Models
Articles
New Kid On The Box! Author: Arthur Ward
Synopsis: Illustrator Adam Tooby has joined the ranks of great artists like Roy Cross, Ken McDonaugh and Brian Knight as an Airfix box artist. He has also introduced Computer Graphic Illustration to the brand. His illustrations are simply stunnning and in this exclusive artcile he tells Collectingfriends how he goes about creating them.
Last updated: Sunday 01 August 2010 19:58:45Mystery Items No 1 Author: Arthur Ward
Synopsis: In a new series, Mystery Items, we invite Collectingfriends members to help us solve some collecting conundrums. The following items have stumped our experts. Perhaps you can prove you know more than our illustrious panel. Email your answers to arthur@collectingfriends.net
Last updated: Saturday 05 June 2010 22:34:28Antiques Roadshow Author: Arthur Ward
Synopsis: On October 1st Collectingfriends was invited to visit the Antiques Roadshow in an attempt to celebrate Airfix's 70th birthday and encourage recognition of the collectibility of Airfix kits.
Last updated: Saturday 05 June 2010 20:50:39Grand Weekend in the North East Author: Arthur Ward
Synopsis: Kitbasher recently had the pleasure of accepting the generous hospitality of our own Blackmiddens, staying with him and his wife Kris at their lovely house in North Shields. Segendum, Hartlepool Quay and the Angel of the North were just some of the things he took in.
Last updated: Sunday 30 May 2010 08:33:04Spitfix! Joins the Guinness World of Records Author: Arthur Ward
Synopsis: Spitfix!, the model kit building marathon organised by Collectingfriends, Hornby and Random House and held at the RAF Museum Hendon has achieved an official Guinness World Record. This article reveals the full story and pictures.
Last updated: Monday 26 April 2010 12:36:22Airfix In Academia Author: Arthur Ward
Synopsis: Kitbasher is lucky enough to run the after-school plastic modelling club at Dorset House school in West Sussex. Supported by Hornby/Airfix this club is proving enormously popular. This short piece shows the boys' working on their first kit, Airfix's Series One 1:72 Hawker Typhoon.
Last updated: Wednesday 17 March 2010 10:35:16No sting in the tail! Author: Arthur Ward
Synopsis: For their next project the boys' of the Dorset House Plastic Model Club tackled the tiny Airfix Scorpion tank. Here's the story.
Last updated: Monday 08 March 2010 13:10:39How to glue different materials Author: Arthur Ward
Synopsis: What should I use to glue together dissimilar materials? There is not one pat answer to this.
Last updated: Saturday 20 February 2010 14:19:24How to apply decals Author: Arthur Ward
Synopsis: Nine simple steps to achieve perfectly applied decals.
Last updated: Friday 19 February 2010 12:00:57He Shoots... He Scores! Author: Arthur Ward
Synopsis: Veteran Collectingfriends member and top-notch modeller Blackmiddens is the lucky winner of our Xmas 2009 competition.
Last updated: Wednesday 03 February 2010 17:32:03Spitfix! Author: Arthur Ward
Synopsis: Spitfix! Collectingfriends' and Airfix's Spitfire bonanza takes place at the RAF Museum, Hendon on Saturday 19th December, 2009. Be part of a Guinness World Record attempt and surround yourself with Spitfires big and small at one of the greatest aviation collections!
Last updated: Tuesday 08 December 2009 01:29:28Book signing at The Aviation Bookshop, Tunbri… Author: Arthur Ward
Synopsis: Kitbasher, a.k.a. Arthur Ward will be signing copies of his latest work, The Boys' Book of Airfix at The Aviation Bookshop in Tunbridge Wells, on Saturday December, 12th
Last updated: Monday 07 December 2009 22:13:52Christmas Competition! Author: Arthur Ward
Synopsis: By correctly answering 5 simple questions about the doyen of Airfix box top artists, Roy Cross, you will enter a draw to win a first edition copy of The Boys' Book of Airfix inscribed by the master artist and signed by the author. What are you waiting for?
