I think I may as it is the right sort of oddball I like. A bit of work and maybe stealing some parts from other kits and it could look nice with things like the lightning prototype. Nice build.
I remember purchasing this kit in the mid sixties with some of my pocket money at the age of about 8 or 9. It came as a bagged kit for a shilling (which was to become 5p) and I can confirm that I found the build fun. I, of course, did not care about accuracy and I don't think paint even formed part of the plan - it never did, until a little later. Little did we know, at the time, just how important the type was to become (as the Harrier) to the world of aviation.
I recently picked up two of these. Yes, it's basic, but that's not really a problem. One will probably be used to make a Kestrel, the other I'm looking at converting into a P1127-37, which was a proposed two seat version that was never built.
I very much intend to get this to complete my Harrier collection, regardless of its issues! I love all kits, even the iffy older ones. Though I keep feeling rather alone in my fondness for raised rivets and panel lines - you and many others seem to make sanding them away into a religion! 🥲 Very nice build. You did a great job working around those fit issues!
Just built this kit - and really enjoyed it. I built up the nose and wing roots with milliput - but set wings back a few millimeters to correct the shark tooth prominence! lots of sanding and a well painted pilot made for a pretty little model!
even with the modern stuff they have qc issues....i bought their Mig-17 and no decals included and i bought the P-40 staryer set (the release with the accessories in the box rather than in the plastic covering on the box) and when i opned the box after i got home EVERYTHING was missing except the kit
I love the Harrier, with over 30 kits scattered about the place. I've been waiting for a review of the kit since I read that it was being re-released so I'm simply happy to hear its not a complete dog.
I tried and failed! I agree with all your comments and the solutions have inspired me to have another go, at £6.99 why not? QC issues on mine too with a missing part, luckily one of the alternative noses.
I love the fact that Airfix rerelease their classic kits unmolested as for many of us its nice to go back and build what we cut our teeth on. We could either try and build them as we did back then or see how we could have built the with the glues paints etc we use today. However, when we look back to better days, ?, We tend to look at them though rose tinted glasses, so i think shows like this are a good reminder of what we are going to be faced with, walts and all. Therefore i think that true and honest opinions are important. I wonder how many people tried or actually built the belvedere back in the day and havent touched a helicopter since. I'm sure many having seen the build may well, appreciate the issues pointed out and have figured out ways around the shortfalls and have indeed produced a good final result.
The Belvedere always was a bit of a stinker but the model was very much of its time and remains, as far as I know, the only kit ever produced of what was for a time the RAF`s main heavy lift helicopter until they got the Puma and Chinook. This one was Airfix`s first attempt at modeling what was always considered a rather "cool" plane and modeling it accurately was always going to be a problem as the original subject itself was going through some major design changes when the model was originally released.
Nice build, looking forward to doing my own Xmas gifts pending! As regards the canopy being oversize, if you study the image at timestamp 17:16, the framing looks like it IS too big on the prototype, just a thought
It's not a really bad kit. You have nice result. If you approach this kit with realistic expectations and understand when it was tooled. The lack of surface detail is the one thing that bothers me about it. But since it is a classic entry level kit I understand and accept it's short comings.
Hello mr. Mann!nice little build.serms2me like a nice mojo build for in between.keep the faith!with best regards and sticky greetings from Brandenburg germany.faithfully yours.your modellmate.christian
Absolutely hate reviews like this as it suddenly makes me feel my age! Can just about remember seeing this on a Pathé newsreel at the cinema and also the Kestrel. Another great review/build. The price seems very good compared to some other Classics and is a reasonable kit too.
I missed this last night.. nice review. The Belvedere was indeed a stinker.. this on the other hand is more what I've come to expect from a Vintage Classic. A bit like me.. showing its age but generally not bad. Actually it's ageing better than me! *lol*
Excellent review. I guess if you want to build a P1127 this is your best option. I like it because it's a stripped back "bare- bones" prototype aircraft. Ideally I would have liked to have seen more refined surface detail because it is so basic. But that was never going to happen with a kit of this age. I'd probably finish it in dull aluminium more like the box art.
