Why did Airfix make this starter set?! AW Sea Hawk in 1/72 scale - Build & Review

The Seahawk was a naval Jet fighter aircraft designed for the Royal Navy’s fleet air arm. Originally introduced to service in the early 1950s, a lot of the design work for this aircraft was based on earlier piston powered aircraft. With the pace of aircraft advancements after the Second World War, it would have a relatively short service life being replaced by more advanced types on front line squadrons in less than a decade.
Despite this, the type would gain a reputation for being reliable and elegant and seeing some combat use during the Suez Crisis. It would also find a place in the militaries of a number of other nations with some still in their service until the mid 1980s.
Join me in this video as I build and review the A.W. Sea Hawk FGA.6 plastic model kit in 1/72 scale from Airfix. This particular version comes as a starter set, but during this build I struggle to see why Airfix made the decision to release this . .
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This video is intended for adult scale model enthusiasts.
Model Minutes holds no responsibility for any accidents, damage or injury that could occur as a result of attempting to replicate any steps depicted in this video. This video is intended for entertainment only.
Unless specifically indicated, all products have been independently purchased.
Music used from Epidemic Sound:
The Chase (Instrumental Version) - Basixx www.epidemicsound.com/track/E...
Somersault - Phello www.epidemicsound.com/track/j...
Nite Glo - Molife www.epidemicsound.com/track/5...
Tried & True - Imprismed www.epidemicsound.com/track/C...
36mm - Jobii www.epidemicsound.com/track/7...
#Airfix #Seahawk #Starterset #Modelkit #scalmodel

[@ivanprislec9466]

ok...i don't get it....am i in some weird dream or what? this model kit is bad in every single aspect....paintjob and build is bad. sorry mate, it just is.....since we live in 2022 when almost everyone has access to you tube and internet you can see that there are models and modelers that build and paint models on almost unrealistic scale, it's pure perfection...look up for dusan lekic ScaleModelAircraft....don't take it personally but build is poor...you have mould flash everywhere, ejector marks, poor fit etc....paintjob...modelers don't use brushes on large surfaces for how long now? 20-30 years?.....kit itself....it's awful...just really, really bad...details feel like it's 1/144 not 1/72 scale...i made my first model when i was kid in late 80's...and it was better and had more details than this piece of crap...and it was also Airfix...if i'm not mistaking you said model was from 2010?...good god, this in 70's kit standard...sorry if i'm to harsh but it is what it is.

[@ModelMinutes]

I guess you didnt watch the whole video then because I address most of your concerns during it. The kit tools from 1957, which explains why there are not many details etc. I built this kit in the same manner that someone who builds a starter set might (which is a theme on my channel) which i think helps give a fairer review seeing as that is what it was designed to be - a starter set. And yes, it's not a good kit. Had I spent hours scratchbuilding and airbrushing etc etc then perhaps it could be at the same standard as some of the other builds on my channel, but as mentioned, that is unrealistic (and would be misleading) for a beginner who builds this as a starter set. I mean, whilst there are some amazing modellers out there who can produce wonders from horrific kits, it would be unfair to review the kit and "dress it up" to an unrealistic standard - at least that's not the aim of my channel perhaps worth taking a look at some of my other builds on my channel before writing a bad model off because of a "bad modeller"? I would recommend the Eduard Spitfire, Airfix Curtiss Hawk - which are airbrushed models - and for comparison to a hand painted one - the Beacon Models Bf109E. They might not be "mindblowing" like some other creators, but they are some kits that I feel represent my current skill level quite well

[@ivanprislec9466]

@@ModelMinutes i watched most of the video...to be honest skipped a few parts....i'm not saying that you're a bad modeler but this is bad model all together....what bothers me most are "positive" people in the comments below...."great build!"..."great job"..."great kit"...no it's not....again, i admit, i haven't read all the comments but the ones i did made me comment this video. Now i stopped making models 10+ years ago so i'm a bit out of it. When i was building models (i made armour kits) Tamiya, Hasegawa, Dragon, Edurad..those were gods of model kits...AirFix was piece of crap mostly along side Revell and Italeri to some extent....i don't know if things have changed since...i'll take your word on it :)

[@StaxRail]

This is probably the harshest thing Ive read on a model channel- shame on you! It's comments like this that push people out of a hobby, rather than encouraging people to pursue it

[@ivanprislec9466]

@@StaxRail yeah....shame on me....i'm so mean....i do all this because i'm evil....sorry i'm not lying like everyone else...what is this? a kinder garden group? i used to go to scale model competitions with my models and got all kind of comments, good and bad....if you can't take it too bad....by the voice of, i'm gonna say Matt (that's the name i read a few comments below) i'm guessing he's a grown man and he can take critique.

[@StaxRail]

@@ivanprislec9466 there's a difference between polite critique and being a snob though.

[@Chilly_Billy]

I must say I'm impressed with the way Airfix had improved their kits. I have just gotten back into the hobby after a 20+ year hiatus. I have three Airfix models in my growing stash, a Hurricane Mk.I, P-40B, and A6M2 Zero. All 1/72. Upon opening the boxes I was very pleasantly surprised to see the level of detail in each kit. Much better than the Airfix kits of my younger days. With quality like this, I expect those three kits won't be my last Airfix models.

