Bridlington & Wolds Scale Model Club Forum

Models => Modelling Projects => Topic started by: zak on June 03, 2024, 02:03:39 PM

Title: A blast from the past
Post by: zak on June 03, 2024, 02:03:39 PM
Whilst at the Northern Model show I bought the Airifx re-release of the Guards in 1:76 scale.
I was obviously feeling nostalgic and remember having these as a youngster, they were marching on my model railway.
I was disappointed on opening the boxes, they were worse than I remembered, the same moulds and they are in bright red plastic.
As I had been doing some 1/72 stuff and figures I did think that I could produce a diorama with these on.
Here ares some pictures.
One figure straight from the box.

The moulding is pretty poor and the detail, what detail.
Well I will see what I can make of them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
They were 5.95 per box, so I suppose I shouldn't complain.
Title: Re: A blast from the past
Post by: Bigkev on June 03, 2024, 06:27:18 PM
Hi Zak,
Look at it this way, you'll only need a few colours........Black, White, Flesh and Silver
Be interesting to see how they look after a session in your hands.
Kevin
Title: Re: A blast from the past
Post by: chriswil42 on June 04, 2024, 03:30:03 PM
You'll transform them Dave.
Title: Re: A blast from the past
Post by: zak on June 04, 2024, 04:09:52 PM
Well, the polythene is of a really shiny variety, even after a wash in detergent the undercoat( a Vallejo product, a acrylic/polyurethane primer) refuses to adhere.. I have had no problems with Italeri, Zvesda and other figures.
I think these will be a real challenge, or they may end up in the box of shame.
Title: Re: A blast from the past
Post by: Bob C on June 04, 2024, 07:12:56 PM
See you bought some tick tocks but they do look smart, you?ll make a job of them.

Bob c
Title: Re: A blast from the past
Post by: chriswil42 on June 05, 2024, 02:41:29 PM
You'll sort it Dave.
Title: Re: A blast from the past
Post by: Bigkev on June 05, 2024, 07:52:59 PM
Hi Dave,
Have you thought of emailing Airfix with some polite advice as to best type plastic to use?
Or would it fall onto deaf ears.
Kevin
Title: Re: A blast from the past
Post by: zak on June 06, 2024, 08:23:07 AM
Quote from: Bigkev on June 05, 2024, 07:52:59 PM
Hi Dave,
Have you thought of emailing Airfix with some polite advice as to best type plastic to use?
Or would it fall onto deaf ears.
Kevin
I did think about it, but haven't bothered yet.
Title: Re: A blast from the past
Post by: zak on June 06, 2024, 11:59:34 AM
How now e mailed them and  await a response!
E mail below:

Hello,
I am a 72-year-old modeler, now going down memory lane, I bought the above items at a model show in North Shields.
I have washed the figures and find that the plastic is so slippery that I cannot get paint to adhere.
The figures are much worse than I remember as a kid and the paint seemed to adhere better.
I attempted to undercoat with a Vallejo acrylic/urethane primer - no luck.
I attempted a acrylic spray primer, not much luck.

I feel that I need some advice.

The quality of the moulding leaves something to be desired, I realise that this is a re-release of an old kit, but.......

I look forward to hearing from you.
No painting instructions on the box either!

Dave Smith
(I am an experienced modeler and often have articles in the IPMS magazine)
Title: Re: A blast from the past
Post by: zak on June 07, 2024, 12:13:21 PM
While I wait for Airfix Technical Department to get back to me, I have persevered.
Title: Re: A blast from the past
Post by: chriswil42 on June 07, 2024, 01:59:24 PM
Not bad at all Dave.
Title: Re: A blast from the past
Post by: Bigkev on June 08, 2024, 04:57:39 PM
Quote from: chriswil42 on June 07, 2024, 01:59:24 PM
Not bad at all Dave.

I think Dave has done a great job.
Kevin
Title: Re: A blast from the past
Post by: zak on June 09, 2024, 08:39:00 AM
Well just the edging to paint now.
Title: Re: A blast from the past
Post by: MSea on June 09, 2024, 12:00:51 PM
Great - all in a line and in step and NOT a zombie in sight
Title: Re: A blast from the past
Post by: zak on June 10, 2024, 08:36:54 AM
Have you spotted the one with only half a rifle?
Careless with the scalpel again!! No blood this time!
Title: Re: A blast from the past
Post by: cph64 on June 10, 2024, 03:31:55 PM
A great looking diorama, well done.
Title: Re: A blast from the past
Post by: chriswil42 on June 11, 2024, 09:48:27 AM
Excellent Dave.