Airfix Products

Airfix: Britain's Iconic Model Kit Brand Since 1952 Introduction to Airfix Airfix is synonymous with plastic model kits in Britain, having introduced generations of children and adults to the satisfying hobby of scale model building. From the famous 2-shilling Spitfire that launched a cultural phenomenon to today's sophisticated multi-part aircraft and military vehicle kits, Airfix has been designing iconic model kits in the UK for over 70 years. At its 1970s peak, Airfix commanded 75% of the UK model kit market, releasing 17 new kits annually and selling 20 million kits per year. While the market has evolved, Airfix remains Britain's oldest and most beloved plastic model manufacturer, now innovating with beginner-friendly Quickbuild ranges alongside traditional detailed kits for experienced modellers. At Grocefully, we help you compare Airfix prices across UK retailers, ensuring you can pursue the model-building hobby at the best available prices. Whether you're buying a Starter Set for a child, a Quickbuild for casual fun, or a detailed scale model for serious building, price comparison helps you find better value. The Airfix Story: From Rubber Toys to Model Kit Legend Airfix's journey reflects British manufacturing ingenuity and the evolution of a cherished hobby. Unexpected Origins Airfix was founded in 1939 by Hungarian businessman Nicholas Kove, initially to manufacture inflatable rubber toys. The brand name was strategically selected to appear first alphabetically in trade directories — a practical marketing decision that predates the company's famous products. In 1947, Airfix introduced injection moulding technology, initially producing pocket combs. By that year, Airfix had become the UK's largest manufacturer of pocket combs — a far cry from the aircraft models that would define the brand. The Ferguson Tractor The pivot to model kits came through commercial commission. In 1949, Airfix was commissioned to create a promotional model of a Ferguson TE20 tractor, moulded in cellulose acetate plastic and hand-assembled for distribution to Ferguson sales representatives. To increase sales and lower production costs, the model was offered in kit form through Woolworths retail stores. This decision — selling as a kit rather than assembled — established the format that would define Airfix for generations. The First "True" Airfix Kit In 1952, Airfix released the Golden Hind ship model, marking the first "true" Airfix kit sold to the general public. Available at Woolworths for two shillings, this historical ship began Airfix's transformation from manufacturer to model kit legend. The Famous Spitfire The iconic "BTK" Spitfire was launched in 1953, becoming the first in a long line of Airfix Spitfire kits. The Spitfire — Britain's beloved Second World War fighter — proved perfect for the Airfix format: recognisable, historically significant, and aerodynamically beautiful. The two-shilling Spitfire kit became a rite of passage for British children, with millions building their first model aircraft on kitchen tables across the country. The Spitfire remains in the Airfix range today, available in multiple scales and variants. The Golden Age The mid-1970s represented Airfix's peak. The company: Commanded 75% of the UK model kit market Released as many as 17 new kits annually Sold 20 million kits per year This dominance reflected both product quality and cultural timing — model building was a mainstream hobby before electronic entertainment, and Airfix was the undisputed leader. Decline and Rescue The subsequent decades brought challenges. For twenty-five years under Palitoy and later Humbrol ownership, Airfix suffered from a lack of investment. When parent company Humbrol went into administration on 31 August 2006, 31 of 41 employees were made redundant. The collapse appeared to threaten Airfix's survival. Hornby Hobbies Acquisition On 10 November 2006, Hornby Hobbies Ltd announced acquisition of Airfix and other Humbrol assets for £2.6 million. The following year, Hornby relaunched the brands. Under Hornby management, Airfix was revitalised: Old ranges were re-issued New kits launched annually Quickbuild beginner range introduced Design and packaging maintained in the UK Most Airfix manufacturing now occurs in India, while design and packing remains British. This structure maintains quality whilst enabling competitive pricing. Today, Hornby Hobbies Ltd is home to 15 collectible and scale model brands, with Airfix as the flagship model kit offering. Phoenix Asset Management took majority ownership of Hornby Hobbies in July 2017. The Airfix Product Range Modern Airfix offers products for every skill level and interest. Traditional Model Kits The core Airfix offering — detailed plastic scale model kits requiring assembly, glue, and painting: Aircraft: The heart of Airfix, featuring military aircraft from WWI biplanes to modern jets. Spitfires, Hurricanes, Lancasters, Harriers, Typhoons — virtually every significant British aircraft is represented alongside international aircraft. Military Vehicles: Tanks, armoured vehicles, artillery pieces, and military transport. Historical accuracy appeals to wargamers and history enthusiasts. Ships and Warships: Naval vessels from sailing ships to aircraft carriers. The Golden Hind that started it all remains available. Figures: Military figures in various scales for dioramas and wargaming. Cars and Vehicles: Civilian vehicles including classic cars and modern sports cars. Scale Options Different scales suit different purposes: 1:72: Popular aircraft scale, compact and displayable 1:48: Larger aircraft scale for detail visibility 1:76: Military vehicle standard, compatible with wargaming 1:24: Larger scale for detailed builds 1:32: Intermediate scale for figures and vehicles Starter Sets Complete sets for beginners including: Plastic kit Glue Paints Paintbrush Starter Sets remove barriers to entry by providing everything needed for a first build. Designed with beginners