Airfix is a British brand and former manufacturing company which produced injection-moulded plastic scale model kits. In the UK, the name 'Airfix' has become practically synonymous with plastic models of this type, "they became a sort of generic name for any plastic, injection-moulded model kit".
110-478: Airfix manufactured a wide range of plastic model products such as cars , aircraft , ships , commercial vehicles, military vehicles , railways , and figures . Founded in 1939, Airfix was owned by Humbrol from 1986 until the latter's financial collapse on 31 August 2006. Since 2007, both Humbrol and Airfix have been owned by Hornby . Airfix was founded in 1939 by Hungarian businessman Nicholas Kove , initially to manufacture inflatable rubber toys. The brand name
220-494: A 1 ⁄ 32 scale version. In this period, apart from model kits, Airfix also produced a wide range of toys, games, dolls and art & craft products. It was still producing other plastic products such as homewares at this time. Airfix Industries acquired part of the failing Lines Brothers ' huge Tri-ang toy business, then in voluntary liquidation, giving it the Meccano and Dinky Toys businesses in 1971. This made Airfix
330-489: A James Bond and Oddjob paired kit. 1:1 scale. Models of British garden birds in a diorama form, e.g., two bullfinches on a branch. A small range of kits of pre-historic dinosaurs, e.g., Tyrannosaurus Rex. A small range of motorised engines. Includes a Beam Engine, Paddle Engine, 1804 Trevithick Locomotive and Four Stroke Cycle Engine. The re-issue of the Beam Engine and Trevithick Locomotive during 2009 omitted
440-663: A different vein, Studebaker made a wooden model of a cabriolet over twice the size of the real car. The vehicle was stationary on the company grounds and large enough to hold a whole band that played mostly for photo shoots (Quinn 2004). As time went by, companies in the United States, Europe and Asia made, provided, or sold toys or precision promotional models to attract succeeding generations to their products. More models also displayed advertising on their bodies for non-automotive promotions. The scales of toy and model cars vary according to historical precedent, market demand and
550-554: A few of its original Jo-Han models in limited quantities. These include the 1963 Chrysler Turbine Car, 1959 Rambler station wagon, and some of its original 1950s Oldsmobiles and Plymouths. However, he has had financial problems from the start, and there are no indications that he will be able to continue to produce the highly desired Johan line of models. With the exception of some firms like Stahlberg which made larger scale plastic promotional models of Swedish Volvos and Saabs in an American style, European promotionals were usually based on
660-546: A growing modeling community through websites, online forums and bulletin boards, and sites that host photographs, allowing the hobby to expand internationally. Japanese model kit manufacturers – Tamiya, Fujimi, Aoshima, and Hasegawa, among them – also stepped up their presence in the U.S. market during the 1980s and 1990s. Lesser known kit manufacturers, at least in the United States, were Doyusha, Yamada, Nichimo, Otaki, Marui, Rosso, and Arii. Japanese kits are generally known for being ultra detailed and of very high quality. Most of
770-785: A higher-price market segment with exclusive 'limited editions' of collectible vehicles. Thus, this smaller movement in the late 1960s and early 1970s gradually gave rise to a huge premium market segment by the early 1990s. The collectors' market also led to licensing aspects not known until the 1980s. In the 1950s and 1960s, models were produced spontaneously without licensing agreements, and real auto manufacturers saw it as free advertising. Today, model companies have licensing arrangements with real car manufacturers to make replicas of their products, whether they be concepts, cars in current production, or models no longer produced. Licenses appear on models where model car manufacturers enter similar licensing agreements. Licenses are expensive, which enhances
880-502: A line extended from the rear axle. Intersecting the axes of the front wheels on this line as well requires that the inside front wheel be turned, when steering, through a greater angle than the outside wheel. Rather than the preceding "turntable" steering, where both front wheels turned around a common pivot, each wheel gained its own pivot, close to its own hub. While more complex, this arrangement enhances controllability by avoiding large inputs from road surface variations being applied to
990-959: A line of race and sports cars in 1:18 scale with no opening parts. Also notable is the diffusion of model dies to companies in other countries which could not afford tooling expenses for their own new lines. Traditionally, when European companies have finished marketing their models, newer dies are developed and introduced and older dies are sold off to other companies, often in less developed countries. As early as about 1970, Dinky tooling became 'Nicky' Toys in India, just as older Matchbox models became 'Miltons' or Corgi dies became 'Maxwell'. Many dies previously made by Corgi, Efsi, Tekno, Sablon or Solido, trekked southward in Europe to Spanish or Portuguese companies like MetOsul , Nacoral or Auto Pilen . Politoys became MacGregor in Mexico and also showed up in plastic in
1100-594: A line of ready-to-run models of British railway stock in OO gauge ( 1 ⁄ 76.2 scale). Their details and accuracy were an improvement on rival products from other British manufacturers such as Hornby . The product range expanded rapidly. A model of a Great Western Railway (GWR) 0-4-2 autotank steam locomotive and GWR auto coach are amongst some of the many memorable and important product releases. Airfix also offered an analogue electronics-based multiple train control system (MTC) allowing independent control of locomotives on
1210-475: A model company would make a 'guess' at a particular model for a member of the Big 3 for a particular year and thus get details wrong. Commercial versions of the promos were also marketed and sold in retail stores like Zayre and Murphy USA from the early 1960s, up until around 1973. Differences from dealer promos were lack of manufacturer's official paint schemes and often the addition of a friction motor located on
SECTION 10
#17327943596571320-560: A monthly modelling magazine, Airfix Magazine , produced by a variety of publishers from June 1960 to October 1993. During the 1970s, an Airfix Magazine Annual was also produced; and Airfix books on classic aircraft, classic ships and modelling techniques were published by Patrick Stephens Ltd. In 1963, the Airfix slot car racing system was introduced. Airfix produced cars with front-wheel Ackermann steering and, later, conversion kits so that normal Airfix 1 ⁄ 32 kit cars such as
