Airfix

[Gondor]

I wonder if they'll finally include an option for the retractable rocket packs??

Doesn't look like it as the section of fuselage where the rocket packs were was also able to carry either a reconnaissance pack or the Fire-steak or Red-top missile support equipment. The picture shows slots for the missile pylons so the answer would be no but there is no reason you could not build the packs yourself, or maybe Colin could provide both the reconnaissance and rocket packs?

Gondor

[JayBee]

I wonder if they'll finally include an option for the retractable rocket packs??

That would only be applicable if they were intending to sell the kit as an F53/F53(K).

but then, What If ! 

[The Wooksta!]

Capn, I'd sell the Trumpeter ones off whilst you can.  Judging by the srpue shots, they're obsolete.

And looking at those sprue shots, the cable ducting is separate, as is the forward belly tank.  F6 coming for sure, although you could just extend the ducting yourself and go with the gunless tank for an early one.

[Captain Canada]

Good enough for whif fodder.....but like I said, they might be sitting a wee bit longer ( as in forever ) once I get my hands on a few of the new Airfix kits !

[rickshaw]

I wonder if they'll finally include an option for the retractable rocket packs??

Doesn't look like it as the section of fuselage where the rocket packs were was also able to carry either a reconnaissance pack or the Fire-steak or Red-top missile support equipment. The picture shows slots for the missile pylons so the answer would be no but there is no reason you could not build the packs yourself, or maybe Colin could provide both the reconnaissance and rocket packs?

Gondor

My understanding was that unless the packs were being rearmed/serviced or fired, they were closed.  So, really all you need do is fill in the slots for the pylons and scribe a central line down the middle and say, "well, that one is armed with the microcell launchers!"  It's a shame that Odds & Ordnance aren't presently trading 'cause they did a lovely looking Lightning Armament set, including bomb racks, mixed drop tanks and rocket launchers and Firestreaks and Red Tops.

[Supertom]

Wow.  Might have to get me a case!

[Dizzyfugu]

That's good news! Nice to see that Airfix finally pumps out GOOD kits. The Gladiator is a charm, and this Lightning looks VERY good, too! 

[NARSES2]

That's good news! Nice to see that Airfix finally pumps out GOOD kits. The Gladiator is a charm, and this Lightning looks VERY good, too! 

Yup since their rebirth under Humbrol they have maintained a steady improvement in kit quality and are now up there with the best in my view. They've also brought in some quite innovative construction techniques/sequence which I for one haven't seen before. I've had to read the instructions and follow them for Gordon's sake 

Personally I just wish they'd find a way of marking some of the re-boxings so as to warn the unwary that they are older toolings. If a kid builds a new tool Typhoon and then picks up the Helldiver say it could be a shock to the system  ?

[Captain Canada]

Up there with the best ? They are the best ! Plastic medium is perfect....not to hard, not too soft ( well, maybe a little soft  ) More than enough detail. The proper subjects....attractive boxings....and the price ? Wow.

[Father Ennis]

You have hit the nail on the head there ,brother...

[Army of One]

Agreed....now if they could just see to the pressing matter of 1/48 new tools of the Mi24 Mi28 and Ka50.... I'd be very happy.......

[lancer]

Agreed....now if they could just see to the pressing matter of 1/48 new tools of the Mi24 Mi28 and Ka50.... I'd be very happy.......

Nopw....The ONE TRUE SCALE first if you don't mind.....

[Steel Penguin]

the one true scale  what 28mm?   

[Spey_Phantom]

From the Airfix Facebook page 

Two weeks to go before we need to finish the 2014 Catalogue and have it ready to go to print. Unfortunately there appears to be four weeks work involved!

[PR19_Kit]

From the Airfix Facebook page 

Two weeks to go before we need to finish the 2014 Catalogue and have it ready to go to print. Unfortunately there appears to be four weeks work involved!

Sounds about normal to me...........