Airfix now getting their ideas from Tommy's War

[Tommys War]

I was alerted today to the new release of the Airfix Old Bill Bus in 1/32 scale.

Airfix have obviously commissioned new box art, but I think their artist of choice was being a bit lazy that day!

It's difficult to see, but look at the figure at the back of the bus!

Familiar?

So, I've put a little banner together, just to prove my point!

Fancy a big organisation like Airifix ripping off the small boys!

 

[Helm]

Time to call in "Lawyers for You" Darren
Steve

 

[swralph]

If you own the copyrite of the original pic then Airfix definitely owe you a bit of money.

 

[Nap]

Oooooooh naughty Airfix ....

Go for the jugular Darren...

Nap

 

[polyphemus]

Add 'em to the list of rip off/recasters!

Geoff

 

[flart1943]

Product placement?
Pete

 

[Mark Dollery]

I cannot see what you are talking about Darren ,
No really, a bit of decorum would have gone a long way on this, I think a stiff talking to the Airfix box art coordinator will have him knocking on the door of the artist to show him the errors of his ways...
Let us all know how you get on?
Mark D

 

[housecarl]

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

 

[Richie]

Looks nothing like him, the one from Airfix has a binocular case in his left hand.

I think an e-mail to Airfix is on the cards.

 

[pmfs]

The guys from Arfix always had good taste.

Cheers

 

[Gra30]

It's definately not right but part of me says congratulations Darren, it shows how good your products are if a big manufacturer is copying you
You could say they can use the image ONLY if they include a resin figure, that figure, within the kit. Imagine how many thousands they would be buying off you
Italeri included figures as did dragon with their aircraft kits so it could be realistic.
Well done mate
Gra

 

[Rich Sculpts]

Great leverage to get Tommy's War product leaflets in every box sold. It's the least they can do?

 

[1969]

I think you should at least get a full page Tommy's War advert in their magazine and some free kits of the bus for you and your friends

Steve

 

[Colin_Fraser]

Maybe Don Troiani will loan you his lawyer.

Colin

 

[Colin_Fraser]

Maybe Don Troiani will loan you his lawyer.

Colin

Not to imply you shouldn't be miffed. You actually have cause to approach them.

Think if it as Imitation being the sincerest form of flattery.

Colin

 

[Mark S]

The figures sitting on the top deck may all be copies too!!

 

[polyphemus]

Perhaps they should include the Tommy's War figure in the kit. I'm sure Darren you could handle an order from Airfix for a few thousand of this figure.

Geoff

 

[zane666]

how about tommy's war selling their figure in a copied airfix box(logo removed) with the tommy's war logo and contact details.

Zane

 

[brian]

Total rip off,i would certainly get in touch with Airfix. "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery"doesn't pay the bills Darren.You go for it mate!
Brian

 

[Blue Thunder]

You see Tom, many times "the boss" doesn't know what the employees do. Also "the boss" many times doesn't know what third party companies do.

With this, I mean that either that box can be an inside design but also that box design can be sub contracted to an image company that has an account specifically to do this. Many companies take the second option: More flexible costs and less human resources. It's unfair, but it is life!

Airfix is part of a corporation group that is listed in the London Stock Exchange. If I can suggest - you are the boss, so contact their boss

Here's the management board:

http://www.hornby.plc.uk/?page_id=4709


And expose your problem.

In the end, you are winning and Airfix is loosing: Airfix is promoting your products for free, recognizing your top quality and Airfix customers are flaming Airfix for ripping your stuff. I am pretty sure the guys on the top floor are not aware of this situation and will want to solve the situation with you and ensuring that INSIDE, this will never happen again.


I just imagine if it was me, taking this novelty in my desk!!! Take my suggestion - contact them - I'm positively sure Airfix will solve the situation accordingly in the form of advertising, partnership or similar, to common benefit!