They initially re-released Academy stuff, but lately we have had the new Cromwell (intended to replace the old Tamiya one - accuracy lessons learned by Airfix there), then the Austin K2 and now the Ferret. The K2 is better than Gecko’s IMHO, having seen both.
None of their releases are the usual Panther, Tiger, Sherman, etc, “Safe bets” and all very, very welcome. So let us hope this is a new direction for them. There are a lot of less “Safe” options not yet in styrene to keep the designers busy for years, especially Cold War vehicles like their home country stuff - CVR(t) variants, Fox, etc, and also plenty from abroad like the HS. 30.
It’s just so long awaited and at a sensible price …only other game in town is the AA resin one and at nearly £70 it’s a lot of money… And a lot of us sad old Brits worked around them or in them …
Been on my wish list since I migrated from short pants. There are a lot of people like me. The Ferret was iconic, used by so many nations, so it appeals to so many.
Very nice …and flick flacks attempted … And failed miserably… Will have to contend myself with a big grin …
Will probably still need the generic UN decal sheet from AA …
I thought the white and BATUS wagons would appeal to you If I didn’t have a specific wagon to model I think I would have gone for the BATUS colour scheme as it is so different.
I note that Airfix are somewhat adrift in their unit identity for the UN version, attributing it to “5th Parachute Brigade c.1974”. There was no such formation at that time; 16 Parachute Brigade was still in existence. 5 Airborne Brigade didn’t appear in the Army’s Order of Battle until 1983.
As to whether or not 16 Para deployed to Cyrpus and assumed the UN role, I have no idea but it is extremely unlikely; the UNFICYP roulement role was well established at that time, so I’m assuming either mis-identification from Airfix, or a little bit of fiction.
Anyway, all neither here nor there in a way, I’m looking forward to the kit as much as the next man.
RUC had 11 ferrets, used briefly in 1966 and replaced by the Shorland. RUC ferrets kept the all-over standard army green (no black in the paint scheme then I think). Also had the army reg. numbers painted above the driver’s position.
Surely looking forward to this one too! “New” Airfix seems to be far less clunky and better fitting than “old” Airfix. I hope they thinned down those visor covers from what they presented in the CADS. This has the potential to be a brilliant kit and a best seller. I’m sure if there are any clunky parts the 3D guys will come to the rescue straight away.
73 we took our own ferrets (Mk4s) over with us,76 they came from a vehicle pool (Mk2/3) and were just handed over to the next unit! If memory serves these were painted overall green.