CHRIS CLIFFORD highlights notable products due for release by Airfix this year.
Above: Airfix's forthcoming 1/48 Fairey Gannet will be the first mainstream kit of the type.
Few subjects encourage as much conjecture, excitement and ‘wish-listing’ from modellers quite like new toolings from Airfix. This year there are real surprises across different genres. Without doubt, the marquee item for aircraft fans is a new 1/48 Fairey Gannet AS.1/AS.4, with fulsome detail in all three cockpits and the bomb bay, plus those trademark ‘Z’ wing folds. This is a modelling landmark for fans of Cold War/naval aviation, particularly because it’s the first time a mainstream kit of type has been available in 1/48 scale. The only other examples were from Classic Airframes and Dynavector, but are now rare and should only be tackled by experienced modellers… if they can find them. Airfix’s Gannet will ensure modern CAD quality and enviable detail.
In 1/72 scale, the prospect of an all-new F-35B Lightning II is sure to fill fast jet fans with glee. Besides being available as a starter set with paints, glue and two paintbrushes, it will also be released with Airfix’s excellent 1/72 Spitfire Mk.Vc in the same package, under the label of ‘Then and Now’, and with the company’s same-scale Avro Lancaster B.III (Special) to mark the 80th anniversary of the famed Dambusters’ raids.
Military modellers will doubtless welcome Airfix’s new-tool 1/35 Ferret Scout Car Mk.2, which has interior detail, and the WWII British Army 30-CWT GS Truck. The latter is the perfect accompaniment to last year’s K2 Ambulance from Airfix. Auto modellers are not ignored either, as they can look forward to new 1/43 toolings of the Aston Martin DB5, Lamborghini Huracán Evo and Land Rover Series 1 Pick-Up.
As always, exclusive previews and builds of Airfix new toolings will be available via Airfix Model World and Key Model World throughout the year.
