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!
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
Rotary Royalty: Westland Sea King History
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
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.