A new decade of Airfix modelling excellence
The Workbench team are pleased to be returning to our normal blog schedule this week and to embark a new decade of Airfix blogs. This first edition of the year also happens to be one of the most popular, as we provide a modelling overview of the recently announced 2020 Airfix model range. Please join us as we take a look at some of the new range highlights, including all the new tooling announcements, interesting future developments and welcome kit re-introductions which all go to make up the 2020 range. Importantly, if you have not already done so, the new range can be viewed in its entirety on the Airfix website straight away.
Before we begin, could we please just issue an apology to all readers who were left a little frustrated whilst attempting to access the Airfix website in the hours which followed the announcement of the new range. Due to the sheer volume of traffic heading for the Airfix site last Monday, we are afraid that everything started to run a little slowly and despite the best efforts of our talented web team, things did not improve until much later in the day. If you were affected, we are really sorry for the frustration this must have caused, but hope you have now managed to view the 2020 range in all its web glory. On a slightly more positive note, the problems only occurred due to the fact that so many people were attempting to access the website at the same time, which hopefully reflects the current healthy state of our beloved modelling hobby.
OK, without further ado, let’s take a look at some magnificent new Airfix models.
A New Airfix Year is more than just about Vulcans
The 2020 range announcement includes spectacular new artwork for the already announced 1/72nd scale Avro Vulcan B.2 tooling
For modelling enthusiasts all over the world, one of the only positives about returning to work after the Christmas festivities is the fact that it brings us a step closer to the announcement of a new Airfix model range. In fact, as explained in our introduction above, that is clearly what tens of thousands of people attempted to do on Monday 6th January, as the latest Airfix model range was unleashed on an expectant modelling world. We know from past experience that the announcement of any new Airfix kit range is a time of great excitement within the hobby and results in a great many people heading for the Airfix website to see which new tooling announcements will soon be joining the range, as well as assessing which of the existing line-up will benefit from new parts or new decals and perhaps the welcome re-introduction of a modelling classic or two.
As usual, the 2020 range once again covers a full twelve month period, with the physical catalogue we know many people love to collect for modelling posterity retaining its impressive A4 format. Of particular note, as the famous Airfix brand heads into another decade of modelling excellence, the new model range has benefitted from significant new tooling investment across many areas of the product line, from Quickbuild and Beginner sets, to the classic kits we all love to build – we have a lot to tell you about.
With a much increased workload for the Airfix team, some of the models included in the new range are still at quite an early stage of their development and at the time catalogue details went to print, several were only available as either scans, profiles or digital representations of the future model releases. Fortunately, the Workbench blog team will be only too happy to bring our readers regular updates and the latest development images from all these exciting new projects, as they progress towards eventual release. For this first blog of the year, however, we intend to simply guide you through some of the modelling highlights in the 2020 range, bringing more detailed development information in forthcoming editions of workbench.
Important note on images used in this review.
Please be aware that several of the images used within this edition of Workbench have been produced solely for website and catalogue illustrative purposes and may be subject to significant change during product development. Scheme details, colours and markings and computer rendered images shown at this early stage may not represent what will appear on the finished models, as the development team still have much work to do. We are happy to share them with our readers as they help to illustrate the new range, but please don’t assume that they are set in stone (or plastic, in this case).
The new Vulcan kit will bring new levels of modelling detail to this incredibly popular subject aircraft
One 2020 new tooling announcement which would not have come as a surprise to the army of Airfix modelling enthusiasts out there, our spectacular new 1/72nd scale Avro Vulcan B.2 saw its high profile launch at last year’s Scale Modelworld show and has already attracted unprecedented levels of pre-ordering activity. The launch of the new Airfix catalogue and indeed the corresponding website product page does feature spectacular new artwork, which will only serve to further increase the excitement surrounding this new model tooling, as it continues to proceed inexorably towards its release date.
Since we announced our Vulcan project in November last year, it seems as if the nation has gone very slightly Vulcan mad, with many people taking to social media to express their delight at our decision to produce a new model of this distinctive aircraft and others expressing their ongoing dismay at the fact that there is no longer an airworthy example of the aircraft in Britain’s skies. Indeed, the New Year edition of our Aerodrome blog was devoted to publishing a small selection of Vulcan related pictures sent in by Airfix readers, each one expressing their love for the aircraft, with many also intending to build a modelling tribute to the aircraft following the release of our new kit. We have certainly been left in no doubt whatsoever that the Vulcan is still very much an aviation favourite and is held in great affection by both modelling and aviation enthusiasts alike.
