Has Airfix lost it?

[Airframes]

I agree with both; Marek, because yes, we have to move on, and not live with a 'Ah, those were the days' attitude, and Daniel because he's right - it's down to 'grab a higher bottom line for the next five year plan; I don't care about the results, or the loyal customer base that will be lost. I'll have moved to a higher position in another company by then. Didn't I do well' syndrome in parts of the business world.
I appreciate that business is business, and share holders, and financers, need to be satisfied. But, with the attitude of some companies, where morals don't exist, the 'profit above all' ethos will kill those companies eventually, to the loss of both the share holders and financers and, of course, the customers.
There is no reason that a company can not make a healthy profit, and keep the customer base happy; if the planning is right first time, and the product is good enough to warrant an acceptable (not inflated) price, then the sales, turnover etc should follow. The model kit industry has again reached a time of boom, even allowing for a world recession, and now is not the time for companies such as Airfix to be seen as grabbing the money and running - the thoughts of many, not just me. How, or where, the boom is developing, I don't know; perhaps from real modellers like us, as opposed to the 'passing interest' and kid's 'pocket money purchase' markets, but growing it is, as evidenced by the comments of at least two retailers I know, who have seen a marked increase in sales of kits, compared to, say R/C models that were there mainstay.
When Airfix were 'saved' by another respected and much-loved company, Hornby, I, like many, breathed a sigh of relief that this pioneer of plastic kits would continue, and that some of the previously announced new products would emerge eventually. But, with the somewhat 'slap happy' way that they appear to be operating, and their pricing policies, it is evident that the loyal customers are feeling very disappointed.
I really do hope that theirs is an exercise in recovery, and that 'they' will get it right eventually, before it's too late.

[Lucky13]

...and I do hope that some from Airfix and Hornby read this!

[marek]

With Lucky here. Let us hope That thay get it too! I would realy like to get good and cheap models from whom ever. Why not Aifix!?

[109ROAMING]

Damn money corrupts a good modelling name

bloody money does alot of damage to history

[Lucky13]

As long as certain people get their fat pay checks, they don't give a hairy rats *ss about the rest...

[109ROAMING]

Nailed it Jan ,people is one word for them ,there are many others

[javlin]

Lucky move youe avatar to your sig and the sig to the avatar

[HerrKaleut]

Airfix went downhill after it got involved with Heller.

[Airframes]

To an extent, you're right. the tie-in with the French company led to some interesting kit issues, and Airfix, at the time, appereared to gain from the aqcuisition, as they released some very good kits, especially in 1/48th scale, as new mouldings in their own (Airfix's) right. I beleive the problem now being encountered is the poor management, or whatever, which led to the demise of the group with the Humbrol (Borden) connections, and the subsequent take over by Hornby. Re-releasing very old kits, acceptable as the market standard almost fifty years ago, is not the way forward, especially as these are at premium prices today. The re-release of some of the 1/24th scale kits is also strange in their price structure - the Heller branded P51 Mustang is considerably less than the Airfix labeled product for example - so why are these old kits, by today's standards only moderately 'good', being marketed at such high prices?
I think the views expressed here by various members indicate that Airfix have some serious 'pulling up of socks' to be done!

[Lucky13]

I think that it's much like when you buy a car old bean....you pay for the name. Have to say in all honesty, after buying the 1/48 E.E. Lightning and the three Canberras that I hope that they continue on that path, because they're good kits. Sure, they're not Tamigawa or Eduagon, but they're still a good base to start from. Wouldn't mind some more exciting early jets from them, IF they can keep the price at an reasonable level and NOT go loopy.

[Airframes]

Agree there old chap. The Lightning and Canberra 'era' of kits are good, even by today's standards. (I believe, though could be wrong, that the Canberras were designed, and possibly tooled, at the same time, or thereabouts, as the Ligthning kits, but were held back, possibly in part by the disruptions within the company over the years).
As you say, a reasonable price, in line with costs of production and marketing, is acceptable, but an inflated price, to be in line with Tamigawa et al, is NOT the way to go.

[Lucky13]

Indeed old chap. Doing that, they only run the risk of ending up in deep sh*t all over again, THIS time though, nobody might not want to save them.

[Airframes]

Yep, you're right. Once bitten and all that. If they go again,this time I doubt there'll be a Phoenix rising again.

[badbear]

Had words with airfix today about when the 1/24 mossie will be availiable they are expecting delivery in october Ho Ho believe it when you see it.BB

[Airframes]

Thanks BB. So that's at least 16 months later than advertised! I wonder how much it'll increase in price (again) before it's eventually released?!!