I remember building this kit in the 1960s with my dad and it was beautiful. I really hope that Airfix is able to retool the Victory soon. Thanks Harry and happy Christmas. Cheers Phil
Don’t hold your breath… Hornby is in financial trouble so Airfix can only spit out sale items they know will sell in huge numbers and can cheaply CAD. Big Sailing Ship Kits are not going to make enough money short term to keep the lights on.
Great video, Harry. I visited Victory a few years ago and was told the only original parts from the 18th Century are things like the silverware and crockery. Every part of the actual ship has been replaced at least once. Also tried to build this kit probably around 1972. I lost a part and sent one of those little slips off to Airfix for the replacement. Still waiting.
They always sent me missing parts even down under to the other side of the world. You have to include a sell addressed and stamped envelope. Did you forget that bit?
I built this boxing of Victory in 1981, and when I saw another one two years later, I was overjoyed and bought it. It's still somewhere in my storeroom. Also Wasa, Discovery, Great Western, Endeavour, Golden Hind, St Louis...just love these Airfix sailing ship kits. Wish you a very Merry Christmas!
What a beauty! Yep, those old kits are things of wonder. I remember, out of sheer curiosity, buying an original long-box Aurora Black Knight. I wasn't sure what to expect, but, when I opened it up, I was pleasantly surprised. The moulding was so clean and crisp and the detail on the armour was beautiful. Moments later, I saw that there was a Monogram re-issue in stock in their other store. Boy was I glad I didn't get that one! Have a brilliant Christmas, Harry! Hope to see you ship shape and Bristol fashion in the new year.
I must admit I tend to look of older Airfix kits to do, now we will all be looking for the Victory, great video wets the appetite, that being so have a few curry's on me and Merry Christmas 🎅🎅🎅
6:50 "England expects that every man will do his duty"; originally Nelson had intended to say "confides" instead of "expects", but someone suggested the change so the message would use less flags and Nelson agreed.
Great review Harry of how Airfix's Victory was when it came out, you definitely hit it off with the quality on this one, night and compared to what poor buyers get now. It's a sad day when a company like Airfix neglects it's mouldings and genre of ship builders to where they are now.
Awesome find....picked up some ancient but mint condition 1/72 Airfix kits....English Electric Lightning F-1A from 1967 and a Fouga Magister as well as the Panavia M.R C.A. (the Tornado before it was the Tornado) both from 1975
Hello there Harry merry Christmas to you and bask the cat. I have happy memories of building the victory back in. The 1960s .anyway mate all the best from here in the UK and happy modelling everyone 👍 🍺🍺🥳🎄⛄️☃️
I've just found out how lucky I was. I managed to get a job lot of sailing ships off ebay of a Revell Spanish Galleon (H-367) 1971, Airfix Endeavour 1768 (07251-7) 1976 version and the same HMS Victory for only £56. I also have the Red box version. One place I would recommend looking for old kits, although the shipping might end up more than the kit, is Kingkit. That's where I find most of my older kits, and they seem to be very reasonable on their pricing.
What a fantastic find Harry! A "time capsule" of ship modeling from the 70's. Visiting the actual Victory is on my "bucket list" before I "kick the bucket". Have you ever reviewed the Revell 1/225 HMS Victory kit? Happy Holidays Harry🎄 Tom S.
I have the heller 1/100 Victory kit in my stash . The instructions that come with the kit are not the best . Just purchased the new recent heller instruction book which is so much easier to understand with regards to the rigging . So will be making a start very soon 👍
I recently managed to bag this same white box for a measly £9 the bits are still bagged and the rat lines are flat and undamaged but the box is damaged and the sails and flag sheet is totalled. Still it’s going to be my main project over next year, really looking forward to it.
Hi Harry Happy new year to you and looking forward to the new presentations. Can I ask a quick question What site gives the production run of specific kits Kind regards 🎅🎅🎅
scalemates.com is useful, but not always 100% accurate. There are fan pages which list model kit first tool dates. I scored a document off an Airfix fan site that has all the kit tool dates back to the 1950’s.
HMS Victory...great ship! I remember butchering that very kit many years ago. It looked like a wasp with sails. As a UK dweller, I was able to visit HMS Vistory, and I actually own a tiny piece of one of her masts, taken off at a renovation in the 70's. I have walked her decks, and seen the spot where Nelson fell. Not surprised he fell...I nearly tripped over there too. Some idiot nailed a plaque there right where you have to walk. Mind you...and I blame Harry for this...Santa is bringing me the 1/144th Airfix Wasa. Wanted to build it ever since I saw it in Stockholm. Having seen the Harry method of hull painting, I reckon I might actually be able to do this one justice and build my first plastic sailing ship that wasn't a disaster.
