Hi,
Airfix have just announced their 2026 line up. There are more 1/72nd and 1/48th scale aircraft, many with new markings - some of the decals show the same aircraft at different stages in its career, in different colour schemes, and with different units - an interesting approach.
Several new toolings, which replace older kits of the same subject. Some existing kits get new parts – the 1/48th scale Westland Lysander now comes as a Special Duties aircraft, used to deliver and pick-up agents from Occupied Europe – complete with a figure of a female agent.
There are also several very interesting aircraft kits coming up in the Vintage Classics line of older kits. Including the WW1 vintage Avro 504K biplane, WW2 Douglas SBD Dauntless dive bomber, and Japanese Ki-46-II Dinah reconnaissance aircraft.
The six 1/1200th scale warship kits from the 1970s are being re-issued, but only in a Gift Set. If anyone missed out on the One Small Step For Man set (Apollo Lunar Module and Astronauts figures, with a vac-form Lunar base), this too is being re-issued.
Some more of the 1/76th scale kits originally made by JB Models in the 1980s are being re-issued, including the Saracen wheeled Armoured Personnel Carrier, which turned up in plenty of SF movies and TV episodes. I also recall seeing a photo of a Hong Kong Police Saracen on Moonbase Central some time ago.
Several of the Airfix tank kits, including the excellent Matilda (I built at least three of those, in different colour schemes). The RAF Recovery airfield set is being re-released, but it seems the name has been changed to Crash Recovery Set.
Fans of the Airfix HO/OO figures can look forward to the Robin Hood and Sheriff of Nottingham; and the Romans and Ancient Britons, sets. These will also be available in Playsets, with the Sherwood Castle and Roman Fort Playforts.
But it does not look like the Playforts will be available on their own ? Which is a pity.
Lastly, the 1/144th scale SRN-4 cross-channel hovercraft kit will re-appear. This is one I never had, but I will be snapping one up this time around.
Paul Adams from New Zealand
Hurrah for the
ReplyDeleteCastle and fort.
I'm glad Airfix is still going!
ReplyDeleteI know that like those other childhood names, Hornby and Mechano, it's now an International brand, but it's still producing nice stuff!
Airfix is now owned by Hornby Hobbies, along with Corgi, Scalextric, Humbrol, and a number of other brands.
ReplyDeleteI too am delighted that some of the Playforts are coming back, although I wish they were available on their own, as there are a few conversions I would like to do, and getting a complete Playset when you only want the Fort could get a bit expensive.
The SR.N4 Hovercraft is already available for pre-order - at 39.99 pounds - which is going to make it around $100 NZ. Ouch.