The 'REAL' reason there are no new ship kits from Airfix

Summary

In this video, Jason from Model Kitto explores why Airfix has not released new ship kits recently and what the future might hold. He explains the strong demand for British ship models and the limitations of competitors, then shares insights from Dale Lockhurst, Airfix’s Head of Brand. The discussion highlights financial constraints at the parent company level, risk-averse project selection, and the challenges of updating older kits like HMS Victory. Despite the lack of new releases, Airfix remains respected for its high-quality, accurate ship kits, leaving hope for future British ship models when market conditions improve.

Takeaways

• 😀 Airfix has not released new ship kits for a while due to financial risk considerations within the Hornby Hobbies group, despite Airfix itself being healthy.
• 😀 Airfix focuses on low-risk projects that are more likely to sell, which currently does not favor many ship models.
• 😀 British model ship kits are limited, and Airfix ships cater to a market interested in historically significant British ships.
• 😀 There is still a strong demand for ship kits among hobbyists, with over 56% of the video creator's subscribers building ships primarily.
• 😀 Other manufacturers like Trumpeter are prolific in producing ship kits, mainly for the Pacific market, but often lack historical accuracy.
• 😀 Airfix ship kits are praised for their high detail and accuracy compared to competitors like Trumpeter, even if some older kits are soft-molded.
• 😀 Notable Airfix ship kits, such as HMS Illustrious and Daring-class Destroyer, remain highly valued and collectible.
• 😀 Re-releasing or retooling older kits like HMS Victory is considered risky due to declining sales, despite historical research enabling improvements.
• 😀 There is a market gap for modern, high-quality British ship kits, which Airfix could fill if financial conditions improve.
• 😀 Airfix may produce new ship kits in the future, but for now, their focus is on lower-risk releases and maintaining business sustainability.

Q & A

Why hasn't Airfix released new ship models recently?

The main reason Airfix hasn't released new ship models recently is due to financial struggles within the larger Hornby Hobbies group, which affects their ability to invest in higher-risk projects, like developing new ship kits. They are focusing on lower-risk products that ensure better returns.

What does Dale Lockhurst say about the current financial situation of Airfix?

Dale Lockhurst explains that while Airfix itself is doing well and is profitable, the broader Hornby Hobbies group is financially struggling. This limits the amount of money available for Airfix to spend on new tooling and other expenses, forcing them to prioritize more commercially viable products.

How does Airfix's ship modeling compare to other manufacturers like Trumpeter?

Airfix's ship models are generally regarded as superior to other manufacturers like Trumpeter. For example, Airfix's *HMS Daring Class Destroyer* is considered more accurate and detailed compared to Trumpeter’s version, which has been criticized for mistakes and poor research.

What is Airfix’s approach to risk when deciding on new models?

Airfix’s approach is to focus on low-risk, high-return projects. Given the financial constraints, they are more likely to invest in products that have a proven market demand, like the *Leander* kit, rather than a ship kit that may not sell well or requires expensive retooling.

Why is the *HMS Victory* kit so important to Airfix?

The *HMS Victory* kit holds a special place in Airfix's history because it has been in continuous production since the 1970s. It’s one of the company’s most iconic models and a significant part of their ship modeling legacy. However, despite its historical importance, retooling it is considered too risky due to declining sales.

What are some of the issues with the current *HMS Victory* model?

The *HMS Victory* model, originally released in the 1970s, has several issues. The molding is outdated, leading to flash and inaccuracies. Additionally, recent research on the real ship, including refurbishments, has revealed that certain details in the model, such as davits and color schemes, are incorrect.

Why are some modelers still interested in the older *HMS Victory* kits?

Despite its age and inaccuracies, modelers are still interested in older *HMS Victory* kits due to their historical significance and sentimental value. Many modelers built this kit in their youth, and it continues to be a nostalgic and sought-after piece, often selling for high prices on platforms like eBay.

How does Airfix plan to deal with financial struggles in the future?

Airfix plans to continue focusing on more commercially viable projects until the financial situation improves. They are hoping that when the financial conditions of the Hornby Hobbies group stabilize, they will have the opportunity to reintroduce ship kits with updated tooling and technology.

What role does market demand play in Airfix’s decisions about new models?

Market demand plays a critical role in Airfix's decisions. The company uses a formula to determine whether a model is worth developing, asking questions like whether the ship has been recently released by other manufacturers and whether there’s room in the market for new versions. Without sufficient demand, Airfix will not risk releasing a new ship kit.

Could Airfix revisit its ship model production in the future?

Yes, Airfix may revisit ship models in the future, particularly when the financial situation improves. There’s still a strong demand for British ships, and if Airfix can produce these kits with their current, higher-quality molding and tooling standards, they would likely find a receptive market.