in mind, these sets suit young builders and adults exploring a new hobby. Quickbuild The innovative beginner range that requires no glue or paint: Snap-Together Design: Pre-coloured blocks snap together without glue, building a model in approximately 30 minutes. No Painting Required: Blocks are pre-coloured, so completed models look finished immediately. Age 6+: Suitable for children and casual adult builders. Iconic Subjects: Spitfire, Harrier, Red Arrows, Lamborghini, London Taxi, and more. Quickbuild brings model-building satisfaction without traditional barriers. Parents introducing children to the hobby, casual builders wanting quick wins, and collectors seeking unique pieces all find value in this range. Vintage Classics Re-issues of classic Airfix kits appeal to nostalgia whilst introducing historic releases to new generations. Gift Sets Larger sets combining multiple kits or enhanced accessory packages, suitable for gifting occasions. Quality and Authenticity Understanding Airfix's approach explains enduring appeal. Historical Accuracy Airfix kits stay true to historical subjects, with research ensuring authentic representation of aircraft, vehicles, and figures. Military history enthusiasts trust Airfix accuracy. UK Design Design and development remain UK-based, maintaining the British perspective and heritage that define the brand. Scale Consistency Standard scales enable compatibility — figures match vehicles, multiple kits combine in dioramas. This consistency supports the wider modelling hobby. Progressive Difficulty Range spans skill levels from Quickbuild (beginners) through Starter Sets to complex multi-part kits for experts. Modellers can progress within the Airfix range as skills develop. Shopping for Airfix in the UK Airfix enjoys wide UK distribution through hobby retailers and mainstream outlets. Hobby and Model Shops Specialist model shops stock comprehensive Airfix ranges with knowledgeable advice Hornby Hobbies website (uk.airfix.com) offers full range direct Online hobby retailers provide extensive selection Toy Retailers GAME stocks Airfix models and Quickbuild The Entertainer carries Airfix for younger builders Amazon offers wide Airfix selection Argos provides convenient collection options Museum Shops Imperial War Museum shop stocks relevant Airfix kits RAF Museum and aviation heritage sites carry aircraft models Historical site shops stock period-appropriate kits Supermarket Availability Some supermarkets stock Airfix Starter Sets and Quickbuild, particularly before Christmas. Understanding Airfix Pricing Airfix pricing reflects kit complexity, scale, and detail level. Quickbuild Value Quickbuild models offer affordable entry points, typically under £20. The no-glue, no-paint format means no additional purchases required. Starter Set Economics Starter Sets provide value by including otherwise-separate supplies. Buying kit, glue, and paints separately would cost more than Starter Set pricing. Scale and Complexity Larger scales and more complex kits command higher prices. A 1:72 Spitfire costs less than a 1:24 version with substantially more parts. Collecting Considerations Limited editions, vintage re-releases, and special collaboration kits may carry premiums reflecting collectibility. Practical Tips for Airfix Shoppers Match Skill Level Quickbuild: First-time builders, children, casual hobbyists Starter Sets: Beginners wanting traditional model experience Standard Kits: Experienced modellers with supplies Complex Kits: Advanced builders seeking challenges Check What's Included Standard kits require separate glue and paint purchases Starter Sets include essentials Quickbuild requires nothing additional Compare Across Retailers Airfix prices vary between retailers. Hobby shops, toy shops, and online retailers offer different pricing and availability. Consider Collecting Some Airfix releases become collectible. Limited editions and vintage re-issues may appreciate for collectors. Airfix in British Culture Airfix occupies a unique position in British cultural memory. The Childhood Rite Building an Airfix Spitfire represents a shared generational experience. Fathers who built Airfix introduce children to the same hobby, creating family traditions spanning decades. Military History Education Airfix models introduce children to military history through hands-on engagement. Building a Spitfire naturally leads to learning about the Battle of Britain, the RAF, and Second World War aviation. STEM Skills Model building develops fine motor skills, patience, instruction-following, and spatial reasoning. Airfix provides educational value wrapped in hobby enjoyment. Nostalgia Industry For adult collectors, Airfix triggers nostalgia — memories of childhood building, the distinctive box art, the satisfaction of completion. This emotional connection sustains adult engagement. Conclusion Airfix's journey from inflatable rubber toys in 1939 to Britain's oldest and most beloved plastic model kit manufacturer demonstrates how product quality and cultural timing create enduring brands. The two-shilling Spitfire that launched in 1953 established a hobby that has engaged millions of British builders across seven decades. Now part of Hornby Hobbies, Airfix has been revitalised whilst maintaining its heritage. Traditional detailed kits satisfy serious modellers, while Quickbuild ranges bring new generations into the hobby without traditional barriers. With aircraft, military vehicles, ships, figures, and cars spanning multiple scales and skill levels, Airfix serves everyone from six-year-olds building their first Quickbuild to experienced hobbyists tackling complex multi-part builds. Using Grocefully to compare Airfix prices across UK retailers helps find the best deals on Britain's favourite model kits. For families introducing children to model building, hobbyists pursuing their passion, or collectors seeking specific releases, smart shopping ensures the satisfaction of model building costs as little as possible.