Writing that post about the relative scales of SWORD toys the other day reminded me of early memories buying Airfix kits at the local newsagent.
Every Friday for a treat my Grandad would buy me one of those pocket money Airfix bagged kits from a stand on the wall.
More often than not it was a jet fighter. The leaflet provided information about the aircraft and the kit helped hone my practical skills. It fact at the age of seven I could probably name most of the current aircraft of the time thanks to Airfix. I’d hastily put the kit together with the plastic cement, which generally melted most of the parts and more often than not covered my fingers.
It was rare I’d paint the model as that required patience and planning - something few seven year olds, including me didn’t have.
Occasionally I’d get a building or the odd military vehicle like the Bren carrier, Sherman Tank or D.U.K.W. Amphibious Vehicle, all of which would go with my little plastic Airfix soldiers which, being so small were doomed to end their days in the Hoover bag.
I do remember Airfix having a few ready made toys with a military bias. This F.N. rifle which fired little plastic bullets was a favourite of mine.
The Moon landing meant Airfix released their Lunar Module and Saturn V rocket.
By then I was getting into making my own models. I probably bought half a dozen of each of those kits and maybe completed one. The parts would add detail to the 2001 and Space 1999 inspired efforts I create.
Even these days, when I get the time I still like to tackle the odd plastic kit, although it’s not always Airfix.
But it’s nice to know that Airfix is still going (now owned by Hornby, I believe) and hopefully still helping to develop practical skills for today’s kids.
