Airfix Mini Cooper S 1:32

Kit Ref: A50125 (set including paints etc)
Price around £19.99GBP (this boxing/packaging)
Review by Geoff Coughlin (April 2017)

Our thanks to Airfix for supplying our review sample. Get this kit kit here.

We did receive this kit some time ago out of the blue from the manufacturer and at that time we didn’t have our Vehicles Area. As you know, earlier this year we launched SMN’s new Vehicle Area and that’s exciting for all sorts of reasons, not least because we are now able to bring you in-box reviews like this one but full builds as well. That’s exactly what’s planned for this kit, and the Aston Martin DBR-9 we received at the same time, so keep an eye out in What’s New for these.

Initial assessment

I think what strikes me about this kit is that it’s well moulded, reasonably well detailed and has impressive looking decals, not to mention crystal clear parts.

Here’s a look at the main sprues:

Body shell

The one-piece body shell is nicely moulded and certainly look accurate enough in shape, although as you know, I’m no vehicle expert! I’ve looked at some photos on the web and Airfix looks like they’ve done a good job in capturing the racy looks of the Mini Cooper S.

Wheels

These look good and with some careful painting and weathering they should look fine in this smaller scale.

Other details

The bucket seats are provided as well as the other usual interior details and all you really need to add are seat belts I think in this scale.

I like the treatment of the wheels with separate side walls for one side that allows for easier installation and painting to some degree.

The radiator grills are very neatly done and should come up well with careful painting and use of washes.

No engine or facility to open the bonnet is provided.

The photos are self-explanatory and so I don’t see the need to go into more detail here.

Clear parts

Crystal clear and blemish-free.

Instruction sheet

This looks simple to follow and is the standard black and white fold-out sheet. This isn’t a complex model and so I’m not anticipating any great problems with the build.

Decals

The sheet is well printed and is one of the newer sheets from this manufacturer and I’ve found them to be very good – easy to apply and they work well in practice. Colour and registration is good, so all positive here. The subject choice is great of course – love it!

In summary

Nice! This looks like a great little kit to build and I’m looking forward to it. What’s provided offers good value for money and a decent replica of the original should emerge from your efforts.

Geoff C.

SMN Quick summary Star rating out of 5