I agree Max'. But, that sort of high quality competition has been there since the mid seventies at least. Airfix rose to the challenge, especially with their new range of 1/48th scale kits, which were, for the early '80's, outstanding.
But, as you say, what have they got planned, if anything?
So far, it appears that they are trying to bolster their product range with the wrong 'old' kits, and those few good 'old' kits are way over priced in comparison to the better quality opposition, whilst the 'new' kits, some of which were released then withdrawn, to be eventually re-released, with the really new ones yet to emerge, are far too highly priced for what they are, again, in comparison to the competition.
The sad thing is, the mud has stuck, as it were, and the reputation has been very badly dented, if not totally crushed. From what I've heard here on the forum, and elsewhere, Airfix now are not held in high regard, and, in many cases are thought of as a joke.
I really do hope that the present situation is a damage limitation exercise, and that they have some strong, viable, long-term plans. But, something tells me that they are pinning their hopes, and future, on one or two brand new, high-price kits that, quite frankly, I think will fail, either due to a limited market for one (TSR2), and an initial high price, that has now been grossly increased, and the kit hasnt even been previewed yet, and is 4 months late in it's announced launch.
But enough, I'm tired of the whole thing!