The Airfix Yeoman: Model Citizen

Here is another article on the Airfix 1/12th scale figure line: the Airfix Yeoman of the Guard in 1/12th Scale

The third of the Airfix 1/12th scale figure kits was the Yeoman of the Guard. Released in 1959. It was the last of the initial group of three kits, described on the header as Soldiers of Famous Regiments, which later changed to Military Figures.

Like the other kits, it was a Series 1 model, sold in a plastic bag, and had a retail price of two shillings (10 New Pence).

This was a more elaborate kit than the Coldstream Guardsman or Life Guard Trumpeter, with an impressive 63 parts, moulded in white plastic. Many of these were the tiny, flower-like details that adorn the hat of the figure. There is also a small row of medals to be fixed to the front of the uniform. The pike was in several pieces, to keep the length down. It had a small base, on which to pose the finished model, and a printed name plate on the back of the header which was to be cut out and stuck in place.

Initially numbered M3F, it was moved from Series 1 to Series 2 in the early 1960s, and re-numbered M207F. The packaging also changed from a bag to a box. In the early 1970s it was again re-numbered, becoming 02507-2.

The Yeoman remained in the Airfix Catalogue until the 16th Edition, which is dated January 1979. This gives it a production life of around 20 years. It has only been re-issued once, as part of the London Icons boxed set in 2011-13, which also contained the Coldstream Guardsman and the Life Guard Trumpeter. This version was moulded in light grey, and the set number was A50131.

The artwork on the paper headers used with the early plastic bags, and the later boxes, changed several times over the years. One odd fact is that the Yeoman seemed to put on weight over the years.

Eight photographs, from Worthpoint and Super Hobby.

Paul Adams from New Zealand