1430-445: A prior claim as the inventor dating from 1758. He devised his steering system because he was injured when a carriage tipped over. The intention of Ackermann geometry is to avoid the need for tyres to slip sideways when following the path around a curve. The geometrical solution to this is for all wheels to have their axles arranged as radii of circles with a common centre point. As the rear wheels are fixed, this centre point must be on
1540-749: A soft durable plastic. Some vehicles of simpler casting and detail than their polystyrene equivalents and buildings were also available and included in larger playsets , e.g., the Coastal Defence Assault Set which included polythene tanks and infantry for either side plus a polystyrene Coastal Defence Fort kit. Collectors of vintage toy soldiers have reported brittling and disintegration of Airfix 1 ⁄ 76 scale plastic figures, though not as an age-related effect 1:32 scale. A small range of World War II figures in polystyrene that could be assembled in different poses. 54 mm. These were plastic kits of single foot and mounted figures from
1650-879: A total of over 15 playable aircraft, including the German Messerschmitt Me 163 Komet, and the American Grumman F6F Hellcat . The game featured 20 missions, allowing players to play 10 missions as both the Axis and Allies. Players fought their way through the game's 1950s-era house, destroying enemy planes while trying to collect healing glue packets, new model kits, weapons schematics, and paint to customise their aircraft for online battles. Pilots would battle enemy model aircraft as well as U-boats, warships, tanks, flak guns, airships, and fortresses. Players could also design their own fighting emblem, call sign, and even their own battle maps based on
1760-461: A wide variety of multiple promotional variations. Almost all European toy model brands had some kind of promotional service, but in Germany, 1:50 scale was, and remains very common for trucks. In the United States, such diecast companies are rare, but Winross Models and Pennjoy are a couple of European style examples which have had much success, particularly Winross which has been making models since
1870-479: A year, Airfix commanded 75% of the UK market with 20 million kits per annum. Series 20 was limited for several years to the 1972 1 ⁄ 12 scale kit of the 1930 Supercharged Bentley 4½ Litre car, with 272 parts and the option of a 3-volt motor. In 1979 four motorcycles in 1 ⁄ 8 scale were added to this series. The company also introduced an addition to the very popular plastic soldier boxed set line with
1980-492: Is a miniature representation of an automobile . Other miniature motor vehicles , such as trucks , buses , or even ATVs , etc. are often included in this general category. Because many miniature vehicles were originally aimed at children as playthings , there is no precise difference between a model car and a toy car, yet the word 'model' implies either assembly required or the accurate rendering of an actual vehicle at smaller scale. The kit building hobby became popular through
2090-413: Is in India, while design and packing is in the UK. Model subjects produced by Airfix over the years include: 1:24, 1:48, 1:72, 1:144 and 1:300 scales, covering aircraft from World War I to the present day. Perhaps the best-known range of Airfix models. Sets of two 1:72 models, usually one Allied and one Axis, have been packaged as "Dogfight Doubles" series. 1:72 and 1:144 scales. A small range from
2200-469: Is often included. In smaller scales some of the details are often eliminated, so in 1:43, 1:64, or 1:87 scale cars, working steering is not common. Likewise, only the front doors and hood might open, with non-opening rear doors and trunk. (There are exceptions, of course, such as the steering by lever on the late 1960s 3 inch Ford Mustang by Matchbox or the patented steering on 1:32 Modarri toy cars.) Over time, market pressures have caused further changes in
2310-652: The 1 ⁄ 25 scale vintage Stutz Bearcat kit originally produced as a tie-in to the Bearcats! television series). Airfix released MPC kits based on the Star Wars film series. Airfix's market share reduced to 40% of the UK market (2.3 million kits) though it had 75% of the German market. In the US, where automobile kits were more popular than aircraft, it was less than 2%. Four years later, General Mills withdrew from
SECTION 20
#17327943596572420-487: The Alexander Brothers worked for AMT. Tom Daniel design vehicles for Monogram and Mattel. Dean Jeffries was employed by MPC. Bill Campbell created hippie monster designs for Hawk. Ed Roth, famous for his 'Rat Fink' was hired by Revell about 1962. Many of these customizers created real cars and had to have specialists convert their creations into model kit form. Jim Keeler, a model kit designer for Revell, brought
2530-539: The Ariel Arrow in 1 ⁄ 16 scale. The '60's also saw the introduction of an extremely popular line of boxed 1 ⁄ 72 scale military figures. In the mid-1970s, larger scales were introduced, including detailed 1 ⁄ 24 -scale models of the Spitfire, Messerschmitt Bf 109 , Hawker Hurricane and Harrier "jump-jet" . The mid-1970s were a peak time for Airfix. Releasing as many as 17 new kits
2640-534: The Battle of Waterloo , War of American Independence , and English Civil War . 1:12 scale. Famous figures from history, mostly from England, e.g., Elizabeth I , Anne Boleyn , Edward, the Black Prince , Henry VIII , Julius Caesar , and Oliver Cromwell . Also produced were a Bengal Lancer , a showjumper with horse (rumoured to have been based on the young Princess Anne ), a 1:6 scale human skeleton, and
2750-676: The Ford Zodiac and the Sunbeam Rapier could be raced. The first set had Ferrari and Cooper cars and an 11-foot figure-of-eight track: it cost £4/19/11d. Always in the shadow of the Scalextric range, the Airfix version attempted to progress with the higher-end Model Road Racing Company (MRRC) range but eventually the venture was abandoned. Most of Airfix's older range of military vehicles, though sold as 1 ⁄ 72 , are generally accepted as OO or 1 ⁄ 76 scale -
2860-848: The Lunar Module and Vostok , to the Saturn IB and Saturn V . Also some TV/film science fiction spacecraft, usually in odd scales, such as the Eagle Transporter from Space: 1999 , and the Angel Interceptor from Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons . 1:72. A small range of World War II boats. ( E-Boat , Vosper MTB and RAF Rescue Launch ) and recently modern British Severn Class lifeboat 1:400, 1:600 and 1:1200 scales. From World War I to modern. 1:1200 covered