[@ModelMinutes]

Yes, the more recent models from Airfix are hugely different from their older ones

[@KJ-kn8pg]

I felt the same until i bought some Eduard kits... From then i always feel the need to rivet kits, it greatly improves the overall look of the kit. I guess buying Eduard kits does have some cons, like starting this rivet habit :/

[@52down]

@@KJ-kn8pg yup, it also prolongs the building process.

[@HoratioScaleModels]

The Hawker Hurricane is a TREAT! To build and paint, just make sure you dry fit the wings and body before glueing you get the best fit. Loved mine.

[@1Dave0Mustaine1]

The quality of the plastic unfortunately doesn't seem to improve

[@wadejustanamerican1201]

For a old starter set you were able to get the most out of it. Thanks again for another informative video.

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks!

[@Simon_Nonymous]

Yup - after the great job you did on the Zero starter kit, you are right. Airfix picked an odd kit to make into a starter set re painting and the paint scheme; and as I think you have proved many times now, it's the paints that really make the difference. I think the new Spitfire Vc starter kit is the way to go - modern tooling equals less flash and easier build. Camo colour scheme to let iffy brushwork look less obvious. Modern transfers. Using a very simple 1957 kit with a semigloss finish and a very clear need for the use of masking tape isn't helpful to newer modellers, and I wouldn't touch it as a learner kit. Good review and a very fair one too.

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks! Glad you think so :D

[@KitKabinet]

I like how you did this oob build yet remained critical on the shortcomings of this venerable kit. Although starting scale modelers had to make do in those days with this model, nowadays it would not hold up against for example the HobbyBoss kit (which does however have the out-of-register decal problems with the center dot!). Great build review!

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks!

[@foreverplastickits138]

*For an old kit it's still a good one! With some work and a good paint you can make a beautiful one. Great job MM!*

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks 👍

[@lancerevell5979]

I haven't done this Airfix kit but have built the better detailed Hobby Boss kit of this aircraft. I generally build aircraft models with gear retracted/doors closed, as in flying mode.

[@ModelMinutes]

Yes, I might get some stands to do that in the future

[@ShuttleFactoryScaleModels]

Despite it being a vintage kit (with it's multiple issues), you have made an awesome looking model .Also well done for brush painting it too. Keep up the great work Matt.

[@ModelMinutes]

Thank you very much! I thought that brush painting (mostly) a starter set might be quite appropriate

[@davidmccann9811]

I built this kit back in the 70s and it was no longer up to scratch even then. I think retro kits can be fun, but they are obviously more of a nostalgia thing.

[@ModelMinutes]

agreed!

[@mrsmith4662]

I have this model in a box in the loft, with other ancient, mainly Airfix, kits. My dad made it for me in the 1960's. Dated maybe, but a treasure.

[@ModelMinutes]

Definitely worth keeping!

[@fernandoismaelgalanpadilla2223]

Now You are back, as always, Nice build, congrats matt!!..

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks!

[@BlackAce-zr2ms]

I must admit as much as I love doing old tooled kits from the 60's/70's by Airfix/Revell...this wasn't one of them I wanted to make... A little story... I actually was given this kit back in the early 2010's and I believed it was a new kit from their range back when Hornby was starting the new Airfix empire as we know it today... but when I saw THIS tool I thought. ''Airfix is pulling their old tricks again'' in promoting old kits in their new boxes, as you said Matt it's a kit that can do more damage than good if found in a shop on a dusty shelf somewhere and it's a first go at modelmaking... I gave my boxing away to a friend of mine called Mike and he actually enjoyed building it and I was happy for him! Sadly, he found beer and pubs more appealing in recent years and went off modelmaking when he got his job at McD's.... but I'm not giving up in encouraging others of my peer group/friends to give it a go. Anyway, this is a fantastic video as always mate and look forward to the next one! 😄

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks! Yes, fortunately Airfix have learnt their lesson and are unlikely to go back to boxing old kits in new boxes

[@vernonsaayman9741]

Airfix had these in 1962, still in the plastic bags, i bought two, as the kit included the german navy tails, built both, i was 17

[@ModelMinutes]

very cool!

[@neilhaas6024]

That's a nice model jet aircraft cool kit. I enjoyed this video.

[@ModelMinutes]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@kevinsharkey1336]

Excellent critique and job.

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks for watching

[@petermerz2704]

Nice build, considering the age of the kit. Thanks for sharing. Happy days and model on! 😎🇨🇦

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks, you too!

[@joshuanolan4268]

nice model can't wait for the next one

[@ModelMinutes]

thanks!