A new kit for all tastes and occasions
The Airfix range caters for modelling enthusiasts of all ages and abilities and the 2020 range has benefitted from significant new tooling investment at the more inclusive end of the modelling spectrum
With the Airfix model range being steeped in Britain’s hobby heritage, it will come as no surprise to hear that the 2020 range really does include something for everyone, from the novice modeller looking to tackle their first kit, right through to the experienced campaigner who may be planning their next modelling challenge. The model collection also encompasses such diverse subject matter as an Audi TT Coupe and the Apollo 11 Lunar Lander and from HMS Victory right up to the current Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II. Indeed, there are so many highlights that no review feature could ever do the range justice, so we implore readers to visit the Airfix website and embark on your personal 2020 modelling voyage of discovery.
A section of any Airfix range which has increased in prominence over recent years, but one which has yet to feature within the Workbench blog, our Quickbuild range enjoys rave reviews from the modelling trade and consumers alike, with both attracted by the bright colours and the tough, reusable nature of these unique kits. A range of snap together models which can be constructed and enjoyed, or taken apart to be built once more, the range includes examples of some of the world’s most famous machines, includes iconic cars, tanks and historic aircraft.
Despite adopting a pre-coloured, plastic building block construction, once finished, the models are a faithful representation of the subject car or aircraft and are supplied with a sheet of stickers which further enhance the appeal of the kits. The latest range announcement includes further investment in Quickbuild, with no fewer than eight new models scheduled to enhance the range. The new models to come in 2020 include the stylish Audi TT, classic 1968 Ford Mustang GT, the Ford F-150 Raptor utility vehicle and a Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II. Probably available in more sales outlets than any other Airfix product, we will be featuring Quickbuild development and production in a future edition of the blog.
An exciting new development for Airfix, our new Beginner models offer something very different for novice modellers – the change to build a relatively simple model, whilst retaining the Airfix quality people expect
Taking a modelling step up from Quickbuild and representing an exciting new product addition for the Airfix range, the all new Beginner Sets have been designed from the outset to retain the modelling quality associated with Airfix, but are kits which have slightly less part than standard models and are slightly less challenging to build. The perfect way to introduce anyone into the enjoyable world of modelling, the range has been launched with no less than four new model toolings, two aircraft and two tanks, with the new models looking set to start a new modelling tradition for the Airfix brand.
The aircraft modelled are a Supermarine Spitfire Vc and a Red Arrows BAe Hawk, with both kits benefitting from an attractive ‘shadow stand’, which is a representation of the shadow cast on the ground by the flying aircraft. The new tanks are a Sherman Firefly and a Tiger 1, with both featuring simplified track construction, making these models perfect for the modelling beginner, or perhaps the wargamer. Each of these models have been produced in 1/72nd scale and interestingly, the talented product designers at Airfix have also produced new standard versions of these kits for introduction in the main range at the same time. As usual, we very much look forward to bringing you development details of in a future edition of the blog.
New Military Vehicles
Normandy armoured face off. The weeks following the D-Day landings saw the Sherman Firefly taking on the mighty German Tiger tank in a struggle for armoured supremacy. As with many of the images used throughout this review, these represent computer rendered 3d images of the new 1/72nd scale Airfix tanks
A major component of any Airfix model range, Military Vehicles received a boost recently with the mass re-introduction of a large number of 1/76th scale kits in the Vintage Classics range and as of 2019, a new collection of 1/35th scale models. With many of these models also appearing in the 2020 range, we are pleased to announce that we have some new tooling projects to report, with exciting developments in both 1/35th and 1/72nd scales. As already covered with the new Beginner Sets overview, the Airfix team have also produced standard kit versions of both the WWII Sherman Firefly and the mighty Tiger 1 in 1/72nd scale and these will be joined by a new Tractor and Compactor (used during wartime airfield construction), a Scammell Pioneer Recovery Tractor and a Scammell R100 Artillery Tractor. It is significant that these new kits have been developed in 1/72nd scale and serve as an illustrator for future development in the Military Vehicle kit sector.
The previous Airfix range introduced and impressive new collection of 1/35th scale Military Vehicles, to give the brand a significant immediate presence in this market and we are pleased to confirm that it has been further bolstered with the addition of five new kits, including the awesome King Tiger and impressive M12 Gun Motor Carriage, which was an effective US built self-propelled artillery piece. Even more significantly than this, we are delighted to announce a completely new model tooling in this scale, as we introduce two magnificent versions of the British Cruiser Tank Mk.VIII A27M Cromwell.
Another computer rendered 3D image of a forthcoming model release, the new 1/35th scale Cromwell tank will be an appealing addition to this growing range
A planned replacement for the Crusader medium tank which saw so much action during the yearly months of WWII, the Cromwell is regarded as the most successful of the British line of cruiser tanks, which can trace their lineage back to 1936. Intended for service introduction by 1942, the tank was the subject of significant development delays and actually resulted in the production of some rather confusing ‘interim’ designs based around the same new tank.