Last updated: Friday 04 December 2009 17:30:25Plastic Wonder! Author: Arthur Ward
Synopsis: Hornby's 'signature kit' Airfix's massive 1:24 scale Mosquito - the RAF's famous 'Wooden Wonder' will be in the shops by Christmas. It's a superb kit of a terrific and venerated aircraft. In this short article, Kitbasher looks at Airfix 'Mossies' in general and the new Superkit in some detail.
Last updated: Monday 12 October 2009 01:26:18Sussex by the Sea Author: Arthur Ward
Synopsis: Kitbasher had three things to do on the first day of the school Summer holidays. Two involved Collecting Friends matters in Sussex (a collectors' phone-in on Southern Counties Radio and a vist to Brighton's Modelzone to see early editions ofThe Boys' Book of Airfix) the third and arguably most important involved entertaining his daughters, Ellie and Alice.
Last updated: Tuesday 08 September 2009 20:46:41A heads-up on Airfix headers. Author: Arthur Ward
Synopsis: For budgetry reasons Airfix were forced to adopt a cheap and cheerful method of packaging their first kits. They popped them into a flimsy plastic bag and secured them with a stapled paper header which combined instructions with an illustration designed both to illustrate the subject of the construction kit and to fire up young imaginations. Here we see the trasnsition from the first, linear designs to the full colour masterpieces pioneered by Roy Cross.
Last updated: Wednesday 29 July 2009 19:26:47Magic Bus! Author: Arthur Ward
Synopsis: Long before buses adorned with all-over advertising wraps became common place Airfix bought such striking media on Green Line buses. R.A.Jenkinson snapped this one at Victoria Coach Station in the 1970s
Last updated: Monday 20 July 2009 18:52:17A BTK for the 21st Century Author: Arthur Ward
Synopsis: Since it's first appearance in 1953 Airfix's venerable Series One Spitfire BTK has achieved legendary status and was even the subject of a construction kit homage in 2003. Now James May and his TV company have built a huge 1:1 scale version.
Last updated: Monday 13 July 2009 21:52:55The Airfix Box Art Phenomenon Author: Arthur Ward
Synopsis: The recent publication of Roy Cross’s fabulous book, The Vintage Years of Airfix Box Art, is proof, if proof were needed, of the enormous interested in the one item which was arguably only ever intended to be peripheral to the success of each successive Airfix construction kit – the packaging.
Last updated: Saturday 04 July 2009 21:39:53Airfix and I Author: Jeremy Brook
Synopsis: In 2000 Jeremy Brook picked up the baton passed by John Wells and assumed the role of editor, primary contributor and production manager of Constant Scale - the Airfix Collectors Club fanzine. Not content with this work load Jeremy is also Club Secretary and Treasurer. Here's his story.
Last updated: Sunday 07 June 2009 00:57:27Buy, Buy Donnington! Author: Arthur Ward
Synopsis: April 5th 2009 witnessed the final Toy Fair at Castle Donnington in Leicestershire. Collecting Friends was there. Here's the story.
Last updated: Monday 13 April 2009 21:35:06THE VINTAGE YEARS OF AIRFIX BOX ART Author: Arthur Ward
Synopsis: Roy Cross's new book about Airfix box art has just been published by Crowood. Collecting Friends' members have the opportunity to receive a signed copy of this great book post free!
Last updated: Friday 27 March 2009 12:02:44A Question of Scale Author: Peter Allen
Synopsis: In 1955 Airfix announced the release of its first 1:32 scale kit of a model car, a 1911 Rolls Royce; the start of a range of historic vehicles. This range was expanded to seven vehicles by 1959. In 1971 Airfix released their huge 1:12 scale kit of a 1934 4.5 Litre Bentley.
Last updated: Thursday 26 March 2009 17:37:22Insurer launches search for unusual stars Author: Robin Nicholl
Synopsis: Norwich Union is set to get curtains twitching by throwing open the doors to some of the UK’s most weird and wonderful collections as it launches a search for closet collectors to come forwards and star in a new film.