[@Tigershark_3082]

This was a fun video to watch, despite me not being a model maker myself (I unfortunately don't have steady enough hands or the patience for it). 10/10 review, and I'll definitely watch more of your videos

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks 😊

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks 😊

[@jozuavanlangenhove6586]

Nice the older airfix kits. 😉👍

[@ModelMinutes]

:D

[@diecastrescue3597]

Had a bit of a flashback watching this as I built this way back in the late 1970s as a series one blister pack bought from the local post office for 29p who displayed all their Airfix kits in a sunny window which might have explained all the warped parts..... anyway I had assumed that they would have done a new tooling by 2010 but obviously not and white paint is always a challenge. On a side note I think some people forget that building kits is not always about achieving miniature realism its the fun of doing it is the thing

[@ModelMinutes]

haha that is a fun story! Sadly no new tooling that i'm aware of yet . . .

[@codmobile.12358]

i think you did a really good job on this one considering it was old great job looks great

[@ModelMinutes]

thanks!

[@neilhaas6024]

Very impressive kit model jet from airfix. Royal air force.

[@ModelMinutes]

:D

[@justacanadianguy07]

i dont know why but i love it when matt says "snips" in his accent.

[@ModelMinutes]

It's such a playful word lol

[@justacanadianguy07]

@@ModelMinutes it is!

[@PiperStart]

What a great little keepsake of the glory years of the Fleet Air Arm.

[@ModelMinutes]

:D

[@bossogg6915]

I would say you were fair with your assessment of this kit. I personally think Airfix need to up their game on classic kits and rather than re releasing the original tooling time and time again. They should re tool kits to show people how much they've improved. Starter sets should be a look at what you will get if you continue to buy Airfix ... Not a look at what you got 70 years ago if you bought Airfix. The paints in the starter sets also need to be sorted so if you buy one you get all you're paying for!

[@ModelMinutes]

Well said! On the paint front - humbrol are actually working on improving the acrylic range as far as I'm told

[@sweetcorn1968]

Despite the shortcomings of this kit, it still looks after your treatment. I doubt I’ll be adding this to the squadron hanging over my pond. (Currently 3 Spitfires, a Hurricane, Dambusters Lancaster, XWing fighter and a Snowspeeder)

[@ModelMinutes]

thanks for watching!

[@pauladams286]

The Sea Hawk was either my first or second Airfix kit, built in 1974. I think it was moulded in white plastic at the time, which was a better choice for an aircraft with white undersurfaces than the modern light grey. The different fins were for the British or German versions. It was an excellent kit for a new modeller, and helped get me in to the hobby. Not too many parts.. Airfix, and the other early firms, built this hobby. Without them there would be no modern super kits. We should remember where this hobby began, and the improvements that have been made - thanks to the pioneers like Airfix. For starter sets at least it would be best to mould the kit in one of the main colours, here white. Light grey does not suit everything.

[@ModelMinutes]

thanks for sharing :D

[@HO-bndk]

The first ever "plastic" kits were made in cellulose acetate. I'd like to see pampered modern kit builders, who cry at a bit of flash, try one of those. 🤣

[@martinradcliffe4798]

Always liked the Seahawk- as you say an elegant aircraft.

[@ModelMinutes]

yes, certainly a great looking plane!

[@stuartwren5526]

Hi, Matt. Another interesting presentation. As a member of the local IPMS It was verboten to criticise other people's work. You may have discussed or enquired about how a model was done. Take care.

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks for watching!

[@bk109]

Nice video as always! Just a couple of stray houghts/suggestions: 1. Mr Disolved Putty (or its Tamiya/etc equivalents) should be given anyone building a kit for the first time, since it'd help immensely newbies with getting the fit and finish just right without much effort (ie that long seam between the two fuselage halves). Same goes for the liquid masks, which were a godsend when I started getting my kiddos into the hobby 2. I may be burned at the stake for saying it, but there's nothing wrong putting on the decals before starting the varnishes (*ducks for cover*) 3. Forgetting the nose weight can be done later if need be. My personal go-to in such occasions is to drill out a small hole (usually in the wheel well ) and inject some filler that won't eat through the plastic while curing (I personally use some cheapo Lidl wall filler) using a syringe and large-bore needle. It takes a bit of time to dry, but it can be worth the extra hassle ;)

[@ModelMinutes]

thanks for your thoughts

[@ingosippel9653]

The First combat plane in German Navy was the Sea Hawk. Very beautyful forms 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@ModelMinutes]

very cool!

[@asthmaticmonkey1]

I'm a fan of the Seahawk, and have no problem with building old kits with their old molds etc. Not interested in rivet counting, or be-moaning the fact there are 'better' kits these days etc. Thats fine, but people are entitle to build and enjoy whatever they like, and whatever kits they want to buy. I also brush paint, so I'm with you on that one too. I like old kits, and I enjoy building them, just as much if not more sometimes than the more up to date (often overly detailed, over-priced) newer models. For me, the hobby is about enjoyment, fun, learning, and of course the nostalgia aspect of building older kits is always nice too. A couple of commenters have decided to be rather harsh towards your modeling skills, which is unfortunate, and the kit itself. Nice to see you doing these old kits to be honest. I for one, like this little Seahawk.

[@ModelMinutes]

thanks very much!

