The Airfix Revival Continues – 2016 Releases Announced

This morning I received an e-mail from Airfix. Normally I delete such e-mails without reading them but this was one I actually wanted to read as it contained details of their 2016 release schedule. I’ll get back to what they have planned for next year in a moment, but first I wanted to say something about how impressed I’ve been with Airfix as a brand in the last few years.

Airfix's 1:48 Defiant Box Art

Regular readers may recall the first ever build featured on this blog was an awful Airfix kit; in fact it’s still possibly the worst model I’ve ever attempted to build. I followed this up with a more current kit of theirs, the MiG 15 which showed some promise, but the space of less than 3 years even that looks somewhat dated. All these kits have since been dropped from their range, thankfully replaced by an increasing number of new and improved kits.

And that’s the thing, these are not re-boxed kits, these are brand new tools. Something which, in my opinion, has elevated Airfix far above the likes of their immediate competitors, companies like re-box specialists Revell.

It’s all a far cry from this time 10 years ago when Airfix went into administration; the turnaround has been fantastic, especially in the last few years. The investment in quality and the desire to progress, rather than rest on their past reputation is clear to see. Hopefully many more generations will get a chance to build that first Airfix Spitfire, just like I did all those years ago.

So onto the 2016 releases, there’s a good mix of WWI, WWII and Cold War aircraft. Although not my main area of interest the 1:72 scale Handley Page Victor looks like a bold release. However I’m looking forward to the end of 2016 when I hope to have my workbench clear ready for their B-17G (I had been trying to decide between Academy and Revell’s releases for some time but now I’ll wait).

B-17G CAD Image

Also, if time and hobby funds allow, I’m tempted by their JU-87 Stuka / Gloster Gladiator dogfight double release. I really like these double sets they’re well thought out and sensible way of bundling a couple of themed kits together. In fact I’ve recently bought one, (the Defiant / Do 17z set) but as I’ve not updated this blog in a while it’s only featured on my Instagram, along with another Airfix build that’s currently in progress.

So here's to the new and improved Airfix, long may they continue!