Another beauty of a kit, Harry! I have one from 2005. It's ok, not too flashy but no way as good as this one. Great find! EDIT: I found one Harry, here in the Scotland, on Fleabay! Not a bad price, either. It says complete, but I'll see. Anyways, any bits missing, I'll make my own now thanks to your Blue Stuff tip! Nice seeing Bask popping in to say hello. 😸 Hope you both have a wonderful Christmas and New Year! 👍
@@HarryHoudiniModels The kit finally arrived. So much better detail on the 70s white box kit and only a tiny bit of flash. For sure, the older the kit, the better where an Airfix Victory is concerned, thanks again for the tip Harry, it wasn't even that expensive either! 👍
Thaught I'd get mine out and play with it at the same time as you Harry. (NO - don't go there!!). I have The Craft Master boxing from the late 60s. The plastic comes in brown. Otherwise it is identical. All the best. Merry Christmas and happy new year matey.
I was bought the 3 litre Bentley for Xmas by flash uncle when about eight.Stared at me from top of wardrobe until I found other things to fiddle with in my bedroom alone to pass time.
@ Even then using vinyl for bonnet straps,I hit the Sea Cadets before being allowed to attempt it.Little did stepdad know his little milk delivery slave was pilfering penny’s to buy tamiya figures while he was on the piss at lunchtime after work.Whayever I bought had to fit inside a new box of figures,so 1/76 trucks and transporters were cleverly packaged alongside the /35 figures ready to wave at him as he was playing crib.Happy Xmas Harry,one day I’ll build a ship promise!
Many thanks for your excellent content over the past year. Always interesting and thought provoking. Nice pantomime references this time and I hope you have a great Christmas and every best wishes for 2025. Please say hi to Mr Buckman be nice to see his return once the rigging has been completed on your excellent models. Best wishes from here in the UK.
England expects that every man will do his duty. I have the same 1972 kit , the plastic is great. Step 7 on the poop deck thats not a grating its a skylight, so you have to paint it all glass with a wood frame.
I've picked up an 1/130 Airfix Cutty Sark. It's old. Made in England. The box says "Classic Ship Series 9". Also, it has green instead of blue colour?? You wise fellows have any info ?? I've looked high and low and have come up empty. Cheers!
@MrFumblethumbs. That is the Airfix kit White box with green trim. It’s probably also a 1972 release when they had the different colours on the white boxes
Gday Cap't H. Thunk the banjo needs a little bit of a tune up (especially the 'G' string !) WHAT, NO GERMAN VOICE OVER ! Aaaaagh, must have scared bodoob to change it ! Hahaha, the French still speeds up when you speak faster, -love it 🤣😂😅. I heard lots of "allo's" and "wee's" as you spoke, mmmm, not what you were speaking, though ! Very nice kit this one. My family are becoming concerned I'm being influenced by your channel and the sailing ships. Daughters ask "where you put ship, only planes, dad ?" Merry Christmas, Harry, you too, Bask dercat 👍👍 🇰🇷🇦🇺.
I think this kit is closer to a 1:150 scale rather than 1:180. I'm not entirely sure, but all the measurements I’ve taken indicate that it’s larger than 1:180, roughly around 1:150. I got excited thinking it would match the other 1:150 scale ships I have, so I bought one... I must say that the quality of the new red package contents has absolutely nothing to do with what was shown in the video. After dealing with the ridiculous methods needed to straighten a ship that looked like a bent piece of cheese, and after discovering that none of the masts, anchors, or any other part would fit into place, I gave up on building the kit. For now, I’m satisfying my HMS Victory craving with Revell’s 1:224 scale kit... Still, I hope you build this ship as well; I’d really love to see you complete an HMS Victory...
Remember ship lengths are usually from hull stem post at the water line to the stern post. if you include the beak or bowsprit in your measurements then you will be way out in scale!
England expects that every man will do his duty" was a signal sent by Vice-Admiral of the Royal Navy Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount Nelson, from his flagship HMS Victory as the Battle of Trafalgar was about to commence on 21 October 1805.” Wikipedia
Sure.. as soon as I have completed the Prince, St Louis, Bounty, Amerigo Vespucci, Viking Ship, Warspite, Seydlitz, Deutschland, and Varyag. Shouldn’t take too long :)
@ I shall stay subbed to see it! Had a version of Victory in the 70s, can’t remember what maker but not Airfix, Revel perhaps? Nasty brown plastic. Good luck finishing the rest your vids are always fun to watch.