2970-594: The Mainline range of products. The former Airfix moulds together with the Palitoy-designed 2P 4-4-0 and Class 56 diesel were later re-sold to Dapol Ltd and then subsequently to Hornby. Dapol provided new chassis for the 14xx and Castle. The remainder of the Mainline Railways had been produced for Palitoy by Kader Industries and ownership of those tools remained with Kader, is later used to form
3080-668: The Monkeemobile and the Toyota 2000GT from the James Bond film You Only Live Twice - Airfix also kitted the Wallis WA-116 autogyro from the same film. Motorcycles 1:8, 1:12, 1:16 and 1:24 scales. Includes bikes from the 1960s to present day racing bikes. 1:76 scale. Includes a small number of ex- Kitmaster kits. The moulds for these kits were sold to Dapol in the 1980s. 1:32, 1:35, 1:72 and 1:76 scales. Airfix
3190-497: The Soviet Union (commonly known as Novoexport, Saratov, or Tantal) produced many carefully crafted diecast models mostly in 1:43 scale. These were known for their intricate detail, numerous parts, and delicate construction. Larger sizes in die-cast grew out of offerings of European companies like Polistil, Schuco Modell, and Martoys , which was later to become Bburago . 1:24 and 1:18 scales did not become really popular until
3300-664: The "Battlefront History" series, consisting of a number of OO/HO vehicle or 1/72 aircraft kits and sets of OO/HO wargaming figures, presented on a vacuum-formed base. Also the "Rampaging Scorpion" and "Colossal Mantis" science fiction dioramas, which were re-boxed MPC kits. A new series of Airfield Sets has recently been released, with Aircraft, Military Vehicles and Figures included in the box. 1:76, 1:72 and 1:32 scales. Sets of mostly military figures (approximately 14 to 30 per box for 1:32, 30 to 50 per box for 1:72), of subjects such as World War I, World War II and Modern Infantry, Waterloo , Arab Tribesmen, etc. These are made of polythene ,
3410-609: The "Pontoon Bridge". Many artists have produced artwork for Airfix kit packaging, most famously Roy Cross . In 1962 Airfix bought from Rosebud Kitmaster Ltd, its moulds and stock for the Kitmaster railway range. The models were adapted to be compatible with Airfix's rolling stock models produced from 1960 which went with Airfix's trackside accessories of a few years earlier. Only ten of the Kitmaster locomotives were released under Airfix. From 1975 to 1981 Airfix also manufactured
Airfix - Misplaced Pages Continue
3520-409: The 1920s through the 1940s, but period models rarely copied actual vehicles, likely because of the crudeness of early casting and metal shaping techniques. Casting vehicles in alloys such as zinc-aluminum-magnesium-copper (trademarked as zamak ) became popular in the late 1930s and remained prominent after World War II . Many early model cars were not intended either as toys or for collecting. By
3630-574: The 1920s, the manufacturers of real automobiles would design and construct scale as well as full-sized models for design or promotion. Citroën of France, for example, made its own models for promotional purposes as early as 1923. Sometimes styling or concept models were made out of wood or clay, often in 3/8 scale. From 1930 until 1968, General Motors sponsored the Fisher Body Craftsman's Guild Competition where hundreds of modelers competed for scholarship money. . The emphasis
3740-788: The 1950s, while the collecting of miniatures by adults started to gain momentum around 1970. Precision-detailed miniatures made specifically for adults are a significant part of the market since the mid-1980s. The scope of the vehicles involved in the hobby, according to Louis Heilbroner Hertz author of The Complete Book of Building and Collecting Model Automobiles , encompasses "ordinary or stock automobiles, racing cars ([...]), buses, trucks, specialized service vehicles (especially fire engines), military vehicles, including such equipment as self-propelled gun carriers and mobile rocket launchers; construction equipment, including bulldozers and road rollers, tractors and related farm equipment; mobile showmen's engines, customized automobiles, hot rods, dragsters,
3850-904: The 1970s and 1980s and were handmade in the United States, Canada, or England with the occasional constructor in France, Belgium or the Netherlands. A couple of geographical oddities include Goldvarg (made in Argentina) and some early Milestone Models which were made in South Africa. Mail order companies like Franklin Mint and Danbury Mint also focus on the collector market, though in a more popular vein. Since 2000, more than fifty different diecast, resin and white metal manufacturers in England, France, Italy, Ukraine and Russia have exploded onto
3960-462: The 1:43 or 1:32 scale diecast metal models produced as toys or collectors items, often brightly colored or with authentic tampo or silk screen liveries for commercial products. Companies commonly making promotionals in Europe have been NZG Models , Conrad Models , Gescha in Germany and Tekno and Emek Muovi in Denmark and Finland, respectively. Tekno was one of the first European companies to offer
4070-437: The 21st century. In addition to building them stock, most annual kits offered "3 in 1" versions which allowed the builder to assemble the car in stock, custom, or racing form. MPC joined the kit/promo business in 1965, and among their first annual kits/promos, was the full-size Dodge Monaco, which was released with a gold metallic plastic body and is a valuable collector's item today. Interest in model car kits began to wane in
4180-641: The Japanese market. Ackermann steering geometry The Ackermann steering geometry is a geometric arrangement of linkages in the steering of a car or other vehicle designed to solve the problem of wheels on the inside and outside of a turn needing to trace out circles of different radii . It was invented by the German carriage builder Georg Lankensperger in Munich in 1816, then patented by his agent in England, Rudolph Ackermann (1764–1834) in 1818 for horse-drawn carriages. Erasmus Darwin may have
4290-493: The Round 2 LLC name. Revell and Monogram have merged. Modelers today can take advantage of modern technology, which includes photoetched details, adhesive chrome foil for chrome trim, wiring for engines, and billet-aluminum parts. Many builders today can construct a model so it resembles the real car in miniature, much more than could have been done with essentially the same kit more than forty years ago. The internet has also fueled
4400-530: The Soviet Union. Earlier Solido and Schuco dies made their way to Brazil. Even some of Mattel's earlier Hot Wheels tooling showed up in Argentina as Muky . Tomicas became Yat Mings , Tomicas and Yat Mings became Playarts , and Matchbox tooling reappeared in other forms in many places. The trend is nearly always a diffusion from more industrialized to somewhat lesser industrialized countries and often
