Fairey Gannet – New Tool from Airfix

Fairey Gannet is one of the most recognizable British warplanes. It is a three canopy design, contra-rotating turboprop with fat, chunky looks and unusual attractiveness. Fairey Gannet was designed to meet the WWII requirements for anti-submarine airplane, however it appeared too late to fit in that role in the conflict. It served from the early 50s ’till the late 70s as a strike, search and anti-submarine warfare platform /ASW/ and was also exported to Germany, Indonesia and Australia. Around 350 Fairey Gannets were built in total, however, despite that modest number and relatively limited service the plane remains distinguishable Worldwide to this day, almost half a century after it ceased to serve.

Airfix, continuing their successful journey of upgrading and re-tooling their kits didn’t miss that subject. After new 1/24 Spitfire, 1/48 Blackburn Buccaneer and Avro Anson, in 2023 it is time for a new tool Fairey Gannet. As you can see from the pictures /courtesy of Airfix/, it looks quite promising too. Lately, the British company invested a lot of effort into making their brand name great again as it once was. Nowadays, it is all about crisp surface details, such as accurate panel lines, rivets and most importantly, options. Latter one means positionable landing gear, bay doors, canopies /yes, some companies still do not exploit that!/ and whatever you might think of.

As seen here, folding wings and greatly looking interior are at hand, all together with a bomb bay full of loadouts. One should have in mind the way that Fairey Gannet wings fold, to appreciate that add-on in full. Airfix did good. Also, even though they do not release their sets as a super-kits yet, we can trust with confidence that aftermarket companies will approach the engine, cockpits, propeller and landing gear/wells quite soon. After all, this plane is relatively big and gives the opportunity to super-detail it with resin, 3D and photo-etch parts. On top of that all, a plane that works in sea conditions – a perfect basis for advanced weathering techniques on behalf of the experienced modeler. What can a modeler want more?

Thankfully, Airfix availability and prices are satisfactory, even in that changing modern World of ours and that new release can be accepted without the worries that usually follows – “Will I be able to get it?” or “How much it would be?”. Thankfully, there are still companies that make their models for the sake of modeling and not exploiting the most popular subjects for making money off of devoted modelers. Fairey Gannet seems to be one of those kits – a truly unique in its looks and despite not being the fastest horse in the race, nor the most sexy looking one – a fair address to the established modeler.

Very nice job on behalf of Airfix!

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