Central to its delayed introduction was the development of a new powerplant for the tank, the superb 600 hp, 27 litre V12 Rolls Royce Meteor, which was a derivative of the famous Merlin engine which powered the Spitfires and Hurricanes of the Battle of Britain. This capable and extremely reliable engine would eventually endow the Cromwell with excellent performance and enable it to reach speeds of 40mph if required, making it one of the fastest tanks on the battlefield.
Combined with the models available in the Vintage Classics range, modellers will have no shortage of Military Vehicle kit project options to choose from over the coming months, getting some valuable practice in before the arrival of all these new model announcements.
Beaufort headlines new aircraft tooling announcements
One of the undoubted highlights of the new range, the Bristol Beaufort had the distinction of being the only monoplane produced for the Royal Air Force designed from the outset as a torpedo bomber and reconnaissance platform. This is a computer rendered 3D development image from the project
Determined that the new Airfix Vulcan would not be left feeling a little lonely from a new tooling perspective when the 2020 model range was announced, the hard working product design team at Airfix ensured that no fewer that three new aircraft kits also took their place in the latest range, with the recently released Buccaneer tooling also benefiting from additional parts. Undoubtedly, the kit which will have attracted the most interest following Monday’s range launch will have been the unexpected addition of a new Bristol Beaufort Mk.I tooling in 1/72nd scale, an aircraft which has the distinction of being the only monoplane produced for the Royal Air Force designed from the outset as a torpedo bomber and reconnaissance platform.
Entering Royal Air Force service with No.22 Squadron Coastal Command in January 1940, the Beaufort proved to be a rugged and highly manoeuvrable aircraft, although its engines proved to be something of an ongoing problem. Initially employed laying mines in enemy waters, Beauforts would later mount attacks against the German battleships Scharnhorst and Gneisenau and the heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen, however, in the European theatre, the aircraft would operate more usually in a medium bomber role.
Helping to protect the Beaufort during its modelling sorties, the 2020 range also features a new 1/72nd scale Supermarine Spitfire, this time presenting the Mk.Vc variant of Britain’s most famous aircraft. A significant upgrade on the original Spitfires which entered RAF service, the mark V serves to highlight the constant development the aircraft underwent during the Second World War, maintaining its position as one of the world’s premier fighter aircraft. This first release presents aircraft equipped with the distinctive chin mounted Vokes air filter, which whilst reducing the top speed of the aircraft, allowed it to be operated more effectively in warmer and sand filled Mediterranean and desert climates.
Representing the fact that these new models are still at quite an early stage of development, this next series of images feature computer rendered 3D images of the Beaufort, Spitfire and Sabre projects
Over recent years, our 1/48th scale kit range has become incredibly popular with modellers and as such, has been the subject of significant new tooling support during that time. Adding a further boost to this successful series of models, the 2020 range may only include a single new tooling addition in this scale, but it is an absolute cracker and could quite conceivably be the highlight announcement for many. The Canadair Sabre F.4 was a licence built variant of the successful North American F-86 Sabre, produced in Canada, with the vast majority of the 438 aircraft production run destined for Royal Air Force service.
Despite being regarded as one of the world’s most successful early generation jet fighters, the Royal Air Force would only use the Sabre for a relatively short period and only because of continued development delays associated with the British designed Supermarine Swift and Hawker Hunter. Nevertheless, the Sabre provided the RAF with a capable jet fighter at a crucial period in world history, buying them valuable time until they could introduce their own indigenous swept wing fighter designs.
In this larger scale, the new Sabre will build into a particularly striking model once it is released and will sit nicely with the existing Meteor and Hunter releases in 1/48th scale. We are very much looking forward to bringing you full development details from what is a really exciting new tooling project and one we feel sure will be of interest to thousands of modellers.
Re-introductions and new scheme options
The 1/48th scale Gloster Javelin will be a welcome addition back into the Airfix range, with many ensuring they have a couple set by for a modelling rainy day
As can be seen from the plethora of modelling developments described above, the latest Airfix range has certainly benefited from significant new tooling investment, however, the 2020 highlights are most definitely not confined to new tooling additions alone. As is the case with most Airfix ranges, the vast majority of the catalogue is made up of existing product lines, models which may feature new scheme details and decals, along with the welcome re-introduction of popular kits which may have been unavailable for some time.
