THE BUS - THE VERDICT! - This Airfix Quick Build kit is the largest kit in the "Quick Build" range - it contains 98 pieces and carries the age rating of 6+. The pieces are contained in two plastic bags, one for the 'clear' window pieces and the other for the remainder of the pieces required for the build. Again, I suppose, I approached the build of this model, bearing in mind some of the issues raised regarding the kit. I found the build fairly straightforward, the instructions (mainly diagrams) were easy to follow and if adhered to in the order of build shown in the instructions, there should be no problems with the build. As regards pieces not "fitting properly" with "unsightly gaps" resulting in the completed model, I must admit, this was not my experience. However, I could see where this situation could arise - both sides of this model (and they form a fairly large proportion of the build) are created in "two layers" - the first part of the side of the model is constructed from three fairly large pieces of the "clear" plastic which are the windows. These three pieces HAVE TO BE APPLIED in the order shown on the instruction. These pieces are made to fit "flush" with each other and this can only happen if they are applied to the model in the order shown. If they are not, then you cannot apply the outer panels (the red pieces) to the model as they will not fit. This could result in the pieces being "forced" to fit and if this is the case, then problems will arise and they will most likely "pop off". Not applying these pieces in the order shown will also affect the front and back sections of the model when you come to fit the roof. This is the most likely reason for having "large unsightly gaps" at the front and rear of the model! Regarding the fitting of the roof, (and this is a sizeable model measuring 303mm) I did encounter a problem with the fitting. I applied the "completed" roof to the model from front to back as this seemed the best way to do it as the roof was being secured along the entire length of the model - but I could not get it to fit tightly over the rear panel and rear window without leaving the gap as shown in one of the photos in my previous post regarding some of the concerns. After having had a very successful build this far, I was not happy to settle for the finished model to have this "gap". The problem appeared to be the fact that the roof was just that "wee bit too short" to fit it over the rear window and rear panel. To overcome this problem, I removed the small curved red panel from the model, applied it to the roof section and then fitted the combined pieces to the model - in doing so you need to be careful because you have to apply pressure both from the top and back of the model simultaneously to get it into position. This can only be done by removing the "white" section of the roof - this allows access to the interior of the model to allow you to push the rear panel back into position whilst applying pressure to the top section also. You then re-fit the white section to the roof to complete the model. I would conclude, that this is a very nice model, and although you once again, "have to think outside the box" to complete it, I would highly recommend it. The only "gripe" I would have regarding "Airfix Quick Build Kits" is, they are not all made to a standard scale and this is very obvious when several of the models are placed together. I have completed the build of the London Taxi and I think I can honestly say it was another very enjoyable build with absolutely no "causes for concern" Regarding the 6+ rating, I will leave that discretion to anyone that has built this model!🤔

Posted by Ken at 2026-01-31 00:12:30 UTC