What are AZ Model kits like? Vought Kingfisher Mk 1 1:72 scale model kit review

What are AZ Models like? In this video I build and review the Vought Kingfisher Mk 1 in 1:72 scale from AZ Model. Both the manufacturer and the model subject were new to me when I saw them in a local hobby shop. I'm always interested to try out new model kit companies so I thought I'd give it a go. Find out what I thought in the video. You can find the kit here: amzn.to/370Fk7H
In future videos I'd like to build and review more kits from smaller, less well known companies, especially if the subjects are unusual and not available from the mainstream manufacturers like Airfix, Tamiya, and Eduard.
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Music: KZbin Audio Library
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[@ScaleMilitaryModels]

Unfortunately these smaller manufacturers are almost forced to lower quality to due budget. The price definitely reflects on the detail of this kit. You did it a justice for sure 👍 nice work

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks. Yeah, for sure - and overall it is decent - just not a beginners kit 🙂

[@airbornesoldier8104]

Nice build , really constructive and clear presentation and I applaud your skill as as a modeller. I look forward to seeing more of you helpful vids and skilful advice for the Modeling fraternity, well done that man.

[@ModelNerd]

Thank you very much!

[@michaelcagle5938]

You were very kind towards this kit. I would have found it very frustrating by your explanation. I remember building a Revell or Monogram Kingfisher kit in the 70s with none of those issues.

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks - you might be right!

[@johnblessing2642]

Nice review, lots of good information. Excellent build as well. Looking forward to more of these lesser know kit videos.

[@ModelNerd]

Thank you John

[@johnalecsscalemodeling]

Enjoyed this a lot, great narration and walk-through.

[@ModelNerd]

Thank you John. I was going to include a bit about the history of the Kingfisher too but I was worried the video would be too long.

[@johnalecsscalemodeling]

@@ModelNerd I'm one of 23,000 mate - a minute or two of history/context is always appreciated. I thought it was a great video.

[@alexlupsor5484]

Your work on building this former airfix kit was spectacular. This is the Type build that was very familiar and is probably the reason I never was satisfying early in my model building years. At the time the monogram kits were the premium kits and revel kits usually had the least amount of detail. The finished product looks very well, I applaud your work. Just a mention of the industry, the need for detail birth the aftermarket industry to complete the model with detail as the modelling magazines of the time period often centred on the professional modeller and the finished product. I use to spend hours reading and rereading the articles and often put my finished models against theirs and would end up trashing my attempt. Oh well

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks Alex, and thanks for watching

[@stephenwheeler76]

Like your direction on looking at other than the main line manufactures, thanks.

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks Stephen. As I say, I've a few more lined up but I'm also keen to hear suggestions :)

[@3thedward]

Nice Work , build the Kingfisher today from an old Airfix Kit . Will make a small Pacific Campaign Diorama Greetings from Germany Ed

[@ModelNerd]

Sounds like a great idea. Thanks for watching, Ed.

[@schlookie]

This is actually a rebox by AZ models of the old Pavla/Octopus kit. I have this kit in the Octopus boxing. AZ have updated the kit by providing an injection moulded canopy and new decals. The Palva/Octopus boxing has a vacform moulded canopy. Even in the AZ models re-release, it's definitely not a beginners kit, but does build into a nice little model with a bit of effort.

[@ModelNerd]

Thank you Nick. For some reason I didn't check Scalemates before buying, which I normally do.

[@saxon1376]

Great build , Interesting subject matter , got me scouring my aviation books looking for extra info 👍

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks. Yes, I really knew nothing about this aircraft until I saw it on the shelf!

[@bluegambit67]

After making all the usual WW2 aircraft I also look for the less known aircraft. I did make a version of this with airfix that had two versions I made the USS Arizona, Pearl Harbor 1941 version the other one was Royal Navy west indies 1943 - 1944 version with wheels instead of the floats. You got this spot on.

[@ModelNerd]

Thank you mate. I think it's also nice to see aircraft like these in their Lend-Lease and 'native' schemes :)

[@jamesbednar8625]

Good build/video!! I have the 1/48 scale Revell kit of the OS2U Kingfisher laying around somewhere. Think this video just might get me off my butt and build that bugger. Have always liked the look of the Kingfisher.

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks James. Yeah, give it a go! I reckon it'd look great in a larger scale.