[@KEITHSWINFORD]

I bought this for a few quid, second hand, factory sealed, on ebay, as an experiment, just to see for myself, and I have to say, it really is abysmal. I've built it, and it looks a bit OK depending on what angle you look at, but nothing fitted properly! The body is twisted so that when I fitted the tail, it wasn't square with either the front or the back, and, bizarrely, the twist made it look uncorrectable. Joint gaps were huge in places and needed filling, and some parts even needed carving back into shape. Ejection pins were everywhere and had to be shaved off, and mispressings were absolutely all over the place. As was flash. Two good things. The paints were still useable, and the pilot is first class. A cool model, once built, but Jees, hard work.

[@ModelMinutes]

Very good points! I didn’t bother fixing all the issues with this kit so that you could all enjoy its flaws 😂

[@mikesmith2905]

Built one in the 60's, the aircraft had lovely lines. Wish they'd re-release the SR71, I used the as the basis of 'sci-fi craft' (much cheaper than Gerry Anderson's 1:72 Starfighters with engines from a 1:48 Hustler). May look out for one of these for nostalgia sake, see if I can make a better job of it this time round.

[@ModelMinutes]

Good luck 😊

[@julianmhall]

Nice to see a new video Matt.. welcome back :) Do you think with carrier aircraft the arrestor hook in the down position could support the nose wheel and push it down if you forgot to weight the nose? [I thought of that before you said you forgot to weight the nose ;) Great minds! ;)] Alternatively the lowered hook could be used in a diorama with a grey base being the carrier deck. Is there a market for an 'Intermediate' and/or 'Expert' Set including varnishes, tweezers etc? That way more advanced modellers like you could buy most of what you need at once.

[@ModelMinutes]

That is a good point about the hook! Didn't think about that one. The idea of an "expert set" kit is interesting, perhaps I'll mention it to airfix next time i speak to them

[@MarMightyGood]

Any chance of giving the vintage classics Val a going over? Interesting subject, but I’ve seen mixed reviews of it’s previous iterations.

[@ModelMinutes]

I believe i have the Mistercraft val in the stash, so no intention to do the old Airfix version at the moment - maybe in the future one might somehow end up in the cupboard . . .

[@simongee8928]

This kit was available as a bagged issue back in the early sixties. I mind of it well, as it had transfers for an 'Allied German' version. I was thinking about doing that particular one, but my gran, being of a certain age, wouldn't near of it - !

[@ModelMinutes]

Yes, I came across that one in my research, looked pretty cool!

[@stephenchappell7512]

The Marineflieger was literally founded by the British Fleet Air Arm with most of it's early aircraft purchases also being of British origin

[@deanburn3400]

Very good indeed anyway considering the age of the kit.

[@ModelMinutes]

thanks very much!

[@yingsu6848]

to be honest, your painting is way better than mine keep up the good work

[@ModelMinutes]

It's just practice, keep trying and you'll get there!

[@brucegibbins3792]

Difficult to accurately determine, I suppose, but I wonder how many first time modellers are discouraged from continuing further by facing the vagaries of a rough as guts kit first run out of the gate. I have no answer here, yet from a bussiness point of view if you've taken the time and money to bring a kit to the aspiring builder, why then go ahead and self sabotage the experience with a poorly fitting kit? Watching the build here was fun so many thanks for the opportunity to view some grand building of an early British jet fighter and a lovely aeronautic design.

[@ModelMinutes]

I've also thought that - for every bad kit chosen as a "first go", how many potential modellers did we lose?

[@stephencameron4032]

I shouldn't worry too much about the model being tail-heavy, when the real aircraft were being launched, the catapult pulled the nose up when it came under tension,(possible diorama suggestion?), and you made a superb job with ancient tooling, I own a Seahawk kit and also an Avro Anson( decades old), I'm agonising over whether to build them as intended, or incorporate them into some form of diorama, I know some people leave them in the box, but that seems like a waste to me, time will tell, anyway, stay safe, all the best from Scotland, Stephen.

[@ModelMinutes]

what great info! Thanks for sharing :D

[@TitaniusAnglesmith]

"Abandonded hanger" may be a good idea

[@TringmotionCoUk]

I did the SAR starter seaking, it was marked as skill level 3 and I felt it was a good ramp up model. Not sure about this one!

[@ModelMinutes]

I think this was intended to be a skill level 1 - fortunately the only place you can find it is on the second hand market now, so most of us are safe from seeing it lol

[@cowsdabombgamingandbeyond4734]

Are you going to build a b17 or b25 mitchel?

[@ModelMinutes]

I have a B17 in the stash that I want to build, just haven't had time yet

[@Rowan331]

for the red dots on the roundels just leave them out to make a raaf seahwak idk if they did use them

[@ModelMinutes]

hmmm interesting idea

[@BobMuir100]

Crikey! I am 63 now and last made an Airfix kit when I was 11! I never knew all these things you used existed. I have a model too do and it’s already some two years old due to illness and so glad I watched this as I now need to buy some stuff 😮 Any reason you didn’t spray paint? Kindest Bob England

[@ModelMinutes]

I tend to build starter sets in a similar way that a beginner might, that way it’s more of a fair test to the design of the kit and included paints

[@BobMuir100]

@@ModelMinutes thx, I did enjoy your build and learnt much from it. I have spray kit as yet unused do I take it you would normally spray? Bob

[@BobMuir100]

@@ModelMinutes how did you know all the background about the model? Bob

[@ModelMinutes]

@@BobMuir100 scalemates.com is a good starting point for research, but there are other site on the internet which can provide extra info

[@ModelMinutes]

@@BobMuir100 it usually depends on the kit or what im trying to achieve

[@dnparau4421]

How many coats of paint did you use? Also great job 👏🏻

[@ModelMinutes]

usually between 2 & 5 (2 on the dark colours and 5 on the light) but it really depends on the thickness of the paint and the density of the pigment

[@briantracy5529]

For the assemblers. That’s why!

