Airfix is the most recognisable name in plastic scale model construction kits, with roots going back to 1939 and over eight decades of manufacturing heritage. Now owned by Hornby Hobbies, the brand continues to produce highly detailed kits spanning World War II aircraft, modern military vehicles, cars and historical figures. The iconic Supermarine Spitfire kit remains one of the most beloved models in the entire Airfix range.
Founded in 1939, Airfix began producing injection-moulded plastic kits in the late 1940s and grew to dominate the UK model kit market. At its peak in the mid-1970s, Airfix was selling around 20 million kits per year and held approximately 75% of the UK market. Since 2007, the brand has been part of Hornby Hobbies, which relaunched and expanded the range with a renewed focus on quality and detail. Today Airfix is regarded as a cornerstone of British modelling history.
The Airfix catalogue covers an impressive breadth of subjects. World War II aircraft, including the Spitfire, Hurricane and Lancaster bomber, sit alongside modern-day fast jets and military helicopters. The range also extends to naval vessels, armoured vehicles, classic and racing cars, and historical figures, offering something for modellers of every age and skill level. New-tool releases regularly raise the standard of detail and accuracy across the collection.
The Airfix e-newsletter was designed to keep enthusiasts informed about new kit releases, newly-tooled models with enhanced levels of detail, news from the Airfix community, free-to-enter competitions and monthly desktop wallpapers. Signing up was a straightforward way to stay connected with one of the hobby world's most storied brands.
Airfix was founded in 1939 by Nicholas Kove. The company began producing injection-moulded plastic construction kits in the late 1940s, and the model kit range grew steadily from the 1950s onwards.
Airfix is owned by Hornby Hobbies Ltd., which acquired the brand in November 2006 for approximately 2.6 million pounds and relaunched it in 2007. Hornby also owns the Humbrol paint brand, which complements the Airfix kit range.
Airfix produces plastic scale model construction kits across a wide variety of subjects, including World War II and modern military aircraft, naval vessels, armoured vehicles, classic and racing cars, and historical figures. Skill levels range from beginner-friendly starter sets to highly detailed expert builds.
The Supermarine Spitfire is widely regarded as the most iconic kit in the Airfix range. It has been produced in multiple scales and variants over the decades and is often cited as the model that introduced many people to the hobby of scale modelling.
When Airfix describes a kit as newly-tooled, it means the plastic injection moulds have been created from scratch rather than being reissues of older tooling. Newly-tooled kits typically feature finer surface detail, improved part fit and greater accuracy compared to earlier versions of the same subject.
Yes. Airfix offers a range of difficulty levels, clearly indicated on packaging, from simple snap-together or easy-build sets aimed at younger modellers and newcomers, right through to complex multi-part kits intended for experienced hobbyists seeking the highest level of detail.
Note: this brochure is from our archive. Details, pricing and availability shown in the original catalogue may no longer be current. We recommend checking with the brand or a current retailer for up-to-date information.
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