[@jamesvenables6202]

I bought my first AZ Model kit in 2006 and have been a "fan" of the company ever since. Some of their early releases were a little rough but much of their chosen subject matter has always appealed to me and their quality has been steadily improving over the years. This Kingfisher kit was originally a release by Pavla; AZ bought the Pavla molds several years ago whilst Pavla remained focussed on aftermarket accessories like resin detail sets and vac-formed canopies. AZ have re-released several ex-Pavla kits, sometimes with slight improvements to help the kits go together more easily.

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks for the info James. I'll try to investigate some of their more recent releases too. I should have mentioned the kit date in my review.

[@medwaymodelrailway7129]

Nice update you done thanks for sharing.

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@medwaymodelrailway7129]

@@ModelNerd Your welcome and thanks very much for replying to my comment. I enjoy watching other people's work to get idea to improve my Channel. Take care DD

[@BrushQuill]

Thats an interesting plane. Im sometimes tempted to start a "all RFAA planes" project but suspect there will be thousands lol. Nice build, great to see the problems and successes with these types of kit.

[@ModelNerd]

Hehe, yes I thought something similar. I listed the various planes I knew and then looked at a list of Wikipedia. Wow! So, so many aircraft I'd never heard of before. The Harrow / Sparrow, the Bombay, the Vildebeest, and so many more. What I would like to do is at least one aircraft in each of the camo schemes used by the RAF, RAAF, and FAA - although even that is a lot once you get into the specialised roles.

[@davidcole8268]

You are very forgiving but it is good attitude. Fair number of issues given the price. However, thanks for introducing an unusual and distinctive subject. It might persuade me to get back into aeroplanes.

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks David. Yes, it's a tricky balance - certainly not a kit for beginner's though!

[@joesanchez979]

Great build 👍

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks 👍

[@danielsteele2217]

Afternoon! Hope all is going well!

[@ModelNerd]

Hi Daniel - yep, all well here. Plugging away at the Dora :)

[@Kickback-dm7zt]

@@ModelNerd only ever built one... Well 2 of the same kit.. The 2 seat Spitfire Tr Mk9 trainer kit (that came with both early and late Irish Air Corps markings, hence my buying 2) and had no probs with them.

[@uingaeoc3905]

I made the Airfix Kingfisher more than 50 years ago.

[@ModelNerd]

Wow! 😲

[@allanrichards3752]

Watching this kit go together brought back memories of kits from the 60's. It looks a little rough around the edges and there was some guess work on the assembly. An interesting kit though and a subject not seen before but I guess for these odd short run subjects the price will be a little higher. Great build but as you say not for a beginner.

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks Allan. Yes, it was a bit of a nostalgic experience really. Worth it for the subject, for sure.

[@henrysanchez4810]

That looks like a real nice kit..

[@ModelNerd]

Yep, I enjoyed it :)

[@ianthomson9363]

I've built a number of Czech kits from AZ, Brengun and other manufacturers and they all suffer from the same issues that you identified, to a greater or lesser extent. But what I found most frustrating was the absence of part numbers on the sprues, meaning that you have to keep turning the page to find the part you want. It doesn't help that in some cases, there are left and right parts with the same part number. It's good that there's a wide range of subjects that nobody else makes, but they don't make things easy for the builder!

[@ModelNerd]

I totally agreed. I'm really thankful for the range of subjects and because these aren't advertised well, I still get that lovely moment of surprise when I walk into my model shop and see them on the shelf. It reminds me of seeing kits in the shops as a kit, before the Internet meant I knew about new releases months in advance.

[@foreverplastickits138]

*A lovely little kit, i love seaplanes so your Kingfisher is perfect! As you noticed AZ model kits are not for beginners but they provide "exotic" models so why not?*

[@ModelNerd]

Absolutely! Recently I've noticed quite a few sea planes that I'd like to build - the Sunderland, the Sea Otter, the Walrus, and a couple of others that escape me right now. It'd be cool if there was a model of the Short Singapore (there is an old, old kit, I believe).

[@Mike-mm4mx]

I have the same kit. It was my first AZ kit and had no idea of the quality. Having seen your video, I am a bit disappointed but I commend your talent in turning a below par model into something quite acceptable. I might give it a go now myself, as i have always had a soft spot for the Kingfisher.

