Paul Brown

Historically Airfix never did any 1/32 aircraft kits, but as Ratch points out they opted for 1/24 for a large scale series of kits and have stayed true to that. There's a lot of competition in 1/32, I doubt they'll ever venture into it. Maybe they look at it from time to time, but I wouldn't hold my breath on it ever happening.

Yes, it's called an honest mistake.

@Hawkerhurricaneguy

i have painted the panel over for the 54 otu, however i have seen a fair few images of the Night Fighter variant with a clear panel during the war and from period photographs. Airfix should have kept this panel clear to begin with

Yes, we get it, we really do (hands up anybody who doesn't). Airfix have made an error, it must be the coming of the apocalypse, the end of the world.

The 54 OTU aircraft (the black scheme), most definitely had the glazing over-painted, it is the paint guide that is incorrect in this case. I think the 23 Squadron machine had the panel over-painted in all likelihood, but if you want to depict ypour model as G-BPIV, then you will need a clear panel. If Airfix are not doing a clear panel (which would be required for a bomber version), then it will take a few minutes work to polish out the frosted part of the glazing.

@GNR-Gordon-4

I'm guessing that these need to be constructed and painted? What scale are they?

Yes, they're pretty much regular plastic kits, although some have motorised features and contain parts for motorisation. Some offer screw together components, the big TB-2 has main parts that are screwed as well as glue. Scales are variable. 

Are they not sold in the UK, as there appears to be writing on the boxes that I cannot read?

They originate from Japan and have Japanese text on the boxes. They are fairly limited in availability in the UK/Europe, I've been ebaying some (you might be able to buy direct in some cases), others I've been getting from a couple of Facebook sellers who order them in if they become available.

@Paws4thot

There's more: a Vickers Wellington (and probably a Wellesley too) will actually be pink, yes pink, inside

That's true of a whole range of aircraft that have fabric coverings. Red primer outside, streaky pink effect inside.

@GNR-Gordon-4

I love the look of those two Thunderbirds kits that you have bought. Who makes / made them? What other Thunderbirds branded kits do you own?

They're mostly by Aoshima who do a whole series of Thunderbirds kits. They're not cheap, averaging out at £30-£40 a pop, but I'm fortunate to be able to indulge myself. The two TB-1s and the TB-2 are the old Imai kits. There's two TB-1s because the kit is compromised in that they build into push-along toys. With two kits there's enough parts to complete one flying model I also recently managed to acquire an Aoshima TB-1, this is far superior to the Imai kits and features an undecarriage.

You should find most of these if you do an ebay search.

@T2B

 Is yours the same before I take the plunge and get this kit??

Yes, it's how the designer intended it. I don't see it as an issue, night fighter Blenheims often had the panels over-painted (I would guess to reduce flash from the guns being fired). There's photos of the 54 OTU machine having the panels over-painted, although I'm not sure about the 23 Squadron machine. The instructions show clear panels for both aircraft, but I believe that is erroneous, other than for depicting the 23 Squadron machine as G-BPIV currently operating from Duxford. The frosting is not especially heavy, it shouldn't be at all difficult to polish out if you want to have a clear panel. To be honest, I'm wondering what all the fuss is about, the kit looks superb, Airfix firing on all cylinders. 

@Rogerbass

There must be some market for old car kits, the Triumph Herald and Tr4a and MBG plus the beetle and E Type and Escort must have sold.

These are car subjects that are reasonably iconic and the sort of thing you might see for real if you were to visit a classic show. Airfix will also use their own sales figures, plus feedback from retailers generated by what they actually order in determining whether or not to reissue anything.

Airfix Blenheim (amongst other things, including some more Thunderbirds stuff)