[@ModelMinutes]

Assemblers?

[@-32456]

Model Minutes my dad got me a italera p51 mustang for my birthday so i don't know if it's really good or not.

[@ModelMinutes]

Sadly I've not tried one of those, but from my experience of Italeri kits they have been pretty good

[@jmcc2275]

Every hobby is like this…there is always someone who thinks they are the way,the truth ,and the light. 🤦🏻‍♂️ Lighten up and go and build your masterpiece if you’re not happy and give the rest of us peace to appreciate the video on offer.

[@ModelMinutes]

not sure which comment this is in reference too, but thanks for watching :)

[@pawelpw1161]

get yourself acrylic white spray can, especially for such surfaces, it is cheap and works really good. there is one comparison video on youtube, where author presents that paintbrushing white is almost always poor decission

[@ModelMinutes]

Yes, spray cans are my normal go-to for white now

[@janmcconnel1118]

I like the look of the jet and a challenge so i think i will give thìs oñe a go. I will; cheat a bit and use a airbrush. Oh !! by the way niice job.

[@ModelMinutes]

thanks!

[@powerwolf-vw8st]

If your going to "cheat" with anything building these starter kits you should cheat by getting fairly nice big flat brush which will nullify quite alot of brushmarks. i got a 3/4 inch royal and langnickel sg700 brush for i think 3-4 quid. Any yea white is abit of a nightmare colour.. one of the few that absoloutely requires you to carefully select a good paint and use thinned layers, If i have a choice honestly i usually prime in somthing extremely close to white first.

[@ModelMinutes]

I did recently buy some new sable brushes at the recommendation of another subscriber - but this kit was actually built about a year ago and it's taken me this long to get it into edit :(

[@spitfire-747]

If I had a Seahawk kit I probably would do a German one Also I realised that this is the 150th video I pressed the like button on

[@ModelMinutes]

nice!

[@ednitram]

Why glue the figure to a stick paint it when you can use some blu tack to fix it onto a handle? I use old spice tubs as a handle.

[@ModelMinutes]

I dont think the sticky tack i have is particularly high quality and it takes quite a bit to get things to stick. If i used that amount it would cover areas i want to paint

[@martindebattista6140]

@@ModelMinutes I also used UHU Patafix (yellow one) and has served me well. Anyway, the best solution is always the that works best for you!

[@iangoldstraw6002]

I know it's old (sorry make that ancient ) But I've ordered one off ebay to be part of a comparison build with the HobbyBoss kit. ( no comparison really ) but should be fun all the same. This 2010 reissue kit is only useful for the decal sheet and thats it.

[@ModelMinutes]

sounds like a fun project!

[@stevetheduck1425]

I'm backdating one to the P.1040 prototype, and maybe I'll Frankenstein a P.1035 while I'm doing it, too. Now to find a cheap Sea Fury and some more-than-notional drawings.

[@Payne2view]

I built one around 30 years ago. I think at the time they were calling for "sky" (that light green on the underside of WWII aircraft) instead of white.

[@ModelMinutes]

Yeah, i did see some of the old box art in my research for this video and it did look to be more of a sky type rather than white. Not sure if it is an "accuracy" issue or just a choice of paint on Airfix's part

[@AbelMcTalisker]

The Seahawk was introduced early enough that when it first went into service sky undersides were still the norm on fleet air arm aircraft. The decals in the version shown date from a somewhat later period when white was in use (actually the last flying Seahawk in FAA service). The original poly bag version had a different decal sheet though. The interesting point is that while Airfix calls it the AW (Armstrong Whitworth) Seahawk since they built most of the airframes, the plane is actually a Hawker design and a direct predecessor of the Hunter and Harrier.

[@Payne2view]

@@AbelMcTalisker Thanks for that info. I knew it wasn't white underside when I built one (many years ago).

[@AbelMcTalisker]

@@Payne2view Hard to tell as it had a lot of re-releases over the years. When I did one back in the late `70`s I used an Italiari (remember those) decal sheet for a Suez crisis aircraft that had the Sea Grey/Sky camo with the Suez Yellow/Black stripes. I think that version had an option on the original decal sheet for an RN Grey/white scheme or a Kriegsmarine version and was in a rigid blister pack.