Pretty sure my original I built 50+ years ago was in a plastic bag clipped together at 5he top with the instructions. For some reason I painted it Red!
Alex, you were very kind about this kit, still not great but not terrible either. When there are so many other better kits for little more, they just don’t float my boat but as a nostalgia build, will interest some.
Sucks that's it's a model kit as advertised not the Replica you and folks like you demand/expect. Replicas would cost $300+ and they do make them, might be a better option for you as models that require effort seem to cause mental pain for many.
Interesting that the decals now give you serials for both the P 1127 prototypes. The original version gave you serials for 831 which was a P 1127 and 972 which was a Kestrel. The kit`s optional parts sort of give you the choice of building a Kestrel but the wings would need to be reworked/ replaced with a Harrier wing to get a reasonable Kestrel model.
I don't understand the lack of a flight stand in a kit like this. How much could it cost to add one? Yet it would be appreciated by many who would buy this, whether kids, or nostalgia builders. Thanks for the review. If possible, I'd appreciate a "macro" shot of the main panel surfaces to have a look at the rivets and panels.
For those of you that think this may be a lot of work, I suggest you try making a Mark 1 Models Harrier first. You will never complain about another Harrier kit again. Or any other kit, for that matter.
So only chace for this kit is if it has fully accurate silhouette so you can buy almost everything from aftermarket and scratch build rest ;-) Or if you are nostalgic and you will have it straight from the box. I see no middle option.
@@tomroland5467 thanks Tom, a bit of a leg for me but its probably the nearest. I'm interested in modelling the prototype doing "tethered trials" at Dunsfold but I need some pictures if anyone has any clues. I think that would show another aspect of aeroplanes.
@@jameswoollard84 Nope, this was delivered direct from Hornby to my shop, and the box was sealed, but not the internal bag - that's a production QC issue
I’m sure a lot of people were put off from modelling due to the poor fit of parts they thought they weren’t any good, but in fact it was the kits fault
Your comments about airfix qc issues are sadly echoed across most of hornby, especially their railway range, which cost a heck of a lot in comparison with airfix kits. Apparently hornby plans to exit China and move the railway range to India ( no doubt they'll run into some problems exporting tooling, so it will take a while). One of the biggest criticisms has been the use of multiple Chinese factories leading to different model batches having different paint shades and other details differences. Whether having one factory in India will resolve this i don't know, but currently there's a lot of anti hornby sentiment due to their qc failures compared with relatively new entrants to the market offering better qc and lower prices. Hornby has been financially struggling for a while and if they don't fix things there's a real chance of them going bust. They i think are just too big now and would be better divesting of everything not uk railway, airfix and scalectrix as that seems to have a decent following still and maybe corgi. Everything else get rid.
Bad kit, badly moulded. I am sure it can be made much better if you want to put in the effort, but this is NOT one for kids or those not comfortable with scratch building if you want anything more. Probably not something I would pick up.But I would be more likely to buy the theoretical 'premium' version without the horridly badly fitting canopy.
Soon as I heard the accent I knew this was a rivet counter who only complains. Applaud yourself because folks like you nearly destroyed the Hobby by chasing people away with the crying, complaining and expectation it's supposed to be a detailed Replica instead of the basic model it is. Do everyone the favor and find a new hobby that doesn't cause you so much stress and tears. You'll be far happier buying $300 replicas.
As soon as I saw your comment, I knew this was an idiot that didn't watch the video. Applaud yourself because you're so dumb that you make assumptions which are the exact opposite of the truth because of your idiotic preconceptions and lack of imagination. Do everyone a favour and find a new hobby where moaning fools like you are tolerated. You'll be far happier in a den of trolls where you belong.