Last updated: Wednesday 04 March 2009 19:27:52Toytime Memories Author: Arthur Ward
Synopsis: Blackmiddens' reveals some of his childhood memories and speaks of his favourite toys.
Last updated: Wednesday 04 March 2009 19:25:41The man who owns Silver City Airways reveals … Author: Arthur Ward
Synopsis: Retired avionics systems training manager and Collecting Friends member Keith Dagwell used to work for Silver City Airways. He is now Chairman of the Silver City Association and custodian of the famous air ferry's archive. He also owns Silver City Airways Ltd.
Last updated: Wednesday 04 March 2009 19:25:14The Boys' Book of Airfix Author: Arthur Ward
Synopsis: Summary of Arthur ward's new book about Airfix to be published in 2009 by Ebury, a division of Random House.
Last updated: Wednesday 04 March 2009 19:22:33Airfix Box Top Roughs - IL-28. 'The Soviet Ca… Author: Arthur Ward
Synopsis: The Airfix 1/72nd scale construction kit of the Soviet’s equivalent to the RAF’s Canberra first appeared in 1968. Since then it has appeared in a variety of alternative packaging styles. In the 1970s, for example, Artist Ron Jobson painted a version and this article is illustrated with some of his very rare original box top roughs. A treat for the Airfix enthusiast
Last updated: Monday 10 November 2008 21:27:39Mat Irvine's Airfix Favourities Author: Mat Irvine
Synopsis: Modelling guru Mat Irvine talks about his favourite Airfix kits.
Last updated: Friday 05 September 2008 10:50:23August's Barry Potter Toy Fair at Sandown Par… Author: Arthur Ward
Synopsis: Unusually for this summer, August 2nd dawned bright and sunny and mostly stayed that way. Well it did for the Collecting Friends team who spent the day at the fantastic Barry Potter Toy Fair at Surrey’s Sandown Park Racecourse.
Last updated: Thursday 14 August 2008 10:14:50An Airfix Assortment Author: Arthur Ward
Synopsis: Although Airfix is most famous for plastic construction kits, since its earliest days the company has produced a range of toys and games. In fact Airfix began life making everything but plastic kits. This article looks at an assortment of some of the Airfix toys and games that were an important part of the firm's output in the 1940s,50s and '60s.
Last updated: Saturday 12 July 2008 19:43:13Classic Toys - Two's Company Author: Arthur Ward
Synopsis: Classic Toys, the sequel to Arthur Ward's TV Toys and Ephemera is due to be published in June. Focusing on famous brands like Action Man, Corgi, Barbie, Spirograph, Hornby Dublo, Britains and Dinky, this new book considers many of the famous names so-called 'Baby Boomers' grew up with. The forward is by Frank Martin, MD of Hornby, the new owners of Airfix.
Last updated: Wednesday 09 July 2008 11:59:39Hornby buys Corgi Author: Arthur Ward
Synopsis: Hornby announces acquisition of that other iconic British toy brand, Corgi.
Last updated: Friday 02 May 2008 16:17:50More Airfix box art and why not! Author: Arthur Ward
Synopsis: The 2nd installment in our series about the box top artwork of legendary plastic construction kit brand Airfix.
Last updated: Wednesday 09 January 2008 20:00:53The Airfix Nimrod takes to the air at last. Author: Arthur Ward
Synopsis: After years of speculation about it, in November the all-new Airfix Nimrod will finally arrive in the shops. Collecting friends' members get an an exclusive peak to this fabulous new 1/72nd scale kit.
Last updated: Thursday 25 October 2007 11:48:42Revelations from the Abyss Author: Arthur Ward
Synopsis: Collecting Friends member Paul Pariso has constructed stunning dioramas showing both the Titanic and the Bismark at rest in their respective watery graves.