Simply impossible in these economic times.. they were the world leader in model kits with profits to burn back in the 60s and 70s so could afford vanity projects which would not turn a profit for many years. Now the bean counters at Hornby won’t let that happen.
I remember building this kit in the 1960s with my dad and it was beautiful. I really hope that Airfix is able to retool the Victory soon.
Thanks Harry and happy Christmas.
Cheers
Phil
Don’t hold your breath… Hornby is in financial trouble so Airfix can only spit out sale items they know will sell in huge numbers and can cheaply CAD. Big Sailing Ship Kits are not going to make enough money short term to keep the lights on.
Seasons greetings to you 'ol mate. Love to see that old kits like this make your day.
Go ahead make my…. Model
Great video, Harry.
I visited Victory a few years ago and was told the only original parts from the 18th Century are things like the silverware and crockery. Every part of the actual ship has been replaced at least once.
Also tried to build this kit probably around 1972. I lost a part and sent one of those little slips off to Airfix for the replacement. Still waiting.
They always sent me missing parts even down under to the other side of the world. You have to include a sell addressed and stamped envelope. Did you forget that bit?
I built this boxing of Victory in 1981, and when I saw another one two years later, I was overjoyed and bought it. It's still somewhere in my storeroom. Also Wasa, Discovery, Great Western, Endeavour, Golden Hind, St Louis...just love these Airfix sailing ship kits. Wish you a very Merry Christmas!
Thanks for commenting, Merry Crispness matey
What a beauty! Yep, those old kits are things of wonder. I remember, out of sheer curiosity, buying an original long-box Aurora Black Knight. I wasn't sure what to expect, but, when I opened it up, I was pleasantly surprised. The moulding was so clean and crisp and the detail on the armour was beautiful. Moments later, I saw that there was a Monogram re-issue in stock in their other store. Boy was I glad I didn't get that one! Have a brilliant Christmas, Harry! Hope to see you ship shape and Bristol fashion in the new year.
Yes always find the most original release of a kit when the moulds were new and the injection of the styrene crisp and beautiful.
@@HarryHoudiniModels Yeah, when I have room and time again, I'll see what I can hunt down.
I must admit I tend to look of older Airfix kits to do, now we will all be looking for the Victory, great video wets the appetite, that being so have a few curry's on me and Merry Christmas 🎅🎅🎅
Thanks 👍 for the curries Roger
Nice banjo playing, lots of nice detail on the boat, and lots of tedious work, thank you for update!
I love tedium!
6:50 "England expects that every man will do his duty"; originally Nelson had intended to say "confides" instead of "expects", but someone suggested the change so the message would use less flags and Nelson agreed.
#4 but better explanation
Great review Harry of how Airfix's Victory was when it came out, you definitely hit it off with the quality on this one, night and compared to what poor buyers get now. It's a sad day when a company like Airfix neglects it's mouldings and genre of ship builders to where they are now.
It’s a beauty alright
Awesome find....picked up some ancient but mint condition 1/72 Airfix kits....English Electric Lightning F-1A from 1967 and a Fouga Magister as well as the Panavia M.R C.A. (the Tornado before it was the Tornado) both from 1975
Nice minties
Very nice looking kit. It's always a good thing getting an original boxing.
It certainly is
Great looking kit, Harry. Thanx for sharing.
My pleasure Midnight
Brilliant video Harry and loved the Victory. Shame Airfix always forgot to include the propeller screws though!
Hello there Harry merry Christmas to you and bask the cat. I have happy memories of building the victory back in. The 1960s .anyway mate all the best from here in the UK and happy modelling everyone 👍 🍺🍺🥳🎄⛄️☃️
Good on you Anthony
Thanks again Harry for a wonderful walk down memory lane with added sprinkle of historic nuggets 08) Merry Christmas to you and Co.
History is all I have now. That and my nuggets!
I've just found out how lucky I was. I managed to get a job lot of sailing ships off ebay of a Revell Spanish Galleon (H-367) 1971, Airfix Endeavour 1768 (07251-7) 1976 version and the same HMS Victory for only £56. I also have the Red box version.
One place I would recommend looking for old kits, although the shipping might end up more than the kit, is Kingkit. That's where I find most of my older kits, and they seem to be very reasonable on their pricing.
Great snaffle
England expects that every man will do his duty. Merry Christmas Harry.
…and they did
What a fantastic find Harry! A "time capsule" of ship modeling from the 70's. Visiting the actual Victory is on my "bucket list" before I "kick the bucket". Have you ever reviewed the Revell 1/225 HMS Victory kit? Happy Holidays Harry🎄
Tom S.