That's harsh! MMM has plenty of subscribers that enjoy his objective and evidence based reviews and builds. He is well respected in the community and the comments here reflect this. The hobby is vibrant. We all build for different reasons. I'm not a purist and after returning to the hobby ten years ago after near 40 year gap, I just build to enjoy. It's all about the process and journey and as long as I'm happy with the finished product, that's all that counts. If you took time to look at these videos you will glean a myriad of tips to enhance your modelling. The TH-cam modelling community are very supportive as are the forums. I don't mind rivets, some do. I'm not an advanced modeller so I will keep them in. People can critique in an objective way, just to point potential issues to the rest of us. You have a right to disagree but to do it with such vitriol is a poor show. I hope you can find time to reflect on your comments. No one is getting chased away by MMM
Will you pick up this happy hoverer? Let me know in the comments below!
I think I may as it is the right sort of oddball I like. A bit of work and maybe stealing some parts from other kits and it could look nice with things like the lightning prototype. Nice build.
I remember purchasing this kit in the mid sixties with some of my pocket money at the age of about 8 or 9. It came as a bagged kit for a shilling (which was to become 5p) and I can confirm that I found the build fun. I, of course, did not care about accuracy and I don't think paint even formed part of the plan - it never did, until a little later. Little did we know, at the time, just how important the type was to become (as the Harrier) to the world of aviation.
First kit I ever built. One of the old bagged type, bought from Woolworth on a Friday after school.
Those were the days
As a kid of the 60s, who built my first models back then, I agree 100% with what you say about what the VC range could be..
Who would believe..when l was a kid (Born 1946 UK) it was a fun thing to do.Now its an Art Form! That's a good thing.This guy makes it so. Great job!
I recently picked up two of these. Yes, it's basic, but that's not really a problem. One will probably be used to make a Kestrel, the other I'm looking at converting into a P1127-37, which was a proposed two seat version that was never built.
I very much intend to get this to complete my Harrier collection, regardless of its issues! I love all kits, even the iffy older ones. Though I keep feeling rather alone in my fondness for raised rivets and panel lines - you and many others seem to make sanding them away into a religion! 🥲
Very nice build. You did a great job working around those fit issues!
Just built this kit - and really enjoyed it. I built up the nose and wing roots with milliput - but set wings back a few millimeters to correct the shark tooth prominence! lots of sanding and a well painted pilot made for a pretty little model!
Sounds great!
even with the modern stuff they have qc issues....i bought their Mig-17 and no decals included and i bought the P-40 staryer set (the release with the accessories in the box rather than in the plastic covering on the box) and when i opned the box after i got home EVERYTHING was missing except the kit
The P.1127 is such an elegant little aircraft, it deserves a better tooling.
Nice build showing how these old kits can be improved
I love the Harrier, with over 30 kits scattered about the place. I've been waiting for a review of the kit since I read that it was being re-released so I'm simply happy to hear its not a complete dog.
I tried and failed! I agree with all your comments and the solutions have inspired me to have another go, at £6.99 why not?
QC issues on mine too with a missing part, luckily one of the alternative noses.
This turned out pretty good. I always thin out trailing edges on old kits.
I love the fact that Airfix rerelease their classic kits unmolested as for many of us its nice to go back and build what we cut our teeth on. We could either try and build them as we did back then or see how we could have built the with the glues paints etc we use today. However, when we look back to better days, ?, We tend to look at them though rose tinted glasses, so i think shows like this are a good reminder of what we are going to be faced with, walts and all. Therefore i think that true and honest opinions are important. I wonder how many people tried or actually built the belvedere back in the day and havent touched a helicopter since. I'm sure many having seen the build may well, appreciate the issues pointed out and have figured out ways around the shortfalls and have indeed produced a good final result.
The Belvedere always was a bit of a stinker but the model was very much of its time and remains, as far as I know, the only kit ever produced of what was for a time the RAF`s main heavy lift helicopter until they got the Puma and Chinook. This one was Airfix`s first attempt at modeling what was always considered a rather "cool" plane and modeling it accurately was always going to be a problem as the original subject itself was going through some major design changes when the model was originally released.
I had this kit in the 90's and while it is good for a kid or an expert, it was beyond my skills to make an acceptable model.
Nice build, looking forward to doing my own Xmas gifts pending! As regards the canopy being oversize, if you study the image at timestamp 17:16, the framing looks like it IS too big on the prototype, just a thought
I remember watching the 1127 being shown in a transmission from Farnborough in the 60s, it was like something from another planet - as was the Skyvan!