Last updated: Sunday 05 August 2007 09:22:41War & Peace Show 2007 - Wow! Author: Arthur Ward
Synopsis: This year the KM War & Peace Show at The Hop Farm in Beltring, Kent was a massive 25th anniversary event. Tanks, armoured fighting vehicles, re-enactors and militaria galore it was a spectacle to behold.
Last updated: Sunday 22 July 2007 19:57:50Mat has lift-off… again! Author: Arthur Ward
Synopsis: Mat Irvine's new book, Scale Spacecraft Modelling, is a tour-de-force of technique.
Last updated: Tuesday 15 May 2007 19:07:55Crowood embraces the collectors' lot Author: Arthur Ward
Synopsis: Wiltshire's The Crowood Press has recently started a series of book aimed at collectors. The first of these Buying and Selling Wartime Collectables is co-authored by Collecting Friends' Arthur Ward and Richard Ingram.
Last updated: Saturday 28 April 2007 05:30:16Airfix Box Art Bonanza Author: Arthur Ward
Synopsis: Airfix has always been famous for the high quality of its box art. This short article looks at some of the kit boxes and box top roughs from the firm's heyday in the 1970s
Last updated: Friday 27 April 2007 12:24:03Hornby Saves The Day! Author: Arthur Ward
Synopsis: As all patriotic British modellers know, Airfix has been rescued from receivership – the second time in its almost 70-year history (Nicholas Kove founded the firm in 1939) that Airfix has been saved from the brink of disaster. CollectingFriends was granted an exclusive interview with Hornby's MD Frank Martin…
Last updated: Wednesday 29 November 2006 15:48:27Airfix lives to fight another day! Author: Arthur Ward
Synopsis: Fans of Airfix can breath a sigh of relief happy in the knowledge that the veteran British plastic construction kit manufacturer seems to have found a saviour in the form of Hornby, the equally famous British manufacturer of toy trains and Scalextric cars.
Last updated: Friday 10 November 2006 15:55:49“It’s a model kit Jim, but not as we know it…… Author: Mat Irvine
Synopsis: One of the most distinctive fictional spaceships ever designed has to be the USS Enterprise from Star Trek. Star Trek started on American television in 1965.
Last updated: Thursday 02 November 2006 12:23:55Capturing the moment. Photography for enthusi… Author: Arthur Ward
Synopsis: Today, with so many collectables being sold, exchanged or at least exhibited via the internet, even the most reluctant snappers amongst us need to be familiar with some basic photographic techniques. This short article attempts to explain some of the cardinal rules of photography so that collectors, sellers and re-enactors can make the most of their endeavours.
Last updated: Wednesday 01 November 2006 18:53:00The FAB World of Gerry Anderson (Part 1) Author: Arthur Ward
Synopsis: In a TV and film career spanning more than half a century, Gerry Anderson has been responsible for some of the most successful productions ever screened. Aimed at children, programmes like Thunderbirds and Captain Scarlet appealed to adults as well. Today, these and the many other Anderson programmes have a loyal fan base. This two-part feature considers the programmes and some of the exciting merchandise they spawned.
Last updated: Wednesday 25 October 2006 21:08:55Star Trek sale stuns auctioneers Author: Arthur Ward
Synopsis: Peter Donaldson, our veteran news hound, tells us of an auction sale at Christie’s, New York on Sunday October 8th that’s set the collectors’ community alight.
Last updated: Tuesday 10 October 2006 17:02:51Tony Teiger – The First Screen Blofeld! Author: Arthur Ward
Synopsis: In a career spanning more than 40 years Tony Teiger has established an enviable reputation as the doyen of Property Masters. His association with 007 dates back to his work as a Stand By Propman on 1967’s You Only Live Twice.
Last updated: Saturday 30 September 2006 20:13:32It's happened to my favorite brand again! Author: Arthur Ward
Synopsis: Blow me down. Twice in my admittedly not so young life Airfix has hit the rails. What's happening with my favourite brand - the kit manufacturer whose products fill me with warm nostalgia when ever I see them?
Last updated: Monday 18 September 2006 22:17:44