[@pioneeraviation3544]

I actually really enjoyed my Airfix Seahawk though it has gone to the great hanger in the sky now, but is that not the beauty of the hobby and why so many subjects are repeated by various companies because we all like different aspects of a build? I do agree about a mostly white aircraft not being a great 1st timer model it is like the Sea King that they did not a nice grey finish easily achievable by anyone but a SAR Yellow one! lol Just one thought comes to mind, you were concerned about the white being the correct finish paint though you later varnish this area twice before and after decals are applied, I just wondered if there was a reason for your base needing to be a certain finish that would affect the end result despite varnishing later? :)

[@ModelMinutes]

Varnish before decals can help prevent them from “silvering” (where the clear parts of the decal film don’t remain clear when they dry). The satin or gloss varnish gives a smooth layer which prevents this, but it would be more likely to show up on a Matt finish. I’d rather be safe than sorry

[@pioneeraviation3544]

@@ModelMinutes I understand that part 🙂 it is in the video when you put the first layer of white using your own but then state that the finish should be more satin so you decide to use the starter set white and end up not being happy with the blotches that this paint gives you. My question was is there a reason why you would do that when you changed the finish of the whole model including that white area when you varnished the whole model? As I see it you could have used the good white to achieve a smooth finish and then your post decal varnish would give it the final finished look you got anyway but sans the blotches? Sorry if I didn’t word it well the first time and please understand I am not having a go or anything I am just a fellow hobbyist who understands that there are multiple ways of doing things and trying to understand why it was done the way you did compared to my usual modus operandi 🙂

[@ModelMinutes]

@@pioneeraviation3544 as a review I just wanted to try out the included white paint, it was bad

[@roelantverhoeven371]

I like the plane, I built the indian version

[@ModelMinutes]

nice!

[@deelee9712]

Don't mix X-20A with Vallejo. Use Vallejo's own thinners or water. Vallejo is a water-based paint and X-20A is for alcohol-based paints like Tamiya acrylics. You will eventually find your paints going goopy with X-20A. It's the same as Tamiya paints cannot be mixed with Vallejo paints, wrong base despite them both being 'acrylics', not all acrylics are the same.

[@ModelMinutes]

whilst I agree that they are different bases, and that I would only use Tamiya (or alcohol based thinners) on Tamiya paints, i've not really had any problems mixing tamiya thinner and vallejo (or revell, or humbrol) acrylic paints. Many other brands who also make thinners for acrylic tend to add some type of alcohol to them to improve flow and pigment saturation . . . . So it works fine for me (and have been doing it for years)

[@owenmustard7689]

you should do the f-14 tomcat next bc TOPGUN

[@ModelMinutes]

lol, perhaps

[@mattheweagles5123]

It seems about right for a 1950's mould of a 1950's aircraft. That DIY roundel looks absolutely frustrating. I think I've only seen that with a certain WW2 symbol that is verboten in certain countries. And I'm glad it's not just me that can't seem to find a satisfactory white paint.

[@52down]

You can buy separately decal sheets with this symbol you're mentioning

[@ModelMinutes]

Yeah, a lot of older kits (and some still made today) still have seperate dots and things on the decals - think it is because the printers can't always get them perfectly central

[@chrisbisho9785]

I use Tamiya white primer in the spray can if I'm going for a clean white finish such as the topsides of airliners or the undersides of this kit for example . Sprays really nice and gives smooth solid coverage . If you aren't going for the clean look then pre/post shading and normal spraying to the coverage you need .

[@ModelMinutes]

@@chrisbisho9785 thanks!

[@bunnyniyori6324]

Inasmuch as I think you rushed it some, maybe for the video's sake. Kudos on finishing :) When I actually paint a lot of my wonderfully assembled Airfix kits, I can comment more :)

[@ModelMinutes]

I made this model about a year ago, I think there was some time pressure and i just wanted the model to be "done" and out of the stash, so yeah - there are some areas that are a bit rushed. As a content creator, sometimes I have to balance the time spent creating the model and the time editing, otherwise I might never produce any videos lol

[@HO-bndk]

It's a shame the kit doesn't do any justice to what was [IMHO] a beautiful aeroplane.

[@ModelMinutes]

yeah, there are better versions out there though

[@valborchardt3596]

Doesnt look too bad Matt, so dont beat yourself up over it…..when are you going to show us some more of your garden railway? You really need to start putting up buildings and other details….thanks again, take care

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks! Yes, I had hoped to get out and do some garden railway - perhaps I'll 3D print some buildings for it, but sadly time and weather has been against me

[@JohnSmith-sl1my]

5 pounds is what I would pay And no more . Enjoy your vids .

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks!

[@willm5032]

I built one of these, it was a god damn nightmare. A terrible kit that would put a beginner off I think. Definitely in need in a retool because the subject is beautiful

[@ModelMinutes]

i agree :D

[@willm5032]

@@ModelMinutes also clearly that guy criticising your work hasn't actually watched this video or any of your other builds. You're not some super mental detail guy like plasmo (but he makes an entire thing out of it that almost no one can match) but you're a good modelmaker, better than me, and you do starter kits with the included paints which is a good challenge (I do it sometimes to see what I can get out of a model) and it realistically shows what you can do with the included stuff! Keep it up

[@ModelMinutes]

@@willm5032 thanks! Yes, I like to think my videos are a bit more relatable to many modellers, whilst it’s good to have ambitions like with the skills and quality models other channels make, I think that it’s good to have something a little bit more realistic and what a more “average” person can achieve too

[@willm5032]

@@ModelMinutes I'd say you're better than the average modeller imo but you're always able to show what someone with a brush, some cheap paints and some skill can do which is very admirable, I really enjoy your channel. Ultimately building models is such a personal and subjective hobby and putting your work up on KZbin takes a lot more bravery than being some rivet counter with a keyboard.