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks Mike. Yes, a solid choicr for subjects like the Kingfisher where there are no other options, but wouldn't be at the top of my list if there were. Enjoy the build!

[@dave41184]

AZ and Special Hobby Kits are a challenge, no doubt about it (especially if they contain resin and photoetch too). You've done a great job on this though!

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks Dave

[@myyoutube253]

I’ve just done the wheeled Kingfisher in FAA colours. I struggled a bit with the undercarriage to be honest but I suspect that’s just me, I have the AIRFIX kit so will be interested to see how that compares. I’ve also done the AZ TBF Avenger, again I struggled a bit with the mid upper turret but I think that was me…again… Last point, and I’m sorry to nag but don’t;t forget it’s a Royal Navy, Fleet Air Arm aircraft, not an RAF one.

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks - sorry, did I say it was RAF? I do talk nonsense sometimes :) Enjoy your builds!

[@ey7290]

It's a brand i've never heard of, but damn do they have a wide selection. Just browsing Model hobbies Bf109s in both German, Romanian, Spanish, Japanese, Swiss and captured schemes P40s in Russian Lend Lease, RAF, RAAF, USAAF, and captured schemes Spitfires in just about every nation ever Hawk H75s in Finnish, Chinese Kuomintang, French, American and Dutch schemes P51s in American and British schemes And a hurricane MkIV tank buster with the 40mm cannons...4 Oh god It's going to be a fun summer Really going on a P40 binge this summer... Don't know why, I just want to build a few P40E Warhawks and Kittyhawks

[@ModelNerd]

It's an impressive range for sure! I really like that - I feel like we don't see the bigger manufacturers taking enough risks in these regards. To me buying an aircraft like a Spitfire and having all three marking options being Dark Earth and Dark Green with the same pattern roundels and the same colour code letters is quite boring. I know they're bound by history, but sometimes I feel like they're playing it very safe.

[@ey7290]

@@ModelNerd I completely agree, already bought some😂When I'm free over the summer thats going to take some time. I mainly buy Airfix, Revell, Italeri and the occasional Tamiya kit, but never really do I see any of them stray away from the big nations Britain, Germany, Russia and the United states, with the occasional Japanese kit coming out. 2 of the models I bought are from more obscure nations, the P40E in Royal Australian Air Force markings and a Bf109E in Romanian markings. Another one was a rather obscure aircraft in itself, the Hispano Ha-1112 Buchón, the Spanish built Bf109 with a Rolls Royce Merlin engine. This is an aircraft I rarely see in model form, with in 1/72 scale only 6 or so companies according to scalemates have produced a this aircraft

[@andrewluchsinger]

It was many years ago, but I do remember building that plane in 1/48th scale. I wish I still had it. It was destroyed in one of my many moves in my life.

[@ModelNerd]

Ah, sorry to hear that. Maybe it was the old Airfix kit? I don't know what happened to the kits I built as a kid, but I suspect a similar fate.

[@andrewluchsinger]

@@ModelNerd As much as I have moved around in my life I am surprised I did not lose more models. If I find another one like it I will build it.

[@robbo1068]

Although it may have its numerous faults, you made a decent go with this kit.......even in such a small scale so well done, MN. I suppose the quality isn't there compared to so many other big companies but the fact that they provide very unusual kits is a plus. Short run kits are not for the faint hearted (that's me now, having had failures with them in the past so I stick to the big known producers) so thanks for showing us what is possible with care and perseverance.

[@ModelNerd]

Thank you Robbo, I appreciate your support. I'm trying to find some short-run / unusual armour kits to do in the future too. That's getting harder though because companies like Takom and Miniart are bringing us a lot of unusual subjects!

[@robbo1068]

@@ModelNerd I suppose because you are focussing on lesser well known companies whatever you can find in armour for this series would be great.

[@tim7052]

I've built a few of their kits and found the detail pretty basic, BUT the marking options provided are unbelievably better - being aftermarket quality in subject modelling - than that provided by mainstream manufacturers. A case in point being their offering of 2-seat Spitfires in Russian military/civilian markings, and also for Spitfires (single and 2-seat) in civillian use. Outstanding subject material!! I also like their focus on those subjects missed by mainstream manufacturers. Attachment points for wings and tail could be better (such as at least providing tongue and groove mating surfaces) as the flush mating surfaces in common with these kits is very weak. I usually scratch build the cockpits to make them look "busy" - which is easy enough in 1/72 scale. But when alongside other 1/72 kits AZ's offerings are outstanding based upon providing the modeller with some truly outstanding, and striking, colour schemes!! 👍

[@ModelNerd]

I think that's a pretty accurate summary there Tim!