4510-643: The Supermarine Spitfire. The celebration was two years early because of an incorrect 1953 date commonly accepted at the time. As the moulds for the original kit were long gone, Airfix reissued its 1 ⁄ 72 Supermarine Spitfire Mk.Ιa kit in blue plastic. The kit also included a large Series 5 stand (the moulds for the smaller Series 1 stand having been lost) and a copy of the original plastic bag packaging with paper header. On 31 August 2006, parent company Humbrol went into administration , 31 of 41 employees being made redundant , largely because of
Airfix - Misplaced Pages Continue
4620-428: The U.S. as the "Highway Pioneers" Series of kits. On the heels of the promotional model business, Aluminum Model Toys or AMT introduced model car kits in 1957. Jo-Han , Revell and Monogram also started producing model car kits about this same time. Most of these were known as "annual" kits, and were the unassembled kit version of the promotional models or 'promos' representing the new cars that were introduced at
4730-442: The U.S., Banthrico started producing diecast promotional model car banks in the late 1940s for the banking industry. These coin-banks were available as gifts to customers who opened a new account and had a slot in the bottom to put their spare change. Usually the bank's name and address was painted on the roof of the car. Banthrico models were also painted in authentic Big Three colors and used as "paint chips" so dealers could gauge
4840-432: The UK's largest toy company. In the 1980s, Airfix Industries group was under financial pressure, there were losses in Airfix's other toy businesses and attempts to reduce costs were met with industrial action . The pound strengthened from US$ 1.56 to US$ 2.35 in a matter of months, destroying export markets, because customers were unwilling to accept a 50% price increase for the same goods. The financial interdependency of
4950-624: The United Kingdom; Solido , Norev , and Majorette of France; Schuco Modell , Gama , and Siku of (West) Germany; Tekno of Denmark, and Mercury , Polistil and Mebetoys of Italy. Immediately post-war, Belgium made Septoy and Gasquy. Even Israel got into the act quite successfully with Gamda Koor Sabra which made its own tooling for several unique models. Non-market system communist countries also had some successful factories, like Kaden models and Igra of Czechoslovakia, Espewe of East Germany, and Estetyka of Poland. State factories of
5060-461: The adult collector market. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, David Sinclair in Erie, Pennsylvania , was important in bringing new, more sophisticated and rarely produced years and makes to the United States. Model brands like Rio , Western Models , Brooklin , Idea3 and Pirate Models were sold to adult collectors for the first time. Many of these were handmade in white metal in fewer numbers. Also in
5170-784: The adult collector market. These include Spark which focus on motorsport such as 24h Le Mans and F1, Bizarre is the brand dedicated to the unusual and extraordinary in the car world, FDS, YOW Modellini (from Japan) and many others. Since 2000, companies like Altaya, Ixo, and Model Car World (for example, with its White Box line) have been started in Europe – with production increasingly seen in China. Many of these producers have focused on global auto marques producing vehicles that were produced in Russia or Brazil. Some of these companies only produce kits – others produce kits and build them up to order. Still others are professional kit builders, who do not produce
5280-606: The assembly instructions on the reverse. Its huge success led the company to produce new kit designs. The first aircraft kit was released in 1953, a model of the Supermarine Spitfire Mk I, followed by the Spitfire Mk IX in 1958, in 1 ⁄ 72 scale, developed by James Hay Stevens . This was a scaled-down copy of the Aurora 1 ⁄ 48 Supermarine Spitfire kit, although it is unknown if this kit
5390-498: The basis of the Bachmann Branchline models. Dapol continues to produce (but not promote) most of the kits but as the moulds (some now over forty years old) wear out the kits are being discontinued. Hornby continues to make 4 mm/ft scale models from the Airfix mouldings. A monthly magazine, Model Trains , was published by Airfix from January 1980. The magazine included especially good articles aimed at newcomers to
5500-601: The beginning of each model year. As early as 1962, avid British collector Cecil Gibson had even written a book on plastic model cars. By the mid-1960s, plastic model kits had become more plentiful and varied, with increased level of detail. Typically, the kits often had opening hoods, separate engines and detailed suspension parts. The mid-1960s is generally considered the "golden age" of plastic model car kits. Many specialty modelers and customizers, famous for their wild creations, were hired by model companies to sponsor and create new kit designs. George Barris , Darryl Starbird, and
5610-475: The case of Chrysler's later Turbine Car, where 50 real cars were put into consumer use, the model by Jo-Han was widely distributed as a good will gesture by Chrysler, though the Turbine was never actually marketed. In Japan, promotional models from the late 1950s until the 1970s were typically cast in pot metal and given a chrome or gold finish; they typically doubled as cigarette holders and ash trays. About
SECTION 50
#17327943596575720-586: The circles traced by all wheels will lie at a common point. Modern cars do not use pure Ackermann steering, partly because it ignores important dynamic and compliant effects, but the principle is sound for low-speed maneuvers. Some racing cars use reverse Ackermann geometry to compensate for the large difference in slip angle between the inner and outer front tires while cornering at high speed. The use of such geometry helps reduce tire temperatures during high-speed cornering but compromises performance in low-speed maneuvers. The Ackermann condition of vehicle train
5830-461: The classic automobile museum in Turin . Scale miniatures of real production vehicles, designed as kits for children or the enthusiast to construct, can be made of plastic , die-cast metal , resin, and even wood. In plastic model kits, parts are molded in single cast 'trees' with thin connections that can be easily severed for painting and assembly. Parts come molded in a variety of colors, white being
