Airfix - Modelling - Tradition from England
If you immerse yourself in the fascinating world of model kits, you can't go past the true-to-scale plastic models from Airfix. Airfix's rich history began in London in 1939 when Hungarian refugee Nicholas Kove founded the company.
Airfix: the story behind it
The brand name "Airfix" is based on the manufacturing process: In the extrusion blow moulding process, parts are moulded by filling them with air, which fixes the air inside the part. The decisive reason was probably that Kove was firmly convinced that a name beginning with the letter "A" could be of great advantage in alphabetical lists and registers. The name Airfix was therefore chosen.
After the Second World War, the company was already using the injection moulding process for the production of plastic combs, which was very innovative at the time, replacing the extrusion blow moulding process.
In the late 1940s, Airfix received a request from Harry Ferguson Limited to produce a model tractor. Due to moulding problems, the model was produced in individual parts and assembled by workers. The model was a great success and Airfix was given permission to sell it under its own name. To lower the price, the models were eventually sold with instructions for self-assembly. The model kit was born.
From 1952, Airfix models conquered the mass market in the UK via the Woolworths department stores' chain. The brand name became the epitome of plastic model kits. In the 1960s and 1970s, Airfix grew with the increasing interest in plastic models. The product range included aircraft, ships, vehicles, figures, model railways and accessories, including modelling paints.
In West Germany, sales were handled by Plasty Spielzeug GmbH, which was taken over by Airfix in 1980. This also brought tin moulds, Wild West and knight figures into the Airfix range. In the late 1970s and 1980s, the model market collapsed, mainly due to expensive plastic, cheaper ready-assembled models and a shrinking customer base as a result of the so-called Pillenknick.
In 1981, Airfix filed for bankruptcy and was taken over by General Mills. Production was relocated to Calais, France. The German subsidiary Plasty Spielzeug GmbH also went bankrupt and the range of figures and moulds was discontinued. In 1986 Airfix was sold to Borden's Hobby Products Group, which also owned Heller and Humbrol. The Airfix moulds were moved to Trun, France.
In 1995, Borden sold the Hobby Products Group to the Irish holding company Allen McGuire, which continued to operate it under the name Humbrol. Hornby Hobbies bought the Humbrol and Airfix brands in 2006, led by Frank Martin, the former Airfix boss. Since then, Airfix has been systematically rebuilt, with many old classic products and regular new additions to the range.
For more than 70 years, Airfix has been supplying the modelling community worldwide as the oldest British manufacturer of scale plastic model kits.
Airfix: The model building range
In addition to the iconic aircraft models, the Airfix range also includes model kits of historic ships, vehicles and buildings as well as diorama kits and the well-known figures. Similar to Revell, this is a full range. The models are mostly available in 1:72 and 1:48 scale for aeroplane models, 1:72 and 1:35 for vehicles and from 1:72 to 1:1000 for ship models.
Quickbuild - Airfix for young modellers
The Quickbuild series is aimed in particular at children. The clamp-on building block models are easy to assemble without glue and are an excellent way to introduce children to the hobby of modelling. The models in the series are therefore a great gift idea for children aged 6 and over. The range changes regularly. However, there are always models of various popular sports cars in the range. The product line is supplemented by aeroplanes and other vehicles.
A very popular model and a good gift tip is the yellow VW Beetle.
Humbrol
Similar to the manufacturer Tamiya , Airfix also offers a wide range of colours, adhesives and accessories for model building enthusiasts with its Humbrol range.