[@tim7052]

@@ModelNerd 😊👍

[@nathanprentice7230]

I had a PM models kit of about this quality. Annoyingly after wrestling with it for a few days I realised it was not a particularly good rendition of the subject matter (a fokke wulf ta 154 moskito) and was perversely very pleased when my cat knocked it off the side and broke it more than I could be bothered to fix it. It's a shame but it scotched it for me when it comes to the majority of short run kits.

[@ModelNerd]

I know what you mean - you don't want to throw the kit away but wouldn't mind accident happening to it! Coincidentally I also have a PM kit lined up for this video series (the Sea Fury). I didn't look at Scalemates before buying for some reason, and it seems to be quite an old kit. I'm going to use it as a test bed for an all natural metal finish, before doing my B17 NMF.

[@nathanprentice7230]

@@ModelNerd good luck and patience!

[@mattheweagles5123]

Valom do some obscure aircraft no one else produces, not built one myself however. I did like the use of oil paint in your build, I'll have to give it a try.

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks Matthew. Yes, the Valom Harrow / Sparrow kits have attractedmy attention - maybe the Wellesley too.

[@mattheweagles5123]

@@ModelNerd the Wellesley and Bombay models appeal to me, mostly because of the aesthetics of the aircraft.

[@jcwoodman5285]

I wish somebody would do a new 1/48 kingfisher..Tamiya?

[@ModelNerd]

That would be nice!

[@simonworrall7950]

Silk purse from a sow’s ear!

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks Simon :)

[@calumclark1719]

Must admit i had not heard of the brand or the plane before, looks great though

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks Calum. Have you heard of the Sea Otter? I hadn't until I saw it on the shelf, but it will be a future entry in this series :)

[@calumclark1719]

@@ModelNerd Yes i have only heard of the sea otter because a few were based down the road from where i live, last Bi-plane to be put into production for the RAF i think. this was the first i have heard of the kingfisher now reading up on it.

[@johnwoodside8714]

Poor engineering but great modelling and skills to produce a lovely result. Great job buddy

[@ModelNerd]

Thank you John. Yes, I had a lot of fun with it.

[@scotttait2197]

Hadn't heard of Mona Models either

[@ModelNerd]

Great little shop, with a very friendly owner, in a town with the longest name in the UK (Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch)!

[@lappin6482]

👌

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks Lappin

[@jackwills7092]

can you do the plane in Murphys war

[@ModelNerd]

Is that the Duck? I think Valom make one of those.

[@igorsevcov4081]

🤝👍

[@ModelNerd]

Thank you Igor.

[@michaelwalsh3888]

Interior U S color Chromite yellow

[@ModelNerd]

I think the primer was zinc chromate yellow but I believe the cockpits were usually painted a US interior green colour.

[@raytheron]

Seems a cool kit. I'm just curious: you're English (British), so why pronounce a Czech company's name the American way? The rest of the world knows it as "Ay-Zed" Models LOL

[@ModelNerd]

I lived and worked overseas for many years, where American English typically is dominate. I also put "gas" in my car, rather than petrol :D

[@timmaslow5193]

I've bought a couple of AZ aircraft kits because they seem to some rather unusual subjects. The shapes seem to be pretty accurate but the quality is poor.

[@ModelNerd]

Which kits did you buy, Tim?

[@timmaslow5193]

@@ModelNerd The first was a MiG17 before Airfix brought their's out and the second was a Saunders Roes SR53. I gave up on the MIG but eventually finished the SR53.

[@typhoon2827]

Ay Zed?

[@ModelNerd]

A Zed, A Zee....having worked most of my life with people who learnt US English, I flip between them :)

[@typhoon2827]

@@ModelNerd but you're from York(ish), at a guess?