No but I have seen others build the Revell new tool Victory and it looks mighty impressive
Thanks for sharing Merry Christmas Harry
Merry Crispness matey
Merry Crispness, Harry.
Thanks
I have the heller 1/100 Victory kit in my stash .
The instructions that come with the kit are not the best .
Just purchased the new recent heller instruction book which is so much easier to understand with regards to the rigging .
So will be making a start very soon 👍
Yes new instructions by new German owners of Heller.. should be precise and orderly ve wantz zem like dat!
Happy Christmas Harry.
Merry Crispness matey
I see you like those older sailing ship models I like the cutty stark never been able to find a large kit though
Revell do a 1/96 scale version of the Cutty Sark, and an even rarer hard to find 1/72 scale version which is over a metre long.
Another FARKing great video Harry
you gotta love a good box opening
It’s all in the way I spread my flaps
@@HarryHoudiniModels yup it's all about those flaps
I recently managed to bag this same white box for a measly £9 the bits are still bagged and the rat lines are flat and undamaged but the box is damaged and the sails and flag sheet is totalled. Still it’s going to be my main project over next year, really looking forward to it.
Nice find!
Hi Harry
Happy new year to you and looking forward to the new presentations.
Can I ask a quick question
What site gives the production run of specific kits
Kind regards 🎅🎅🎅
scalemates.com is useful, but not always 100% accurate. There are fan pages which list model kit first tool dates. I scored a document off an Airfix fan site that has all the kit tool dates back to the 1950’s.
Helluva great find Harry. 😀
I was very lucky :)
@ 👍🏻☺️
HMS Victory...great ship! I remember butchering that very kit many years ago. It looked like a wasp with sails.
As a UK dweller, I was able to visit HMS Vistory, and I actually own a tiny piece of one of her masts, taken off at a renovation in the 70's. I have walked her decks, and seen the spot where Nelson fell.
Not surprised he fell...I nearly tripped over there too. Some idiot nailed a plaque there right where you have to walk.
Mind you...and I blame Harry for this...Santa is bringing me the 1/144th Airfix Wasa. Wanted to build it ever since I saw it in Stockholm. Having seen the Harry method of hull painting, I reckon I might actually be able to do this one justice and build my first plastic sailing ship that wasn't a disaster.
People call me a bloody big planker… at least I think that’s what they say!
Another beauty of a kit, Harry! I have one from 2005. It's ok, not too flashy but no way as good as this one. Great find!
EDIT: I found one Harry, here in the Scotland, on Fleabay! Not a bad price, either. It says complete, but I'll see. Anyways, any bits missing, I'll make my own now thanks to your Blue Stuff tip! Nice seeing Bask popping in to say hello. 😸 Hope you both have a wonderful Christmas and New Year! 👍
Thanks matey, you too
@@HarryHoudiniModels The kit finally arrived. So much better detail on the 70s white box kit and only a tiny bit of flash. For sure, the older the kit, the better where an Airfix Victory is concerned, thanks again for the tip Harry, it wasn't even that expensive either! 👍
Thaught I'd get mine out and play with it at the same time as you Harry. (NO - don't go there!!). I have The Craft Master boxing from the late 60s. The plastic comes in brown. Otherwise it is identical. All the best. Merry Christmas and happy new year matey.
Good on you matey
I've got a 1/48 Special Hobby Re.2000 and a PAG-G tarmac diorama base in the mail today. 🎁
Good for you
I’ve been on the victory Harry love the vid the victory is amazing in Portsmouth have an awesome Christmas 😀
Merry Crispness to you and yours.
I was bought the 3 litre Bentley for Xmas by flash uncle when about eight.Stared at me from top of wardrobe until I found other things to fiddle with in my bedroom alone to pass time.
That kit is worth a pretty penny these days especially in original White Box. I have 2, one of broken bits in a bag, but won’t ever sell mine
@ Even then using vinyl for bonnet straps,I hit the Sea Cadets before being allowed to attempt it.Little did stepdad know his little milk delivery slave was pilfering penny’s to buy tamiya figures while he was on the piss at lunchtime after work.Whayever I bought had to fit inside a new box of figures,so 1/76 trucks and transporters were cleverly packaged alongside the /35 figures ready to wave at him as he was playing crib.Happy Xmas Harry,one day I’ll build a ship promise!
Someone’s already beat me to it but here it is. “England expects that even man will do his duty”
#7
Many thanks for your excellent content over the past year. Always interesting and thought provoking. Nice pantomime references this time and I hope you have a great Christmas and every best wishes for 2025. Please say hi to Mr Buckman be nice to see his return once the rigging has been completed on your excellent models. Best wishes from here in the UK.