5940-542: The collapse of Heller SA, which still manufactured most of Airfix's kits. On 10 November 2006, Hornby Hobbies Ltd. announced it was to acquire Airfix and other assets of Humbrol for £2.6 million, and relaunched the brands the following year. In 2008, Airfix's former factory in Kingston upon Hull was demolished. Under the management of Hornby, Airfix was revitalised. Old ranges were re-issued, and Airfix launched several new kits annually. Most manufacturing of Airfix products
6050-485: The decal sheet (the code never adorned a Spitfire in real life, as it was used by a squadron operating the Supermarine Walrus amphibious biplane). One of the complaints came from modeller John Edwards, who was appointed as Airfix's chief designer after convincing the company that he can improve their aircraft kits. Edwards helped release a more accurate Spitfire Mk IX model in 1955, and he would go on to direct
6160-456: The designs of Airfix kits in other ranges for 15 more years until his untimely death at the age of 38. During the 1960s and 1970s, the company expanded as the hobby grew. The range expanded to include vintage and modern cars, motorcycles, figures in both 1 ⁄ 76 and 1 ⁄ 32 scale, trains, model railway accessories, military vehicles, ships, rockets and spaceships, as well as an ever-increasing range of aircraft, most created at
6270-520: The divisions of Airfix Industries forced it to declare bankruptcy in 1981. The company was bought by General Mills (owner of US automobile kit-maker MPC ) through its UK Palitoy subsidiary. The kit moulds were sent to their factory in Calais , France. Later, Airfix aircraft kits were marketed in the United States under the MPC label and some MPC kits were sold in the UK under the Airfix name (an example being
6380-665: The early 1960s. Another variation on promotionals were whole toy lines or brands constructed to represent vehicles on display at particular automotive museums. Examples were Cursor Models of Germany which made models specifically on display in the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Sindelfingen , R.A.M.I. by J.M.K. of France which made vehicles in the Automobile Museum de Rochetaillée sur Saône in France, or also Dugu Miniautotoys of Italy which made vehicles for
6490-686: The early 1970s, craftsmen like Carlo Brianza and Michelle Conti started making ultra-detailed large replicas in Italy and Spain – costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars. In addition, the company Pocher , from Italy, made extremely complex kits in 1:8 scale Around the early 1990s, many began to collect and record vehicle variations in miniature (in a manner similar to stamp or coin collecting ) which led to rising values, especially for rare models (for an example, see Parker 1993). This led to mass producers such as Matchbox (specifically with its Models of Yesteryear series) and Corgi intentionally catering to
6600-607: The electric motor and gears science fiction wargaming models. Models to tie in with the recent Doctor Who TV series including the TARDIS . Models of moving engines with transparent parts to show details. Airfix also produced a small number of Card Construction kits for use with the Airfix Railway System. These were included with some Airfix GMR Train Sets. And various structures as the "Airfield Control Tower" and
6710-457: The end of a long lever arm, as well as greatly reducing the fore-and-aft travel of the steered wheels. A linkage between these hubs pivots the two wheels together, and by careful arrangement of the linkage dimensions the Ackermann geometry could be approximated. This was achieved by making the linkage not a simple parallelogram, but by making the length of the track rod (the moving link between
SECTION 60
#17327943596576820-591: The final issue of Model Trains in December 1983. Scale Model Trains ran until June 1995, when a new publisher was found and the magazine was relaunched in 1995 as Model Trains International , the November/December issue being issue number 1. It continues to be published. In 2000, EON Digital Entertainment released Airfix Dogfighter for Microsoft Windows . The game featured computer representation of Airfix's Second World War-era model aircraft with
6930-473: The form of detailed (but simply cast) promotional models for automotive dealerships which preceded the appearance of automotive kits for assembly. Among more collectible vehicles in Europe after World War II and during the 1950s, smaller scales, like 1:43 , and 1:64 generally became popular first. Since the 1980s, many factory assembled scale model cars made of diecast metal have become more and more adult collectible oriented and less and less toy-like. Besides
7040-449: The front axle, noticeable by the studded white vinyl gear that protruded around the axle (and through the oil pan). However, they were painted and looked just as attractive as dealer promos. Some model companies sold unassembled versions of the promo cars, that were typically simpler and easier to assemble than the annual kits (with engine and customizing parts available in the full-blown kits left out). They were molded in color (instead of
7150-533: The group's existing kit-manufacturer, Trun -based Heller SA . This was a logical acquisition since Humbrol's paints and adhesives could be used to complete Airfix kits and the Heller factory was under-utilised. The Hobby Products Group was sold to an Irish investment company, Allen & McGuire, in 1994 and continued under the Humbrol name. In 2003, Airfix celebrated the 50th anniversary of its first aircraft kit,
7260-495: The hands of smaller children (about 1:64 scale or about 3 inches), which improved profit margins in packaging more items per carton, and increasing profit per vehicle sold. Others moved to larger scales from 1:43 toward 1:40, 1:38 or 1:35 . Later, popular scales went even larger. In the United States, 1:25 (6 to 7 inches) became the staple size for plastic promotional models, while European manufacturers went to 1:24 or 1:18 (about 9 inches long). The larger 1:12 scale
7370-492: The hobby and also included many articles about modelling US and Continental European railways, as well British prototype railways. The publication of Model Trains continued for some years after Airfix ceased ownership in 1981. A change in the editorial team saw the original Model Trains editorial staff launch a new title as Scale Trains , in April 1982. A slight name change followed in April 1984, as Scale Model Trains following
7480-424: The hubs) shorter than that of the axle, so that the steering arms of the hubs appeared to " toe out". As the steering moved, the wheels turned according to Ackermann, with the inner wheel turning further. If the track rod is placed ahead of the axle, it should instead be longer in comparison, thus preserving this same "toe out". A simple approximation to perfect Ackermann steering geometry may be generated by moving
