . Given that I am currently building 3 Mustangs , a 2012 Tuskegee red tail release and 2 very recent releases ,I have the evidence laid out on my work bench in front of me and have had to scratch build aerials for the later 2 releases and much effort has gone into “ rescuing “ some of the smaller parts out of blobs of flash . Given that the 2012 kit was and is a good one perhaps Airfix thought no major redo was necessary just a new Die and an upgrade to the much superior harder plastic …. That’s my pennysworth !

[@MannsModelMoments]

The kit I showed on the video is current - it's shop stock sent from Hornby within the past few months, and I'm not seeing any of the issues you mention - maybe you got a bad one (knowing Airfix's QC issues)?

[@intothenight756d47]

Are we crediting Airfix with too little? It may well be a strategic move. If others were like me, my inclination was to jump up and go and purchase the 2012 kit. Maybe twice...and thereupon clear the shelves of old stock.

[@MannsModelMoments]

I think spending £30-50k on a new tool to do that would be a "career-limiting" marketing strategy!! 😁

[@vbale31]

While i agree the older kit is a better starter model the newer one is a better gap between their quick build and starting to model and if i was buying for my child at the start age of 8+ which is on the box it is going to be a easier build for them to follow and understand before moving on and the stand is then a great way for them to show it off and want to learn better skills and move on to better models so while starter is probably wrong word i can see where they are coming from

[@MannsModelMoments]

Yeah, I get the intent, but as I said, why not a different aircraft? The P-51 is such a highly represented aircraft already...

[@vbale31]

@@MannsModelMoments maybe because it is such a well known aircraft and Tom Cruise used his own in the second Top Gun movie that kids will still pick that same as though the Hurricane was the back bone of the RAF the Spitfire gets the more love as much as we would love to see more models

[@MannsModelMoments]

@@vbale31 Whilst that's true in the US, I think the P-51 does not have the widespread "layperson" recognition here. I doubt many would recognise the P-51 over the P-47 outside of people interested in aircraft and models anyway. The second Top Gun movie was good but it was also 2 years ago, so you're not getting anything "new" from that. Again, I understand why they'd make the kit, I just think it's the wrong subject at the wrong time.

[@Gothicgarlic]

I don't see the issue with this particular kit being remade. It seems Airfix are choosing an internationally well recognised aircraft (Many lay-people wouldn't recognise a P-47!) and simplifying it somewhat to appeal to as many entry level modellers as possible. They've gone for pure mass appeal to those who have perhaps have not made a kit before. Those that want more details and decals are not making starter kits as their bread and butter anyway! They're called 'starter kits' for a reason!

[@MannsModelMoments]

I understand, I just think it's misjudged

[@BunnyNiyori]

Well, 2012 was more than a decade ago. Stock runs out. Maybe a not P-51 D would be ok. But the kits ARE physically different. The sprues are different. Some parts are different. So I think it is limited to "why another P-51D?" specifically as a starter choice. But the first one being a 2012, means a totally new customer assortment as well. Although that might be a bit of a weak stance.

[@MannsModelMoments]

But 2012 was the ORIGINAL tool....the Mustang IV starter set boxing was 2023, and they also sell it as a series 1 and series 2 kit - so the kit is current and active, and 12 years for a tool is not a long time.

[@stevenhockney5968]

The new kit? Back to the 1960s.

[@sorvad99]

I find it baffling that they include a stand yet the tailwheel is fixed down and if you want to display it gear down then why are the inboard gear doors fixed in a raised position? Surely if its in flight you should have a raised tailwheel option. Why no instrument panel decal? Who is this kit aimed at? Even as a child I would have found these things irritating.

[@MannsModelMoments]

Yeah, that's the enduring feeling I had with this kit - bewilderment!

[@jaws848]

This ecactly what i have been saying with them stuck in their ww2 mindset...would it have been too much to get n F-86 starter set?

[@MannsModelMoments]

I mean, I can forgive them the WWII foucs for the anniversary of D-Day, but give us something properly new, not a rework of a kit that's already a decent model

[@nickbrough8335]

@@MannsModelMoments then a Typhoon or Tempest (or P-47). I guess it’s back to Spitfire, Me109, P51 are the only WW-2 planes the kiddies/parents have heard of. However, if they’ve done a deal with a major US distributor aiming for the kiddy market, I’ll take it all back.

[@foszasty]

I think that You made a little error in the video. The older kit is a gift set and the newer is a starter set. They are aimed, according to Airfix, for two different audiences. Starter sets are simple kits with everything for beginners. Gift sets are more complicated and are ment to be gifts for more advanced people. The aim for additional accessories in those sets is that when one is buying it as a gift for someone, one doesn't want to force them into extra expenditure on paints.

[@MannsModelMoments]

You're correct, but this is also an absolute nonsense of a distinction on Airfix's part. Unless you're already a modeller, you've no idea about this distinction, especially at an identical price point. If Airfix really want a clear differentiation, they need to be clear, not just change a single word on an otherwise identical package

[@foszasty]

@@MannsModelMoments with that I absolutely agree. Starter sets should have different packaging, more in the direction of easy click ones. The target of them is much younger, much less patient generation. The lesser count of parts is a welcomed step, but the boxes definitely should be more shiny and dynamic. I disagree with You about the room for two different, yet very similar, Mustang sets on the market. I think that there is the room for both of them but Airfix should make it clearer that starter sets are for absolute beginners. And add side cutters to them keeping the same price. I think that starter sets are more of an investment (bringing new people to a hobby) than other for-profit kits.

[@nickbrough8335]

I suspect the new one is very slightly easier to make, but other than that it seems a waste of time and effort. Bit of a shame really, but its not for me

[@MannsModelMoments]

Yes, it's trading options and components for simplicity. I think this is simple enough as a kit already, and if Airfix were to give it this treatment, I'd have thought it would have been at the back of the queue seeing as the 2012 kit already exists.

[@richardsmith1487]

Destined for Lidl and Aldi?

[@MannsModelMoments]

To be honest, this would be a good place for this, since it's absolutely targeted at a first-time modeller, and not a repeat builder. I doubt they will be willing to drop the price to make that feasible, however.

[@intothenight756d47]

​@@MannsModelMomentsBrutal.

[@stuartsteel1]

Its simply a kit that thats aimed at beginners or someone who wants a simpler build. Thats the whole point.

[@MannsModelMoments]

I know that, but my point is they're making another P-51 (rather than something else) which is only marginally easier to build, into a market where they've already had a P-51 starter for 12 years....so it's a VERY limited market and they've spent limited design and production funds to do that rather than something else without those market issues

[@rogercreighton3950]

PLEASE REFOCUS THIS VIDIO AS ITS NOT SHARP MATE !!!

[@MannsModelMoments]

TRY MAKING SURE YOU'RE KZbin RESOLUTION IS SET TO 1080P AND NOT AUTO!!!!

[@reddog30110]

I build 1/32 - 1/18 so that's so small but the 2024 looks much better the paint glue and brush prolly junk as they normally are

[@reddog30110]

Starter paints and glue is junk , brush may be decent

[@jaws848]

Why oh why did i buy this🫣🙄