[@ModelMinutes]

@@willm5032 thanks so much 😊

[@andrewoconnor5108]

That 130 Humbrol is a paint sent to make the human race suffer!

[@ModelMinutes]

agreed

[@BennyCFD]

a good modeler can make any model look good...............................I really like Model Minutes videos and builds but he could have spent more time and effort on making this look better like the wing halves.

[@ModelMinutes]

I agree, I could have indeed spent more time doing that - but at least now, anyone who is building this will know what to look out for and not make the same mistakes ;)

[@stevetheduck1425]

Why? They need money to continue making new kits, and need to make the hobby easy to join. I still want to make kits, and have no problem with early kits (if they need improving, and I want to improve them, I do more work). Older kits are actually coming down in price now, so I can make what I want now. I have for example a Lindberg Grumman Tiger prototype in 1/48th. Parts and transfers are available, and so are some good drawings and photos of the correct mark as well. I do not wonder why they re-released this kit, as they sold. It's actually easily available, pretty accurate and doesn't need much work.

[@ModelMinutes]

thanks for your thoughts

[@Andy.Gledhill.Models.]

Oh boy, that is a bad kit lol. Its sad that Airfix added it to their starter kit range. If someone gave it to me as a present when I was a kid. I would be pretty pissed off lol. I am glad that Airfix starter sets have improved massively in recent years.

[@ModelMinutes]

Yes, i think this video does well to highlight how far airfix have come in the last 10 years

[@bradleyhatchen]

I know this kit is very old on the half there a bit of paint ooze out of the joint the model could od being prime that painted white although there paints were not that good I mix mine to get better finish mind you the kits is quite old

[@ModelMinutes]

thanks for the info

[@bradleyhatchen]

The white paint took many paint attempt to cover the model even thought it was very old kit

[@ModelMinutes]

yeah it wasn't the best

[@stevetheduck1425]

Is the paint the problem, there? I still use pots and tins and a brush. It covers.

[@robertaurens5665]

Talk about namby pamby world. I started model making when I was five and managed perfectly well without adult supervision. Got to laugh

[@ModelMinutes]

Not sure what that’s in reference to, but good for you 👌

[@gerardburton3741]

This kit does not look like it has changed much since I first built one 50 years ago

[@davidmccann9811]

From what I remember it was white plastic, but I think that's pretty much it.

[@ModelMinutes]

i think you are right about that

[@keithwasntbarrumsing483]

Ooh I love the sea hawk, shame the airfix kit is so poor.

[@ModelMinutes]

yeah, but i suppose it was the limitations of the technology they had at the time

[@keithwasntbarrumsing483]

@@ModelMinutes I agree, If they release it as a vintage classic I would probably buy it, but I wouldn't pay main range prices for it.

[@yingsu6848]

I subbed

[@ModelMinutes]

@@yingsu6848 thanks!

[@rodneypayne4827]

Want an excellent Seahawk? Get a Hobby Boss kit,they do multiple versions with a range of ordinance included, relatively cheap as well. Modern kit with modern detail and construction.( Hobby Boss is a subsidiary of Trumpeter)

[@tomt373]

I would like to see the critics do a better job with this old classic kit. It is much easier to criticize then to "prove it" by showing how you would do it. Otherwise you sound like a jealous "wannabe". One hint, though, for the pilot figure, especially his facial features it is always good to "black base" any model figure before painting on the finishing colors. That gives any feature lines greater definition.

[@ModelMinutes]

thanks for the suggestion! Yes, it is very easy for people to leave their criticisms without having to back them up on the internet these days

[@pawelpw1161]

Maaan, this is really vintage in a bad way. This is worth Mistercraft repack not Airfix official, even in 2010

[@ModelMinutes]

Yea, it is super vintage

[@pawelpw1161]

@@ModelMinutes This is why i think it is not good for starter kit. I'd rather have any of modern 1 or 2 series

[@stevetheduck1425]

NOVO, other behind the wall makers, Chematic and now Misterkit have all re-released the old FROG Sea Hawk kit. Have no problem with making and improving that or the Airfix one. -and they are usually much cheaper.

[@coreyward9000]

Good video but why aren't you using your airbrush instead of brush painting everything? Would make a huge difference to the finished kit

[@mikes5637]

He's building it as someone would with a starter kit.

[@coreyward9000]

@@mikes5637 true but brush painting large areas and potentially losing heaps of detail is surely not something to encourage to people starting out.