Thanks for watching matey
England expects that every man will do his duty. I have the same 1972 kit , the plastic is great. Step 7 on the poop deck thats not a grating its a skylight, so you have to paint it all glass with a wood frame.
I've picked up an 1/130 Airfix Cutty Sark. It's old. Made in England. The box says "Classic Ship Series 9". Also, it has green instead of blue colour?? You wise fellows have any info ?? I've looked high and low and have come up empty. Cheers!
#6
@MrFumblethumbs. That is the Airfix kit White box with green trim. It’s probably also a 1972 release when they had the different colours on the white boxes
Have a great Christmas and all the best for 2025!
Thanks Alison
That was good for me Harry
Satisfaction guaranteed
What a dilemma, mint in box unbuilt? Or the pleasure of the build 🤔🤔 Christmas has arrived early 🎄🎄🎄🎉🎉🎉
It will be built… I am a constructor not a collector
@HarryHoudiniModels Same here Harry, same here👍✌️💜😉
“England expects every man to eat his curry”
That makes more sense!
Nelson's quote before the battle of Trafalgar: England expects that every man will do his duty.
#5
Gday Cap't H. Thunk the banjo needs a little bit of a tune up (especially the 'G' string !) WHAT, NO GERMAN VOICE OVER ! Aaaaagh, must have scared bodoob to change it ! Hahaha, the French still speeds up when you speak faster, -love it 🤣😂😅. I heard lots of "allo's" and "wee's" as you spoke, mmmm, not what you were speaking, though ! Very nice kit this one. My family are becoming concerned I'm being influenced by your channel and the sailing ships. Daughters ask "where you put ship, only planes, dad ?" Merry Christmas, Harry, you too, Bask dercat 👍👍 🇰🇷🇦🇺.
I pulled too hard on G string and got a squeaky voice
I think this kit is closer to a 1:150 scale rather than 1:180. I'm not entirely sure, but all the measurements I’ve taken indicate that it’s larger than 1:180, roughly around 1:150.
I got excited thinking it would match the other 1:150 scale ships I have, so I bought one...
I must say that the quality of the new red package contents has absolutely nothing to do with what was shown in the video. After dealing with the ridiculous methods needed to straighten a ship that looked like a bent piece of cheese, and after discovering that none of the masts, anchors, or any other part would fit into place, I gave up on building the kit. For now, I’m satisfying my HMS Victory craving with Revell’s 1:224 scale kit...
Still, I hope you build this ship as well; I’d really love to see you complete an HMS Victory...
Remember ship lengths are usually from hull stem post at the water line to the stern post. if you include the beak or bowsprit in your measurements then you will be way out in scale!
England expects that every man will do his duty" was a signal sent by Vice-Admiral of the Royal Navy Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount Nelson, from his flagship HMS Victory as the Battle of Trafalgar was about to commence on 21 October 1805.”
Wikipedia
#8
The original rope rigging instead of the plastic tool and cotton a bottle of clear adhesive, which was a disaster waiting to happen.
I have tools that can fix that - houdinimodels.com/tools
The point is Harry, the kit worth more in its box than being built? Merry Christmas bye the way!
The point is Finlay I will build it, I am not a price inflating collector.
England expects every man to do his duty
#2
"England expects that every man will do his duty"
#3
🎅🏻🎅🏻🎅🏻🎅🏻🎅🏻🎅🏻
You had me at emoji
That's a lifetime worth of masking and chipping sponge in those packages.
If only I still built armour… lol
England expects that every man will do his duty.
Also will you build it anytime soon?
Sure.. as soon as I have completed the Prince, St Louis, Bounty, Amerigo Vespucci, Viking Ship, Warspite, Seydlitz, Deutschland, and Varyag. Shouldn’t take too long :)
@ I shall stay subbed to see it! Had a version of Victory in the 70s, can’t remember what maker but not Airfix, Revel perhaps? Nasty brown plastic. Good luck finishing the rest your vids are always fun to watch.
Unfortunately Airfix have no plans for any new ship kits just re-issues of old moldings .
Simply impossible in these economic times.. they were the world leader in model kits with profits to burn back in the 60s and 70s so could afford vanity projects which would not turn a profit for many years. Now the bean counters at Hornby won’t let that happen.
@@HarryHoudiniModels it's more to do with the terrible state of Hornby finance. Airfix is profitable but the Hornby model side is bleeding money.
Oh vindalu.
I am more a Sagwalla or Jalfrezi man myself
@HarryHoudiniModels Eggplant Tikka once in a while, too.