7590-694: The kits themselves. Promotional models are sometimes used when the real auto manufacturers contract with model or toy companies to make copies of their real vehicles. Some of the earliest promotional models were from the early 1930s, when TootsieToy introduced a line of 1932 Grahams and later, the 1935 LaSalle. These were both diecast and made available in boxes with the brand name displayed with appropriate logos and colors (Seeley, No Date). National Products made models of about 1/28th scale starting in 1934. Later manufacturers like Winross, Lesney Matchbox, Lledo, AHL, and White Rose used their toy vehicles to advertise logos on their flanks promoting various companies. In
7700-491: The late 1980s when other brands like Yatming and Maisto were produced in Hong Kong or China by either American or Asian companies. 1:87 scale plastic vehicles, related to railroad modeling or not, also continue to be popular in Europe. Despite continued European companies, today, China is now the center of diecast production. Post-war European diecast models were produced in fairly simple form, such as Dinky Toys (often in
7810-440: The market. Examples of these would be plastic windows, interiors, separate wheel/tire assemblies, working suspensions, opening/moving parts, jeweled headlights, mask-spraying or tampo-printing, and low-friction 'fast' wheels. Into the 1970s, model makers began to feel the squeeze of rising costs. Often press tooling for a new model might cost more than 30,000 pounds (more than US$ 50,000). Companies began to offer fewer new issues and
7920-604: The mid-1970s, and while the precise causes are not perfectly clear, some factors were a sharp rise in the price of plastics, parents becoming cautious of 'glue sniffing' and, later, the rise of video gaming. A revival of sorts was seen in the late 1980s, especially among adults, as Monogram introduced a series of replicas of NASCAR race cars, as did AMT with a kit of the 1966 Chevrolet Nova, which American modelers had been requesting for years. New model specific magazines sprang up, such as Scale Auto Enthusiast , (now simply Scale Auto ) and Model Cars Magazine! . These magazines spread
8030-593: The missions in the game. The whole game was an advertising venture, as the paints are Humbrol and the kit upgrades show actual pictures of Airfix packages. The Airfix history has ensured that the company, its products and its brand has entered modern culture, especially in the Anglo-centric world, in its own right. In 2008, a TV advertisement for the Santander bank was produced, featuring a fictitious Lewis Hamilton Formula One car model. Demand for this model
8140-473: The model was sold in kit form by Woolworth 's retail stores. In 1954, Woolworth's buyer Jim Russon suggested that Airfix produce a model kit of Sir Francis Drake 's Golden Hind , then being sold in North America as a ' ship-in-a-bottle ', made in the more stable polystyrene . To meet Woolworth's retail price of two shillings, Airfix packaged the product in a plastic bag with a paper header that had
8250-431: The model's final appearance was not precisely like a promo (which would have had no custom parts attached to the body of the car). Probably, because of the promo look, however, today these often command higher prices than the detailed "3-in-1" kits, especially AMT's Craftsman series of the early and mid sixties. After being owned for a time by Seville Enterprises, Okey Spaulding purchased once-defunct Jo-Han, which produced
8360-559: The models became simpler with fewer opening parts. Larger 1:24 and 1:18 scale premium models became extremely popular at toy and hobby centers during the 1990s, but are less popular circa 2010. This size is generally made with close attention to the details of the real vehicles, such as a working steering, and opening doors, trunk/boot, and hood/bonnet. Detailed interiors, instrument panels, trunks/boots with spare tires and engine compartments are common. Chassis often show intricacies of exhaust systems and suspensions. A working suspension system
8470-527: The models first appeared on the market. Even before such companies as Corgi and Dinky were ten years old, adults were collecting them, particularly in the UK and the USA. Often, as well, adults seek the joys of childhood, collecting what they had destroyed in youth or what their parents had thrown away. This also lead to the foundation of the Diecast Hall of Fame in 2009. Many manufacturers began catering to
8580-614: The most common in the 1960s and 1970s. Some parts are chrome plated to simulate real bumpers, grilles, wheels, and other pieces that might be chrome on the actual vehicle. Tires are most commonly molded in rubber. Water 'slide-on' decals are usually included along with an instruction brochure. The best kits have incredible levels of accuracy, even in detail and parts unseen when the model is complete. Major manufacturers are AMT , MPC , Revell , Monogram , and Tamiya but many smaller plastics companies, like Aurora , Pyro , IMC, and Premier have come and gone. The model car "kit" hobby began in
8690-525: The need for detail. Many 'in house' models of real car companies are made by professional modelers in full size, or at very large scales like 1:4, 1:5, 3:8, or 1:10 to portray adequate features and proportions. For toys, many European pre-war cars and trucks were made to display with railroad layouts, making 1:87 (1 to 2 inches, or HO scale) or 1:43 (about 4 inches long, or O scale) common scales. Other companies made vehicles in variations around 1:40 to 1:50 scales. Some companies went smaller to appeal to
8800-747: The position of mass producers of model cars, while smaller companies have been marginalized and forced out of business. For example, when Ferrari entered into an exclusive agreement with Mattel's Hot Wheels, companies like Solido and Bburago felt the crunch, and Bburago went out of business (though the name was eventually reacquired by Maisto). Manufacturers focusing on premium models, usually in white metal and sometimes resin, include Brooklin Models , Western Models , Enchantment Land, Conquest / Madison, Durham Classics, Elegance Models, Mini Auto Emporium, Mini Marque, Motor City USA, Tron, Starter, RacingModels, SMTS and Victory. Several of these started production in
8910-512: The post World War II era with Ace and Berkeley wooden model cars. Revell pioneered the plastic model car in the late 1940s with their Maxwell kit, which was basically an unassembled version of a pull toy. Derek Brand, from England, pioneered the first real plastic kit, a 1932 Ford Roadster for Revell. He was also known for developing a line of 1/32 scale model car kits in England for the Gowland brothers. These kits were later introduced by Revell in
