Sixty Years of Airfix Models

A few books have started to emerge recently describing the history of the Airfix model kit company, its products and how the company evolved over the past 60 years. These books also look at the range of kits Airfix produced and their various types boxings and packaging styles. For some years Airfix was possibly the most prolific producer of model kits ranging from aircraft to figure kits, toy soldiers to military vehicles and space ships, rockets and various other kits like some of the James Bond special cars and autogyros.This book has been released to coincide with Airfix's 60th year, producing model kits and the research and resource information contained within is absolutely first class; beginning with a brief overview of the company and its transition through various 'parent' companies, the author then covers each year of Airfix's model releases, what kits were released, some discussion on the more prominent releases and as the years progress, what kits were withdrawn, re-released and modified. The author has an absolutely first class knowledge of Airfix and their products and his passion for the model range and nostalgic notes regarding some of the notable releases over the years are astounding. I have read a few books about Airfix and its history and kits but this book chronologically examines every model ever released by Airfix, when it first was released, when with drawn and when the kit was reintroduced into the range; what notable additions were made to that kit and changes to decals, painting schemes and so forth.In summary an extremely well written and detailed book about Airfix, its product range, some of the notable people who made the company, some of the renowned artists who painted up box cover artwork, the various types of packaging and just about everything else in between about Airfix model kits. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone who has an interest in this model kit company and its vast range of model subjects. Well done, Jeremy Brook!

I think that Brook did a good job in his book. The only reason why I could not give it a five was the type and style of writing. I have most of the airfix books in print and a few not in print. The history is right and the flow is decent. Overall, I give it a 4 and yes I would buy it again.

This book actually supplements the Ward book, "Celebrating Fifty Years of the Greatest Plastic Kits in the World". Worth owning for those interested in the hobby of plastic kit modelling.

Just received this morning and spent the last couple of hours with the book. Very good look into the history and complexities of running one of the iconic pioneers of plastic model kits as it went through various troubles and tribulations in ownership. The illustrations will warm the heart of anyone who made these kits as a child while the writing is in depth and covers as much details as you will likely every want to know about Airfix.

Excellent book for Airfix kit enthusiasts. I built my first Airfix kits in the mid 1950s, including the 1912 Rolls Royce, a Spitfire, and a sailing ship (which I cannot recall exactly now). The book has an excellent review of the kits, the history and details of their introduction, and information on the people involved.Highly recommended

Added to my collection of other model makers.

I bought my first Airfix kit when I was seven years old for the record it was 207, the Girder Bridge in the Trackside rangey, but soon I graduated to my main love aeroplanes. up to about 1975 I must of built a fair proportion of the Airfix range and although I was tempted and succumbed to the products of Aurora,Frog,,Monogram & Revell, it was Airfix of which I bought the most. Jeremy Brooks fine book on the products of the company is highly recommended even if you've got (as I have) Arthur Ward's books on the subject

An absolute necessity for collectors and fans of Airfix. Full of great pictures of the original box artwork for many of the best Airfix kits. This book makes an ideal companion for the "Fifty Years..." volume. Both books are a goldmine of historic and fascinating facts and stories about the wonderful Airfix range. I can recommend this book for all die hard fans.

A very well written book with fond memories of my childhood collecting and making Airfix modelsA great source of information if you collect of love modelling

Best book I've seen on Airfix to date and good value for money. Ideally it would have been twice as long, as the mysteries of why they covered some of the aircraft kits in awful rivets and why the 1/72 scale soldiers were made in bendy plastic are still outstanding-unless I've missed something. Highly recommended.

Good book and some great pictures in it. My favourite is BA and BEA Tridents. It is a chronology though, taking you through year by year. I hoped for a bit more detailand maybe more pics of made up kits but overall still a good read