Profile Photo
Harry Brogan
31 articles

Review: Airfix 1/48 Supermarine Walrus Mk.I Review

November 30, 2017 · in Reviews · · 16 · 5.3K

Well, I am stepping WAY out of my "comfort zone" with this one. I have not built an aircraft model of any kind in many, MANY years. I'll be building this one specifically as a review for IMODELER.

This model arrived safely and with no damage to the inside box. This box was not shrink wrapped but was sealed with factory tape around two of the edges.

The inside box is sturdy and the parts trees are packaged inside one plastic bag. Clear parts are also in a separate bag inside the main bag.

Instruction booklet is in multiple languages on the first two pages. Then the rest is done as exploded views which are very clear. The booklet is 24 pages long with 21 of those pages being specific to the construction of the model.

There are approximately 156 parts that come on six parts trees. One of which is the tree for the clear parts and the other five are molded in a light gray color. Numbers are clear and crisp. Very little flash on initial inspection.

There is one decal sheet included and is bright, colorful and seems to be a brand new printing.

here are also four sheets of color and decal sets for different Military groups that used this aircraft. The last sheet shows where to attach the bracing and control wires if you desire to add these.

Since it's been a long time since I have tackled one of these your going to see an open and honest build review. I'll be starting this one in earnest this weekend. Keep your eyes open for a progressive build review as it comes along.

I'll be putting the "Holy Grail" Tamiya Harley on the back burner for a while as I am still awaiting special decals for that model.

Comments, suggestions, and questions are always welcome!

Reader reactions:
9  Awesome

16 responses

  1. Crikey, where are you going to put the lights on this one?

  2. But, seriously, good luck with this one, it should be a good test of your modelliing skills.

  3. Rigging instructions!
    You don't see that too often.

  4. Mine just arrived. I’ll be watching yours with interest.

  5. "...comfort zone..." indeed - I wouldn't even ATTEMPT to build that model. However, after seeing what you've been able to accomplish in previous projects, I've no doubt you'll be able to pull it off with your usual expertise.

  6. Looking forward to seeing the progress. Did Airfix produce a new-tooled 1/72 kit of this? I may have to get it if they did...

  7. With new Airfix kits, FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS and all will be well. I also suggest you do a "scrape down" of the interior parts to insure problem-free fit when you assemble the fuselage.

  8. Can't wait Harry! It is going to be great!

  9. It looks like they did a nice job on the fabric sections of the wings. It's amazing that this came from the same company that gave us the Spitfire, but I'm sure there were many RN and RAF pilots who would say it's the most beautiful plane in the world! Gonna have to get this one I think!

  10. Considering this is not a bread and butter kit that shot bullets and dropped bombs this is what I would equate to be a Tamiya String Bag moment. Who would have thought that a major manufacture would make a Swordfish. A 1/48 scale bi-plane. Now we have Airfix doing the same with the Walrus. A kit not for children nor the average modeler. Looks like a winner for the modeler with some advanced skills.

    • Indications from Telford suggest that it is selling like hot cakes and having brought one I can see why! The build should not be a problem for those models with average ability

Leave a Reply