In Focus

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IN FOCUS

This section brings together Airfix Model World's In Focus and Archive Treasures features in one place for a full experience of all our aviation archive images as well as special features from pilots who takes to the controls of the real aircraft we model today. Enjoy!

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Sea King Walk-Round: Navy Search and Rescue Up Close

Chris Clifford and Mike Grzebien

The Sea King may have left Royal Navy service but this selection of photos by Chris Clifford and Mike Grzebien, taken at the Waddington Air Show in 2013 should provide plenty of inspiration for modellers

Chris Clifford and Mike Grzebien
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Rotary Royalty: Westland Sea King History

Malcolm V Lowe

Long-serving and highly successful, Westland’s Sea King became one of the most recognisable helicopter designs in history. Malcolm V Lowe examines the type’s development and use by Britain’s Royal Navy

Malcolm V Lowe
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IN FOCUS: Blackburn Buccaneer from an RAF/Royal Navy Exchange Perspective

IN FOCUS: Former navigator Graham Pitchfork describes his experience as one half of the first RAF exchange crew on Royal Navy Buccaneers - offering inspiration for Airfix's new 1/48 kit.

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MERLIN-ENGINED MAJESTY

Malcolm V Lowe imparts the story of the Rolls-Royce Merlin-engined Vickers Wellington Mk.II, in a fact-packed history article.

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LATE-WAR MOSQUITOES

IN FOCUS: Although the de Havilland Mosquito was a great success in RAF service from the start during World War Two, it was the two-stage supercharged Merlin engine that proved to be the game changer. Malcolm V Lowe examines why:

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HUNTING THE BISMARCK

Catalina flying boats of RAF’s Coastal Command played a major part in locating the German battleship Bismarck during May 1941. Malcolm V Lowe tells the story of their epic search.

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BATTLING BLENHEIM

The RAF’s Blenheim light bombers fought a difficult air war in the Mediterranean and North Africa against often overwhelming odds, as explained by Malcolm V Lowe.

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MISAWA PANTHER

Modelling ideas can come from a variety of sources, here Kev Baxter provides the photographic inspiration behind his Fine Molds F-4EJ Kai build.

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SPLENDID SABRE | IN FOCUS

The superlative Canadair Sabre was the RAF’s first swept-wing jet fighter. Malcolm V Lowe relates the story of this important 1950s warplane.

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UPS, DOWNS AND FLYING AROUND

Sqn Ldr Roger Cruickshank describes his time flying as a frontline RAF Eurofighter Typhoon pilot and how he overcame bleak periods in his life to ultimately forge a successful career

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V Bomber Trio

This photo evocative captures air-to-air the RAF's potent Cold War trio of V-bombers - the Avro Vulcan, Vickers Valiant and Handley Page Victor respectively.

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de Havilland DH.114

The return of Airfix’s 1/72 de Havilland DH.114 Heron Mk.II as a Vintage Classics offering inspired the selection of the British four-engined airliner for this month’s Archive Treasures.

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Prowling pershing

Modellers replicate wanting Clarence to Smoyer’s Pershing tank either on its own or as part of a diorama will find these images, useful.

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Supermarine Spitfire

The Supermarine Spitfire’s place in British hearts and minds was cemented by its role during the Battle of Britain, operating with distinction alongside Hawker’s Hurricane.

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Trials of the Triple-One | In Focus

The Heinkel He 111 was one of the Luftwaffe’s most important bombers during World War Two. Malcolm V Lowe looks at the early versions in the He 111H-series of this iconic warplane.

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Tiger Moth | In Focus

The de Havilland Tiger Moth is one of the best-known British aircraft of all time. Malcolm V Lowe recounts the history and importance of this iconic biplane.