It's not a really bad kit. You have nice result. If you approach this kit with realistic expectations and understand when it was tooled. The lack of surface detail is the one thing that bothers me about it. But since it is a classic entry level kit I understand and accept it's short comings.
Hello mr. Mann!nice little build.serms2me like a nice mojo build for in between.keep the faith!with best regards and sticky greetings from Brandenburg germany.faithfully yours.your modellmate.christian
Absolutely hate reviews like this as it suddenly makes me feel my age! Can just about remember seeing this on a Pathé newsreel at the cinema and also the Kestrel. Another great review/build. The price seems very good compared to some other Classics and is a reasonable kit too.
That was one of the first models I built sometime in the 1970's, probably 1975-76.
I remember building these old Airfix kits back in the 70s. Just for fun back then,no difference nowdays i think.
Looks a lot better than the one that's been languishing on my bench for nigh on 10 years now.
I'd happily have a go at this!
I missed this last night.. nice review. The Belvedere was indeed a stinker.. this on the other hand is more what I've come to expect from a Vintage Classic. A bit like me.. showing its age but generally not bad. Actually it's ageing better than me! *lol*
First model kit I ever made tube cement fogged canopy and all aged seven
Excellent review. I guess if you want to build a P1127 this is your best option. I like it because it's a stripped back "bare- bones" prototype aircraft. Ideally I would have liked to have seen more refined surface detail because it is so basic. But that was never going to happen with a kit of this age. I'd probably finish it in dull aluminium more like the box art.
yeah - a new clear - I might get one to go next to my 2013 tooled harrier....
Nice build! 😊👍👍👍
Thanks!
Pretty sure my original I built 50+ years ago was in a plastic bag clipped together at 5he top with the instructions. For some reason I painted it Red!
Looks like a P1127 to me - well one of them And they were hand built 😉😉
As the basis for a Kestrel it could be marked up as part of the Tri-partite unit. Anglo-French-German. At a guess this might give increased sales?
Fantastic work. I just prefer not to do 1/72 scale. But your finished model looks unbelievable.
Thank you very much!
A very fair review Alex and well done on the build.
Alex, you were very kind about this kit, still not great but not terrible either. When there are so many other better kits for little more, they just don’t float my boat but as a nostalgia build, will interest some.
Sucks that's it's a model kit as advertised not the Replica you and folks like you demand/expect. Replicas would cost $300+ and they do make them, might be a better option for you as models that require effort seem to cause mental pain for many.
No nose weight? Nice build. I did the GR1 kit and it was fun to build though the mold is not as old.
None needed!
Interesting that the decals now give you serials for both the P 1127 prototypes. The original version gave you serials for 831 which was a P 1127 and 972 which was a Kestrel. The kit`s optional parts sort of give you the choice of building a Kestrel but the wings would need to be reworked/ replaced with a Harrier wing to get a reasonable Kestrel model.
@@AbelMcTalisker It would be cool if Airfix tooled modern kits of P1172 and Kestrel, since they have a newer Harrier.
Well done for persevering,it reminds me of a cheap diecast model from Hong Kong of some dodgy bloke on Burslem outdoor market.
I don't understand the lack of a flight stand in a kit like this. How much could it cost to add one? Yet it would be appreciated by many who would buy this, whether kids, or nostalgia builders.
Thanks for the review. If possible, I'd appreciate a "macro" shot of the main panel surfaces to have a look at the rivets and panels.
@lllordllloyd it's because its airfix and they don't care
For those of you that think this may be a lot of work, I suggest you try making a Mark 1 Models Harrier first. You will never complain about another Harrier kit again. Or any other kit, for that matter.
I've just started mine it was covered in flash in areas.
So how much does this 60 year old kit that originally came in a bag for 1/6d cost now?
£6.99
So only chace for this kit is if it has fully accurate silhouette so you can buy almost everything from aftermarket and scratch build rest ;-) Or if you are nostalgic and you will have it straight from the box. I see no middle option.