One model which will certainly be of interest to a great many Workbench readers is the re-introduction of the popular Gloster Javelin in 1/48th scale, an aircraft which resembles a scaled down Vulcan and one of the most interesting of Britain’s post war jets. As we attend many of the model shows up and down the country, modellers are always happy to let us have their opinions on which new models they would see join the Airfix ranks and which previous releases they would like to see re-introduced. Without doubt, the two models which are consistently mentioned above all others for re-introduction are the De Havilland Sea Vixen and the Gloster Javelin. Both of these kits were produced in 1/48th scale and as the Sea Vixen was included in the 2019 range, the reappearance of the Javelin will be a double delight for many modellers.
A marriage of the Spitfire’s good looks and strikingly different liveries may make this new kit difficult to resist for many
Staying with 1/48th scale, one of the most exciting new model announcements surely has to be the latest release from the popular Spitfire Mk.XIV tooling, this time featuring a pair of aircraft wearing attractive post war racing schemes. Anyone who was fortunate enough to have seen Spencer Flack’s distinctive red Spitfire G-FIRE displaying at a UK Airshow will never forget the experience and whist the scheme may not be to everybody’s liking, if you ever saw it in the flesh, you would have found it difficult not to admire. On the subject of the scheme, it is reported that Mr Flack was often challenged on the colour of his aircraft and his favourite response went something like, ‘If you can afford a Spitfire of your own, you can paint it whatever colour you like’.
The second scheme included with this kit presents a Spitfire which was bought after the war by a former Dambuster pilot and was raced successfully on the other side of the Atlantic. With both schemes making a striking change from the more usual camouflaged Spitfire presentation, this is destined to be an extremely popular future release and one which is crying out for a dual build project. Several members of the Airfix team have already pencilled this release in for a little Autumnal Spitfire modelling indulgence.
It will not have escaped the attention of aviation enthusiasts that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, with many events scheduled throughout the summer months to commemorate the occasion. We would like to end this first Workbench blog of the year and our overview of the 2020 Airfix model range by welcoming the impending return of a trio of Airfix classics and a collection of kits which will possibly help to commemorate this anniversary year more effectively than any others.
Classic Airfix artwork. The re-introduction of these magnificent 1/24th scale kits will enable modellers to make a fine Airfix tribute to the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain
Many Workbench readers will have fond memories of admiring the impressive 1/24th scale Airfix models in our youth, probably holding these classics above any other kit. Usually beyond the capabilities of a relatively novice modeller, these kits were very much associated with older, more experienced modellers and if you were lucky enough to see a well-produced example, it served as modelling inspiration which kept us all honing our skills. Once we were ready to take on one of these beasts, we really knew that we had arrived in the modelling world and were confident that our skills could do justice to one of these magnificent kits.
In a significant development for the Vintage Classics range, the 1/24th scale Battle of Britain era Spitfire, Hurricane and Messerschmitt Bf 109e kits are being re-introduced in 2020 and will serve as a fitting modelling tribute to the pilots of the Battle of Britain. Each of these models will be issued with a faithful representation of their original 1970s box artwork and will prove difficult to resist for many. Indeed, as we prepare to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, Airfix are also preparing to mark our own 65 year modelling association with the Spitfire and you can expect to hear much more on how we intend to do this in the weeks and months to come.
The new 2020 range is now LIVE!
As you can tell, the entire Airfix team are delighted to be able to bring you our latest collection of modelling delights, but rather than have us go through each new model individually, why not head for the Airfix website, where you will find full details of all the new model announcements. There's no time to waste, why don’t you give yourself a little modelling treat this Friday afternoon and take a look at our exciting new model collection?
As far as the Workbench blog is concerned, we are looking forward to bringing you all the stories behind the new models and their development throughout the coming year and it is already looking like we will have no shortage of fascinating subject matter for your enjoyment. We hope the range includes something which will be of interest to you and would certainly be keen to receive any feedback you may care to give us regarding the new 2020 model range.
Please use our workbench@airfix.com contact address for all correspondence.
We are afraid that’s all we have for you in this latest edition of Workbench, however, we will be back as usual in two weeks’ time with a further selection of Airfix modelling delights for your enjoyment. If you have any suggestions for subjects you would like to see covered in a future edition, please use this workbench@airfix.com link to contact us.
In between new editions of our blog, the Airfix conversation continues over on our Airfix Forum Worbench thread, with further discussions taking place on both the official Airfix Facebook page and the Airfix Twitter channel - please do get involved in the discussions and let us know what you think about Workbench.
Whenever you decide to visit, the Airfix website is always the place to be for all the latest model availability information, previous editions of our blog, a selection of modelling tips and much more.
The next edition of Workbench is due to be published on Friday 24th January, when we will have more interesting features from the world of modelling.
Thank you for your continued support our Airfix blog.
The Airfix Workbench Team
© Hornby Hobbies Ltd. All rights reserved.
Related Products
Further Reading
