AIRFIX's LITTLE SOLDIERS BOOK

The small, soft-plastic HO/OO figure sets by Airfix have been mentioned a number of times on Moonbase, as have the Playforts which go with them. Reference material on these sets is harder to find than it is on Airfix kits, but I do have a book devoted entirely to these figures.

Airfix's Little Soldiers - HO/OO from 1959-2009, Jean-Christophe Carbonel, Histoire & Collections, France, 2009, 2010, and 2012.

This is an English-language version of a book originally published in France. It is printed in full colour, on glossy paper, and runs to 106 pages. Paperback.

Out of print.

This is a cracking reference book for anyone interested in small scale plastic figures (20 to 25mm), written by someone who clearly loves Airfix. There is a history of the range, with the illustrations showing box-art variations over the years. 

Both front and back views are included. There are photos of many of the figures, which were moulded in various colours. The first two sets appeared in 1959, and there was a steady flow of new releases during the 1960s and 1970s, but new sets stopped appearing in the early 1980s. Since then, it has just been re-issues. 

Several of the early sets were later replaced by more finely detailed versions. All the military sets are included, and the model railway accessories, farm and zoo animals, and TV tie-ins.

Next comes a chapter on the Playforts - forts, castles, and buildings. The Playsets, which combined a Playfort, and usually two sets of suitable figures, such as Sherwood Castle, with the Robin Hood and Sheriff of Nottingham figures. The big Assault Sets, combining a Playfort, figures, and soft plastic vehicle models. Various other sets that included a set of figures.

The next chapter covers re-issues of the Airfix figures by other brands, including some diorama sets that were not made by Airfix themselves.

Then a look at other companies making similar figure sets. From Atlantic of Italy, ESCI, Italeri, Matchbox, and various sets of hard plastic figures. Oddly, the extensive range of sets by Revell is not included. These ranges are not covered in as much detail as Airfix, but you still get a good basic history.

Finally, a detailed look at what was in the Airfix boxes. Generally, the foot sets included 40 to 48 figures, the cavalry sets 11 or 12 mounted figures. The artillery sets usually had two guns - one in firing order surrounded by its crew, and one in travelling order with a horse team. Some sets were mixed, the Arab set (a companion to the French Foreign Legion set) contained a mix of men on foot, horseback, and camels.

The larger 1/32nd scale figures are not included.

This is a great reference book. Well worth having, if you can find a copy at a decent price.

Paul Adams from New Zealand