Airfix

Airfix is a popular UK brand that produces plastic scale model kits of aircraft and other subjects. It was established in 1939, by Nicholas Kove, a Hungarian businessman who primarily manufactured inflatable rubber toys. The company was commissioned to create a scale model of a Ferguson tractor for promotional purposes in 1949. In order to reduce cost and increase sales, the new Ferguson toy model was sold in kit form. The Airfix kit model eventually became increasingly popular. By 1960s and 19870s, the company expanded rapidly with the growth of modelling kits as a popular hobby. The wide range of Airfix kit models comprised vintage and modern automobiles, motorcycles, figures, trains, trackside accessories, military vehicles, large classic ships, warships, liners, engines, rockets and spaceships and even aircrafts.

Generations of children have grown up building scale models of their dream vehicles during the 1960s and 1970s, spending their pocket money on plastic model kits and polystyrene cement. Some of the favourites among children during the 1950s comprised planes, ships and tanks of World War II, such as Airfix 1/72 Aircraft, Airfix Spitfire fighter and Airfix Lancaster bomber.

Over the years, the company has gone through several ups and downs. After the company went bankrupt and its subsequent takeover by other companies, Airfix kits were continued under the Humbrol name. As of November 2006, Airfix was acquired by Hornby.