[@ModelMinutes]

Mike is correct in that I was building it as a beginner, also there isn't much detail to lose by hand painting. Additionally, I don't always enjoy using my airbrush (getting it prepped, cleaned, thinned etc - such a chore). Also, this kit was made over a year ago and it took me this long to get the video made - so some of my skills and tools have changed since then

[@jmcc2275]

@@coreyward9000 loss of details is not compulsory when brush painting if ,you know what you are doing and are patient. Numerous examples of excellent brush painted models are available to view on You Tube.

[@leifvejby8023]

Not the greatest kit, you are right, but they could have done worse, like the Grumman Widgeon or the Lysander of the same era.

[@ModelMinutes]

yes, if those tools still exist that is . . .

[@leifvejby8023]

@@ModelMinutes Don't do them, they are horrible!!

[@BobMuir100]

Now you have a great help to me as a returnee really a newbie as so much has changed in some 45 years! However I am disappointed with you. This kit was chosen by you to build and create a video which you then expected people to watch. Yes you ‘phone it in’ even I could see what a crap job you were doing and it’s not the the fault of Airfix this was your choice no one at Airfix forced you to make it! You were aware of the age and shelf life of the piece, yet went ahead and still complained! This would not be a good watch for a child looking to start nor was it a good watch for us! Regards Bob England

[@ModelMinutes]

It's funny you mention these points because the head of brand at Airfix actually had a conversation about this video with me in person and he agreed with my assessment and vowed that the mistakes of the company from ten years ago would never be made again and that I did a good job in highlighting "Airfix that was". I'm sorry that you didn't enjoy this video but with a 97% like to dislike ratio (and over 750 likes) I suppose that this video wasn't particularly aimed at you. That's ok though, there will be others

[@BobMuir100]

@@ModelMinutes : thanks for your mature response. Yes I will enjoy your videos again, I have just come off your m a s s I v e small model stash video! WOW! Bob

[@ModelMinutes]

@@BobMuir100 😂 yeah I really don’t need any more kits

[@gmamagillmore4812]

...mayby they needed the money.

[@ModelMinutes]

yeah, probably

[@ScaleModelIncLIVE]

pre hornby airfix 🤮 Also: im blaming you entirely that im now doing 72nd scale again cos of that bloody starter set challenge 😝

[@ModelMinutes]

Haha! Join us!

[@ScaleModelIncLIVE]

@@ModelMinutes grrrrr... if i must *growls*

[@julianmhall]

I think the lack of /any/ cockpit and lack of canopy frame lines, plus the weird decal decisions and the poor included white paint, make this a poor quality kit.

[@ModelMinutes]

I agree

[@pesghino]

Hi modelminutes ( what about telling us your name?), Ive read the stupid comment from the guy that judges others without being informed, poor him, but the only thing I'd like to express is: why on earth do you waste time in videos like this one regarding kits that are awful even before the assembly? If you want to assess starter kits there will be for sure better alternatives. So at least you can help young beginners to address there choices toward better models and brands. Bye

[@ModelMinutes]

Hi - my name is Matt (and is mentioned in the intro in most of my vids) and thanks for your comment. This video is nearly 2 years old now at time of writing this and I explored this kit as a starter set because that is how it was sold by Airfix (again, this is discussed in the video). If you take a look at more of the videos on my channel you will also see other starter sets and builds which cover the points you raised

[@mbak7801]

I wish Airfix would dump the 1.72 scale. It goes back to where young boys (usually) saved up their pocket money and small hands built the models and flew them around their bedrooms. Note small hands. Even then I was sick and tired of spitfires and tiger tanks. A minimum of 1:48 and please never ever produce another spitfire again....

[@ModelMinutes]

Is that just for airfix or for all the other companies (Revell, Eduard, Hobbyboss, Italeri etc) that also do 1/72 scale? I presume that it sells kits and is popular . . otherwise why would they do it . .

[@AbelMcTalisker]

Ironically enough I`ve gone the other way and mainly work in 1/144 or 1/200 with a bit of 1/300. But I do a lot of wargaming so entire flights/squadrons of Spitfires don`t bother me. 1/72 is just too big for a wargames table despite what some manufacturers think. (Looking at you Warlord Games).

[@MCT954]

I am 68 and have built 1/72nd kits all my life and continue to do so. There are a lot of brands other than Airfix, quite a few of which are as cheap or cheaper and not all Spitfires.

[@jmcc2275]

We don’t all have mansions to store and display large scale models . If I build a model I want to look at it ,not have it stored in the loft or somewhere.

[@wadejustanamerican1201]

For a old starter set you were able to get the most out of it. Thanks again for another informative video.

[@ModelMinutes]

:D

[@bionicgeekgrrl]

In my experience from doing wargaming painting has been one of the best options for white is either to spray a acrylic ink or titanium white, or use a artist acrylic.

[@ModelMinutes]

Yes, I've seen white inks and they look pretty good

[@bionicgeekgrrl]

@@ModelMinutes They can be, you just need to be careful with reactivation if you use water based solvents on top of them. But they airbrush lovely and can help give a very smooth finish, and are especially good where two colours meet to soften the lines if required. Another technique used for difficult colours such as yellow is to undercoat in pink before using yellow, sounds weird, but it works quite well.