For those of us in the UK BBC2, The Money Programme, Friday 7th December, 19.00 (7.00pm) A television programme about Airfix since being taken over by Hornby. http://www.open2.net/money/trailers_autumn_07.html
Thanks, Ricky - I shall watch that Airfix were a big part of my childhood - first the boxes of soldiers then the kits. I just hope that they don't go too trendy in an effort to attract the kids back - hopefully they'll use the new stuff to shore up and modernise the traditional base.
Here in the States,modeling is definately on the decline.Normally I'd agree with you,but I'd rather see the manufacturers do what they have to do to stick around.
Hornby have taken over Airfix and seem very determined to make it work. One step was to base production in China. They will maintain the classic military model series and continue producing new improved ones but realise this may not be viable on its own as they need to get kids interested again (most kit buyers are >40). To bring the kids in they have a strategy of merchandising projects based on subjects that kids already like - they've so far got the rights for Doctor Who (appropriate for a Brit company) and are in the process of producing some nice kits with special features such as light and sound - they are struggling to get any into the shops for Christmas but may manage one of them - realistically they're looking at next year to be their big test. There was also some nice footage of development work such as computer modelling, sculpture and groundwork like crawling all over a Canberra bomber with a ruler and a camera. Also a brief look at all the old molds safely stored in a new warehouse. The overall impression is that Hornby are a good company who are very keen to make it work but are realistic about the challenge - just a shame they couldn't get up to speed for Christmas.
