Airfix 1/48 Supermarine Walrus Mk.1 kit review. 

Finally a review of a kit I want that I manage to watch before I actually order it :D No more questions then, I'll definitely get it.

I was commissioned to build a 1/48 Walrus and started with a Classic Airframes kit, which was awful. The eight struts for the engine were all separate pieces and there was no way I could think of to get them in the correct alignment, which is vital for fitting the top wing. I binned that kit and got the Airfix Silver wings kit, which is pretty much the same as this one apart from the colour schemes. I also got the Eduard interior set (quite a lot of the interior is visible) and Hannant's decals to build an NAS machine. It builds into a very impressive model, especially when fully rigged. I would normally leave the upper wing off until the rigging's finished as that makes things easier, but you can't do that with the walrus as the rigging goes from wing to wing, not strut to strut. I fitted small turnbuckles to all the rigging points before fitting the wings and it was fiddly but not too difficult to add the rigging at the end. It's a nice kit to build- well done Airfix once again!

It is a lovely kit. I bought it when released in about 2017, and it fits well (remember to keep joining faces clear), and is nicely detailed. Of course I used the RAAF scheme! It is an aircraft that I have always liked, in fact so much that at about the turn of the century I built the SMER 1/48 kit in an all silver scheme (which is still at Mum's house). That actually was not too bad. It is really good to see Airfix re-releasing some of their more recent back catalogue. They are generally quality kits, and although largely UK centric, are desirable subjects.

Hi Nigel, Thanks for the review. It looks like a great kit. Thanks for sharing. Have a great day. Jeff

Great review. I will have to get two kits one with wing out one with wings folded. It is a pity they didn't design a hinge to have the wings moveable.

man...where was that kit 10 years ago!!! I tried to build the Special Hobby kit years go, pitched it against a wall then bought another to try again..still sitting in the stash.

Just uploaded my B17 1/72 video...I was making it along with your mini-series of the 2 kits...but I rushed ahead...I found the Revell 1/72 a joy to build...altho mine came with only 3 props and a frosted read gunner canopy...Managed to make a prop from a spare Lanc one from the Revell Lanc kit...Thanks for the channel Nigel...Learning all the time...Lew

If anyone is concerned with accuracy, then one reference that will need checking is whether the version you want to build was one of the earlier ones built by Supermarine or one built by Saunders-Roe. The Supermarine built ones, like the very early Spitfires, had 'Supermarine Green' interiors, which is more like a brighter apple green than the traditional cockpit grey-green.

Gidday. Thank you very much for the review. I purchased the Silver Wings kit early '23. (I like the Irish Air Corps livery). Eduard do a 3 wheel set (648343) with an option of PE spokes, with a shaping jig. Eduard Zoom cockpit(FE848) and Eduard seat belts (FE849). I also bought some Gaspatch Vickers K guns (GAS13-48030, 2 per pack) which are stunning little things with sights, separate magazines and empty case catching bags. And some masks. I like flying boats and floatplanes. Who knows why. Should I seek professional help for my problem? 🙃 (And there's PE rigging available! Oh no!) Cheers Matt🦘🦘🦘

Interesting subject. Have to admit knowing nothing about it. But watching your video has peaked some interest in building one. Great to do one with the wings folded. BTW, first released in 2017. Relatively recent kit.

Great review Nigel! I bought the "Silver Wings" version of this kit as the original release was no longer available at the time. I'll likely pick up this new one when it's available on this side of the pond. This aircraft is of particular interest to me, as my uncle was with 276 Sqdn. and actually flew AQ-M on several occasions, on two of which the rescue was successful! Reading through his logs and the squadron ORBs it's distressing how often their work was in vain with the downed aircrew frequently succumbing to the cold water before rescue could take place. I'm looking forward to watching your build of the Walrus! Best Wishes to Jess!

Nice one N, great review and the kit looks terrific, but challenging. I've got enough Airfix Flying Hours to get this, so I am going to invest now [though I too have several kits I want to do, including the Anson. Ho-hum]. Hope all is well.

I hope yours goes together better than mine. Lots of cockpit fit issues and the lower wing. The cockpit floor and rear bulkhead required trimming and filling as did the lower wings. I didn't rig mine till I fitted the upper wing and I used stretched sprue for the rigging wires.

Hi Nigel, that looks to be a great little kit, and not a kit you get to see very often, looking forward to when you build it, happy model building, bedt regards from a Kiwi living in Australia, Les

Great kit

I agree it looks lovely but I wish they'd do it in 72, and with aircrew too. Then I'd buy 2!! PS I had the old 72 Walrus in the 60s, that was good at the time too.

Looks very nice,I'd do wings out.

I made it in 1/72 many many years ago

Hi Nigel, Did you know that a full-length model of the shipboard catapult is available! Also, there are some you-Tube videos on the operation of the catapult with some close-ups of the Walrus!

It's a lovely kit but worth getting the AIMS p/e rigging set as otherwise it's rather difficult to rig, especially the engine nacelle. Build it! I look forward to seeing a build review.

Have a great build. 🛩

Folded!! That is what I would do!

“Walrus”. Nothing can express the antitheses of grace and beauty, all things we want to associate with any aircraft, than “Walrus”. BUT, if you’re floating around in the North Atlantic and a float plane of any sort shows up, I doubt one would care what it’s called 😉 To the Walrus!!!🍻 Fun looking kit!

Буде цікаво побачити коли зробите. Теж лежить ще не початий.

👍🔥

Hi nigel, is there away of asking a question to do with Mr finishing surfer.

Looks like splendid kit. I'm tempted but really I'm a 1/72 guy. I suppose bythe time I make my mind up it will be out of production :(

Hi Nige! I’m looking for a decent RAF Tornado GR4 to build. Can you recommend one?

Theres a joke about Eggmen here..... and debate as to who is the Walrus...