Price around: £14.99 GBP
Product Ref: A04701
Review by Geoff Coughlin (December 2013)
Our thanks to Airfix for supplying our review sample, get this kit here now at: www.airfix.com
A little bit of background…
This release is part of the Airfix range of Operation Herrick Afghanistan kits, enabling the builder to build a comprehensive range of dioramas and settings using multiple options of products in this Airfix range of kits. Here you have the British Forces Quad Bikes and Crew to go with your Warrior, Coyote, Jackal, Snatch Land Rovers and figures – all are reviewed in your Here Now area of SMN, or will be imminently. We have also reviewed and continue to the Photo Etched (PE) detail sets as they become available so keep an eye on that area of Here Now.
You get 4 new crew figures to go with your two Quad Bikes and trailers that accompany them and the figures are moulded in realistic poses and feature good levels of detail from their battledress to the kit they carry.
The kit moulding
So, the Quad Bikes, trailers and crew is a valuable addition to the range and a timely addition to the Airfix Lynx AH7 and Merlin HC3 helicopter kits available now. Add to that the vehicles and figures mentioned above like those we’ve already reviewed: British Forces Infantry Patrol, Snatch Land Rovers, Jackal and Coyote vehicles and you’ll have great modelling opportunities as you cross-kit these sets – superb stuff!
So what is this set like?
Well, you’ll see from the accompanying photos that you get two Quad Bikes, two trailers and four crew, a fair amount of plastic for your money. Closely looking at the parts the detail is good on the bikes with the chassis featuring finely engraved and raised detail.
Wheel hub detail is also very clean and crisp – this is looking like a very nice addition to this British Forces Afghanistan range.
Separate stretchers are a nice touch and definitely add to the overall effect.
Instructions and decals
The small decal sheet looks fine and as you can see includes the usual registration plate and insignia – quality looks fine too.
To conclude
I am very impressed with what is a neat addition to the Airfix ‘Operation Herrick Afghanistan’ range. The fact is you are getting a new-tool decent quality moulding in a kit that is well detailed; yes, there is a little excess flash (perhaps too much for some), but so what, this is minimal in my opinion and doesn’t detract too much from the model as it’s easily removed as the plastic is quite soft.
Co-ordinating the release to compliment multiple types is a new and innovative approach that’s great for modellers. 1:48 scale is extremely popular now, especially amongst armour modellers and deserves to sell well and undoubtedly will, of that, I’m sure. This package offers great value for money in my opinion.
Keep an eye on Finished Now to see some of these models and sets completed.
Recommended
Geoff C.
SMN Quick summary Star rating out of 5
| FEATURE | STAR RATING (out of five) |
|---|---|
| Quality of moulding | ***** |
| Accuracy | ***** |
| Instructions | ***** |
| Decals | ***** |
| Subject choice | ***** |
| Overall | ***** |