Hi Stephen 
Another great choice of kit.
I have this one in the stash also so l will be following along to see how you handle Airfix’s inconsistent moulding quality 
1 Like
Thanks.
The only bad part I found on this was the cowling and I think that was caused by the moulds not coming together properly. I’ve got a couple more of these I need to check if they have the same issue. I’m very surprised that no one has a made a resin aftermarket replacement.
2 Likes
I hear ya… There’s quite a few parts in the Swordfish that are mysterious blobs and could do with aftermarket 3d prints… but who can afford it these days 
1 Like
They can be inconsistent with the quality, although they have gotten better. The switch to the darker grey plastic has helped, the lighter and softer plastic seemed to be a bit more ‘squidgy’ with details.
The Kate is a beautiful kit if you ever get one of those. I can’t find any faults with that one. I may crack on with one of those after the Zero.
1 Like
hehe… yep, I’ve got the Kate in the stash also… 
Best kit I’ve found from Airfix, and by far the most enjoyable was their 1/72 Gloster Gladiator… molded in the softer light grey plastic, but definitely found it to be among their best…
It’s good that they are moving into the better quality plastic which will definitely lift their kits up in quality… The soft stuff flows into the molds too easily resulting in most of the parts needing heavy clean up…
Yes, please add the Kate to this blog as soon as possible-would make a great back to back build
1 Like
I’ll have to make a start as I’ve been putting it off for a while. And the re-release is making me think of picking up another to do as one of the torpedo bombers at Pearl.
But, I do have that Blenheim I’ve got to get finished up as well.
1 Like
The KV masks are a bit hit and miss. I came back to it earlier today to find the ones over the top of the canopy had peeled. Seem to stick well to flat surfaces but not curved. Had to peel them off and use them as templates on some Tamiya tape.
3 Likes
Well, the KV masks are rubbish. Most have peeled and even after pushing them down I got a lot of bleed underneath when I painted the frames in black. Luckily it’s all acrylic so will clean up easily.
I’m just going to get some tried and tested Eduard I think.
2 Likes
Good move Stephen…
Vinyl masks aren’t worth the effort in my humble opinion…
1 Like
Yep, I remember it being a problem with the original Eduard vinyls. Should’ve remembered that. I actually don’t remember buying this particular set as it’s been in the drawer for ages. They worked fine on the flats, it’s curves it doesn’t like!
New set arrived yesterday. Not an Eduard but the same kabuki tape so should work better.
1 Like