AirfixStarter Set - A55002 Red Arrows Hawk Model Building Kit - Plastic Model Plane Kits for Adults & Children 8+, Set Includes Decals, Acrylic Paints, Brushes & Poly Cement - 1:72 Scale Model

You pay for a starter kit but paints we're useless all dried up to a crusted scab in the pot all four we're bined quality control needs improving i know only a base model but very disappointing to the gift receiver

This review is for the “Airfix starter set BF-109F4”-Great little model if you’re thinking of starting to do scale modelling. I hadn’t made a model for about 35 years and got this kit to do while on my dinner break at work. It was a lot more enjoyable than what I thought it would be. This kit would be great for any beginner as it’s really easy to follow the instructions even if you’re a parent helping your child to do it and have no experience of modelling. You will need some kind of craft knife or pointy snips to cut the pieces off of the sprues (the plastic frame/mold the model pieces are on) but that’s about it. I made mine in the canteen at work, it’s the only thing in the last 6 years that has made me look forward to turning up at work 😀

Note a little tip at the end..I bought this set for my friend who is trying to get into it, since he didn’t know what to do at all I went to his house and helped him a bit when needed. I noticed the box was a bit broken on the top right but other than that nothing on the box. The box art was good tbf to Airfix. As we continued through the model there were a few things to consider before buying. Firstly if you want a lot of detail there is no point getting this Airfix model as it’s designed for complete beginners, I would recommend a different one of their products for that. It’s not perfect either, for example there are sometimes small gaps where the joins are. Also the front propeller piece that makes the actual propeller spin doesn’t fit very well. Other than that everything was alright with the model itself. As for the paints glue and brush everything was okay but as expected. The glue had a very strong smell, and was quite “clumsy and random” according to my friend. Also the paints were by no means good. As the black was completely dried out and the 106 half dried out. The brush was fine but could probably only be used 3-4 times on seperate occasions. Other than that it’s a good little set with fair detail, and also very good easy instructions.A little tip for the join gaps a good little trick to deal with them if you want to (obviously not essential) is to get a pot with a lid, cut up some of the access plastic that’s not in use, and the glue cement, mix it well, and leave for 24 hrs. After use a cocktail stick to spread the “filler” into any places that’s needed, you don’t need a massive layer just enough to Seal. After this sand it down and paint over. It just a small tip to cover up everything

Returning to modelling after 50 years I thought I'd start at the bottom! This did the job. Pretty easy to construct and got me back into learning how to use glue etc

I recently purchased the Airfix 1/72 Supermarine Spitfire Mk.Vc Starter Set (A55001) and found it to be an excellent introduction to scale modeling. The kit includes everything needed to begin: the model itself, a small tube of cement, four acrylic paints, and a paintbrush. The simplified construction process, with fewer parts and clear instructions, made assembly straightforward and enjoyable. The model features impressive surface detail and accurate proportions, capturing the essence of the iconic Spitfire. Additionally, the inclusion of a display stand allows for an attractive presentation of the finished model.However, I did encounter a minor issue with the included paints, which were a bit thick and required thinning for optimal application. Also, the decal sheet provides markings for only one aircraft, limiting customization options.Overall, the Airfix Spitfire Mk.Vc Starter Set offers a rewarding and accessible entry point into the world of scale modeling, making it a worthwhile choice for newcomers.

My 9 year old loved building the plane. Unfortunately the paint was all dried up so couldn’t use it

Great starter kit, I found it fairly easy and made mistakes which I could learn from for more advanced models

The last time I touched airfix, I was probably around 10 years old with the patience of a goldfish, where a thick single coat all in one colour was enough to call my models "done".22 years later, I've decided to pick up the hobby again, and was looking to test the waters if I would still enjoy creating model airplanes. (Spoiler Alert: I do).I picked up this kit as it seemed like a good deal, and a lovely starting point as it came with all the paints, brush and decals needed. The paints thankfully all were in fine condition, none had hardened or needed anything added to make them usable. The kit itself is reasonably simple if you've done any modelling work before, with a few fiddly bits that ideally you paint on the sprue first. The molding was great, and didn't require much sanding down, and all pieces fit together quite snug. Painted easily, and has successfully kick started a new hobby!While I did a far from perfect job, I'm happy with the outcome, as now I can justify better tools and time spent learning!