9020-427: The primary promotional manufacturers. Throughout, the promo producers were at the whim of the real automakers and would respond to requests of particular scales, paint colors, and other details like working suspensions or even, on occasion, detailed engines, or other opening features. These plastic models were intricately detailed, with body scripts, trim, and emblems, as well as dashboard details, exact duplicates of
9130-632: The real thing, in 1/25 scale. Typically, each automaker would license their cars to one or more model companies. Sometimes the contracts seemed piecemeal – for example in 1965, Chrysler had promos made by AMT, Jo-Han, and MPC. But often one of the BIG 3 favored a particular model maker. For example, Jo-Han produced most Chrysler products and Cadillacs and Oldsmobiles from GM, while AMT did the Chevrolet, Buick, Pontiac, and Fords. American Motors Corporation shared promotional duties between Jo-Han and AMT depending on
9240-506: The recently popular so-called 'funny cars', early self-propelled road carriages, and so on." Miniature models of automobiles first appeared in Europe around the time real automobiles did. Then, shortly after, they appeared in the United States. These were toys and replicas often made of lead and brass. Later models made in the early 20th century were slush cast plaster or iron. Tin and pressed steel cars, trucks, and military vehicles, like those made by Bing of Germany, were introduced in
9350-564: The result is poorer paint, faulty zamac alloys, and imprecise assembly. One example was the copies of Italian Ediltoys made by Meboto in Turkey. The Argentine Mukys featured paint that was flat and dull, unlike the bright colors of the original Hot Wheels. At the other extreme, Auto Pilen of Spain was an exception and copied models beautifully. These were as good as, or sometimes better, than the original Dinkys or Solidos in quality and paint. Organized collecting of model cars developed shortly after
9460-478: The same track. Airfix produced a large number of plastic kits for both railway stock and scenic items. Some of these such as the footbridge and engine shed became instantly recognisable to almost every railway modeller in the UK. The brand label was changed to Great Model Railways (GMR) in 1979, although the Airfix name was still included. However, Airfix left the model railway business in 1981. The models were sold to one of its main competitors Palitoy which produced
9570-425: The scale models to play with while the parents and the salesman haggled. Collecting and trading these "promos" soon became a popular hobby. AMT soon took control of SMP, another plastic promotional model producer. By 1960, Wisconsin-based PMC ceased to produce promo models, though continued to make toys. Interest in the hobby peaked during the 1950s and 1960s, with AMT, Jo-Han, and Model Products Corporation (MPC) as
9680-415: The scales of 1 ⁄ 72 for small and military aircraft and 1 ⁄ 144 scale for airliners. The growth of the hobby launched a number of competitors such as Matchbox and introduced new manufacturers from Japan and the US to the UK. During this period the Humbrol company also grew, supplying paints, brushes, glue and other accessories as an alternative to Airfix's own range. Airfix also launched
9790-472: The ships of the "Bismarck chase" 1:600. A range of 20th Century Liners including Mauretania , Queen Elizabeth , QE2 , QM2 , Canberra , France and the channel ferry Free Enterprise II A number of 15th to 19th-century ships in small scale (about 1:600) and large scale (from 1:96 to 1:180). 1:12, 1:24, 1:25, 1:32 and 1:43 scales. The range includes a series of Veteran and Modern cars e.g. 1930 Bentley Blower . TV and film tie-ins included
9900-563: The smaller scales, these models are manufactured in various scales like 1:12 , 1:18 , and 1:24 . Northern Europe and the British Isles were the homes of the most successful European producers in the 1950s and 1960s in the post-war revitalized economies across the continent (Rixon 2005, p. 9). Quite popular were models produced in the altered railroad modeling scale of 1:43. Examples of well known companies are (or were) Corgi Toys , Dinky Toys , Matchbox , and Spot-On Models of
10010-406: The steering pivot points inward so as to lie on a line drawn between the steering kingpins , which is the pivot point, and the centre of the rear axle. The steering pivot points are joined by a rigid bar called the tie rod , which can also be part of the steering mechanism, in the form of a rack and pinion for instance. With perfect Ackermann, at any angle of steering, the centre point of all of
10120-531: The subjects of these companies are Japanese cars, both classic and current (and, of course, ships, planes and military vehicles). For example, Hasegawa and Aoshima make detailed models of the first-generation Toyota Celica, which has become somewhat of a classic. Nevertheless, Hasegawa also produced 1/25 scale models of 1965–66 American cars, including the 1965 Chevrolet Impala, and 1966 Buick Wildcat, Cadillac Coupe DeVille, and Thunderbird Landau. These were actually Johan and AMT kits that were simplified and modified for
10230-485: The subsequent introduction of a small number of true 1 ⁄ 72 vehicle kits to the Airfix range created controversy regarding the exact scale. Hornby's new packaging shows 1 ⁄ 72 or 1 ⁄ 76 as appropriate. In late 1962, the acquisition of the intellectual property and 35 moulds of Rosebud Kitmaster gave Airfix its first models of railway locomotives in OO and HO scales and its first motorcycle kit;
10340-409: The time Banthrico was declining as a promotional maker, two companies, PMC and Ideal Models (later to become Jo-Han ) were introducing plastic promotional models to the public. Similar to metal model producer Banthrico, PMC also made many in the form of banks. Many Chevrolet bank models had the inscription on the bottom "To help save for a rainy day, or to buy a new Chevrolet." The scale for these cars
10450-478: The toy market to focus on its core food manufacturing business. At one point, it looked as if the Airfix range might be discontinued with no new toolings released from 1986 to 1987. Eventually around this time, it was bought by the Hobby Products Group of Borden, Inc. , which had tried to buy the range in 1981. Borden was also the owner of Humbrol . The moulds remained in France but were relocated to
10560-432: The traditional white) and easily assembled without glue (thus no glue or paint was required). When assembled these were almost identical to the much more elite promotional models. What usually gives them away is that they were mostly molded in a brighter nonmetallic color without paint matched to official 'Big 3' colors. AMT's "Craftsman" series of promo-like models had perforations in the bodies for mirrors and antennae – thus