[@ModelNerd]

@@typhoon2827 Good guess, very close! I lived overseas for literally half my life though :)

[@typhoon2827]

@@ModelNerd ah, that'd explain it! 😉

[@janstejskal1986]

From all the model kits manufacturers here in Czech Republic, the AZ / KP is the less respectable. The quality of their kits is not generaly limited by their technical possibilities but more with their sloppiness and the fact that they simply want to throw as many kits on the market as possible in the shortest possible time and at the lowest possible cost. Their communication is terrible, there have been a cases where they "borrowed" small parts and/or the manuals/schemes from the kits of the other manufacturers not very officialy. Without them knowing... It is possible to count dozens of silly mistakes caused not by technological limits but by their laziness, unknowing or simply ignorance on nearly all of their kits. Comparation of the prices of AZ kits and kits of some other manufacturers who put a lot of effort in them speaks for itself. Although the fact is that they produce the model kits of some planes which nobody else does. So it might be the only way to go in some cases. I personaly would never buy any other AZ Model kit. If for no other reason than just on principle, because I don´t want to support the way the are doing this business.

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks for the information Jan, I wasn't aware of that. Yes, IP theft is definitely not cool, and isn't something I knew about when I bought this kit.

[@robertjensen1438]

Just a comment for the algorithm.

[@ModelNerd]

Thank you Robert

[@robertjensen1438]

@@ModelNerd your welcome

[@martinbarr9402]

I think you were very generous with your evaluation of this kit. I saw poor molding, fit and instructions. I would not recommend this kit, especially at that price.

[@ModelNerd]

There were definitely some examples of that, but for a short run kit I think it isn't the worse. If they came out with something like a Manchester - which there are no mainstream kits for - I'd snap it up, even with the issues. But for many subjects there will be better options.

[@user-du6yr1qx5d]

Альтернативы этой модпли нет...😢

[@ModelNerd]

I think there is an old Airfix kit

[@leeedsonetwo]

18 pounds for a simple 1/72 model seems a lot.

[@ModelNerd]

Agreed - it's not cheap. I wouldn't go for an AZ Models Spitfire for that reason, but for a subject like this that is harder to come by, I can put up with that.

[@peterdiepenthal4090]

A fucken nother one that says deck cak it’s dekals get it right

[@ModelNerd]

I love it when people can't even spell the "correction" they're making 🤣

[@babylonsburning1]

Thanks for showing. Very poor modelling of plane, too expensive for what it is. I won't be buying.

[@ModelNerd]

It's definitely not up there with the best manufacturers - but a good subject, I think.

[@Kickback-dm7zt]

@@ModelNerd nothing wrong with them.... And while I'm NOT saying its a bad kit EVERY manufacturer makes bad kits.. For example I tried the revell T-6 Texan starter set which turned out to be so frustrating and a nightmare I ended up throwing it in the bin.. I swore then that I would NEVER buy another of their kits and as soon as I did the 3 revell kits I have in the stash I would be completely done with them.. I then took the BF - 109 F2 from the stash and it couldn't have been more different... An absolute gem to build and the fit of the parts is so good that you hardly need any glue and it's more like a snap fit kit... Didn't even need glue for the canopy and I gave the finished kit the shake test and nothing fell off it... Even when I held it upside down the unglued canopy stayed in place... I couldn't belive that 2 kits in the same scale (1/72) which are polar opposites in terms of parts fit and build difficulty are from the same manufacturer and as a result I have changed my mind about never buying another revell kit again.

[@ModelNerd]

Oh, definitely. The Airfix Lancasters I built recently REALLY drove my mad with the warped parts - but I've had some really nice kits from them in the past.

[@Kickback-dm7zt]

@@ModelNerd I know the feeling my friend.

[@MVeminor7]

I was hoping you would do this one sooner rather than later. You did a very comprehensive review of the kit. It seems like it is part model, part puzzle. I like the way the varnish 'mottled' the finish. I think it's very effective. I would love to give it a go. Thanks as always for an enjoyable and informative video. See you in the next one MN.

[@ModelNerd]

Thank you Michael. Yes, it was a fun build. Looking back I might have been a bit harsh on the kit but, there were definitely some relatively easy fixes AZ Model could have made.

[@paulhennessy5627]

Michael, I was at a modelshow a couple of years back and someone had done just that... all aircraft of the RFAA including different variant Marques. In 1/72 scale took up a space of about 20ft x6 ft. And about 3 hours to set out... goodluck if you try it.