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
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
Omg, I worked at a high-end toy store in the late 1970s, and we carried the whole line of Airfix miniatures, the HO/OO figures shown here, plus an excellent line of wild animal figures (not sure of the scale). When the store went belly up in the early 80s, the owner offered us the remaining stock for pennies on the dollar. I don’t know who ended up with the sizable Airfix inventory, but it wasn’t me - wish it was! (SF_Ziggurat)
ReplyDeleteThank you. I had a number of these sets in the 1970s, mostly the WW2 figures. Just a few days ago I picked up a box of the Airfix Astronauts (copyright date 1971), which is now part of the Vintage Classics range. Working in a toy or model shop, best job in the world ?
ReplyDeleteLooks like a great book Paul. Your toy library is just fab!
ReplyDeleteI just checked and I can buy it on Abe Books for a mere USD 502.05!
ReplyDeleteHow much?
DeleteI just had a look, Ebay has a couple for just under $300 Australian. That is insane. I am really glad I got mine when I did, although I can not remember what I paid for it - certainly a lot less than the current prices. Clearly this is a case of, if you can find one at a price that is not totally crazy, grab it. I am still in shock.
ReplyDelete