10670-440: The train related 1:64 or 1:43). Dinky production began in 1934, while Matchbox cars (often approx. 1:64) were introduced in the mid-1950s. These early die-cast toys featured no opening parts whatsoever. Affected by market forces and by improvements in production technology, companies began to improve the quality of the toys over time. The "best" improvements were often copied by the competition within 1–2 years of their appearance on
10780-411: The upcoming colors on real models. These primitive promotionals included Buicks, Cadillacs, Lincolns, Packards, DeSotos, Chryslers, Dodges, Ramblers and the more common Chevrolets and Fords. In the United States, the word 'promo' is usually associated with 1:25 scale plastic, pre-assembled models. In Europe, promotionals were made in smaller vehicle sizes in diecast zamac in 1:32, 1:43, or 1:50 scales. In
10890-417: The way models are designed and manufactured. In the 1960s, many European models had opening parts and working components, but today few of the smaller scale toys do. More working parts mean more production expense and Hot Wheels and Matchbox vehicles now rarely have such features. Today, the number of moving parts has been reduced even in large-scale models. For example, premium model maker AUTOart introduced
11000-770: The word, helped advertisers, and brought a new generation of modelers together from all across the country. Many of the kits from the golden age of modeling have been reissued. Not only does this allow the craftsman to build the cars they always wanted (but couldn't obtain or afford), but it tends to lower the prices of the originals. In some cases, models of cars from the 1950s and 1960s have been issued with all-new tooling, which allows for even more detailing with modern kit design and manufacturing methods. These include AMT's 1966 Fairlane and 1967 Impala SS, and Monogram's 1967 Chevelle and 1965 Impala Super Sport. Today, model car companies are still in business, fueled by this renewed interest. ERTL took over AMT and MPC which are now both under
11110-571: The world and their varied cultures, markets, labor and economies. Europe quickly developed niche marketing after World War II. The greater availability of labor there generally allowed the development of relatively complex toys to serve different markets in different countries. In the United States, less labor availability would not allow for complex toys with opening doors, hoods, and complete interiors with all detail, so they were often single castings with few parts. Sophistication in America did come in
11220-560: The world highly detailed model cars in the early sixties and is credited with bringing Ed Roth's famous hot rods and customs to the model car marketplace. He also designed Revell's Custom Car Parts which allowed kit builders to add engines, custom wheels and other custom features to existing models. Keeler later went on to Aurora Plastics and innovated the Prehistoric Scenes, which were highly detailed models of prehistoric dinosaurs. Many of Keelers kit designs are still being sold in
11330-458: The year. Also, contracts sometimes changed between companies for similar models almost on an annual basis. For example, Jo-Han uncharacteristically produced the 1972 Ford Torino, and MPC did full-size Chevrolets in the early and mid-1970s. While Jo-Han did Chrysler early on, MPC took on the pentastar in the mid-1970s. 1968 through 1970 Chevy Impala kits were made by both MPC and AMT, as were some Camaros. Trying to beat competition to market, sometimes
11440-445: Was 1:25, however a few Chevrolets and Plymouths were produced in a larger 1:20 scale. Other less well known plastic companies like Lincoln Line, Cruver or Burd Manufacturing, made the occasional promotional model though cars may not have been the company's specialty. AMT began producing assembled 1/25 friction and coaster models in 1948. These were mostly promotional models manufactured for automobile dealers. Youngsters would be given
11550-541: Was occasionally seen and more rarely, 1:10 or 1:8 . At the other extreme, some very tiny toys since the 1980s were fairly accurate down to about 1:120 (a little over an inch). Toys in the United States almost always were simpler castings of zinc alloy (zamak), pressed steel or plastic and often castings of only seven parts (a car body, four plastic wheels and two axles) – while more complex plastic and zamak models in Europe often had precision detail with more working features. This provides instruction on different regions of
11660-474: Was produced with authorization from Aurora. Kove initially refused to believe the product would sell and threatened to charge the cost of tooling-up to the designers. Airfix later received complaint letters from modellers and former Royal Air Force (RAF) personnel regarding inaccuracies of the 1/72 Spitfire Mk I that were carried over from the original 1/48 Aurora model, particularly the BTK squadron code provided in
11770-422: Was selected so that it would be alphabetically the first in trade directories. In 1947, Airfix introduced injection moulding , initially producing pocket combs . In 1949, the company 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,
11880-496: Was such that Airfix later produced a real model kit using the tooling from a similar Scalextric slot car . A life-size model of a Spitfire in the style of an Airfix kit was made as part of the BBC TV series James May's Toy Stories in 2009. The markings of the life-sized model paid homage to Airfix's first aircraft kit released in 1953, including the erroneous BTK squadron code. Model car A model car , or toy car ,
11990-470: Was the first company to release small-scale military vehicles in 1960 with the 1:72 Bristol Bloodhound with Launcher, SWB Land Rover and trailer. The original range of vehicles was in 1:76 scale, also known as OO scale. Also, a range of Military Vehicles sets was produced, such as the "RAF Refuelling Set", the "RAF Recovery Vehicle Set", and the "Airfield Fire Rescue Set" with accessories that could be used in dioramas. HO/OO scale World War II scenes including
12100-413: Was to earn recognition for creativity which would lead to possible employment as an industry stylist. In-house models could also be precise replicas made of similar materials to the real vehicles. For example, Hudson Motor Car Company made twelve precisely crafted 1/4 scale replicas of its 1932 vehicles for promotion at the 1932 New York Auto Show (see Hudson display models). About the same time, but in
#656343