Looks like a fair review. Do you know where/if one of these still exists? A look at the real thing is extremely good research.
I think I've answered my own question with a quick look at Wiki.
I've been to see the Kestrel at the Fleet Air Arm Museum, it's easy to have a good look around it. It's not quite original however.
@@tomroland5467 thanks Tom, a bit of a leg for me but its probably the nearest.
I'm interested in modelling the prototype doing "tethered trials" at Dunsfold but I need some pictures if anyone has any clues. I think that would show another aspect of aeroplanes.
Remember this one from The Saint....😎
I mean, if it wasn't sealed it could have been opened at any stage of the supply chain including in a delivery depot or in a shop.
@@jameswoollard84 Nope, this was delivered direct from Hornby to my shop, and the box was sealed, but not the internal bag - that's a production QC issue
I’m sure a lot of people were put off from modelling due to the poor fit of parts they thought they weren’t any good, but in fact it was the kits fault
Half temted yo get this
Your comments about airfix qc issues are sadly echoed across most of hornby, especially their railway range, which cost a heck of a lot in comparison with airfix kits.
Apparently hornby plans to exit China and move the railway range to India ( no doubt they'll run into some problems exporting tooling, so it will take a while). One of the biggest criticisms has been the use of multiple Chinese factories leading to different model batches having different paint shades and other details differences. Whether having one factory in India will resolve this i don't know, but currently there's a lot of anti hornby sentiment due to their qc failures compared with relatively new entrants to the market offering better qc and lower prices.
Hornby has been financially struggling for a while and if they don't fix things there's a real chance of them going bust. They i think are just too big now and would be better divesting of everything not uk railway, airfix and scalectrix as that seems to have a decent following still and maybe corgi. Everything else get rid.
I’d love to know which of the many brands they have actually make money? And why the persist in keeping loss making brands or items going.
@@akula9713 their accounts are published and publicly available.
Can't be as bad as the Belvedere......or can it?
Bad kit, badly moulded. I am sure it can be made much better if you want to put in the effort, but this is NOT one for kids or those not comfortable with scratch building if you want anything more. Probably not something I would pick up.But I would be more likely to buy the theoretical 'premium' version without the horridly badly fitting canopy.
@@Flakmagnet1701 well, I obviously don't agree, as stated in the video, but each to their own!
I would never buy this kit!
These early kits do require some care Its all good l'm part of that past..
kit is hopeless, nostalgia is only reason to buy it
Soon as I heard the accent I knew this was a rivet counter who only complains. Applaud yourself because folks like you nearly destroyed the Hobby by chasing people away with the crying, complaining and expectation it's supposed to be a detailed Replica instead of the basic model it is. Do everyone the favor and find a new hobby that doesn't cause you so much stress and tears. You'll be far happier buying $300 replicas.
As soon as I saw your comment, I knew this was an idiot that didn't watch the video. Applaud yourself because you're so dumb that you make assumptions which are the exact opposite of the truth because of your idiotic preconceptions and lack of imagination. Do everyone a favour and find a new hobby where moaning fools like you are tolerated. You'll be far happier in a den of trolls where you belong.
That's harsh! MMM has plenty of subscribers that enjoy his objective and evidence based reviews and builds. He is well respected in the community and the comments here reflect this. The hobby is vibrant. We all build for different reasons. I'm not a purist and after returning to the hobby ten years ago after near 40 year gap, I just build to enjoy. It's all about the process and journey and as long as I'm happy with the finished product, that's all that counts. If you took time to look at these videos you will glean a myriad of tips to enhance your modelling. The TH-cam modelling community are very supportive as are the forums. I don't mind rivets, some do. I'm not an advanced modeller so I will keep them in. People can critique in an objective way, just to point potential issues to the rest of us. You have a right to disagree but to do it with such vitriol is a poor show. I hope you can find time to reflect on your comments. No one is getting chased away by MMM
@@johnworts2178 Thank you! Some people are just trolls, unfortunately....I don't suffer fools, and will give as good as I get!!
Good review , but does not appear to be in your shop?
@@organicpaul it is but not currently on the website - will put it on tomorrow!