Airfix and the most heavily produced Avro aircraft type

Welcome to this latest edition of our Workbench blog and all the news, updates and modelling exclusives from the fascinating world of Airfix.

This edition of Workbench was originally scheduled to be published a couple of Fridays ago, however, for obvious reasons, we took the decision that publication at that time would not be appropriate.

In this week's edition of Workbench, our latest update comes from a new tooling project which is already showing itself to being extremely popular with our readers and is sure to be a stunning addition to our growing 1/48th scale kit range, the delightful Avro Anson Mk.I. An aircraft which may be described by many as something of an unsung aviation hero of the immediate pre-war and wartime years, the Anson has the distinction of being the most heavily produced Avro aircraft type in the history of aviation and one which shrugged off the tag of obsolescence to become a prolific bomber crew trainer and in that role, has to be regarded as one of Britain's most important wartime aircraft.

Charting the continuing development progress of this exciting new model, our headline exclusive for this edition is a first look at the action-packed box artwork which has been produced to support the initial release from this newly designed kit, a visual representation of arguably the Anson's finest hour, in a wartime combat engagement sense. We will then move on to look at the three scheme and decal options which will be included in the kit and use the details behind each one to try and help everyone decide which option will grace their example, following the kit's release later in the year. We have much to get through, so we had better make a start straight away. 

It's all a question of scale

A 1/48th scale predecessor of the new Avro Anson, the twin engined Bristol Blenheim looks particularly impressive when finished in this larger scale and makes for an imposing display piece within any model collection.

One subject which is always certain to raise quite a lively discussion amongst any gathering of modellers is that of scale and the preferred size of the model kits we usually prefer to work with. Traditionally, 1/72nd scale has been the dominant force in modelling, particularly for aeroplane models and as aircraft have long been the most popular subject matter as far as modelling is concerned and particularly in relation to Airfix, this should actually be one of the least contentious statements and modelling gathering could be discussing. 

Modelling subjects in the same scale offers the obvious benefit of being able to clearly visualise the size differences between different aircraft types, something which adds significantly to the appeal of modelling, whilst at the same time affording a wider appreciation of the subject aircraft being modelled. Displaying built examples of all Britain's major heavy bombers from WWII together in the same display may not present quite as dramatic a visual contrast as placing something like a Messerschmitt Me 163 Komet next to a Boeing B-29 Superfortress, however, both displays will highlight the huge variation of subject matter available to the modeller, something which for most of us has made this hobby so captivating, whilst at the same time also probably ensured that we all have rather extensive reference book collections into the bargain.

Historically, at the same time that most of our early 1/72nd scale aircraft model collections were growing, the Airfix range also tempted us with their ultimate 'Super kit' aircraft modelling challenges and the most accurate scale representations of some of the most famous aeroplanes in the world available at that time, something which again unwittingly provided us with a great introduction to the subject of modelling scale. Indeed, most Airfix catalogues would actually provide us with plenty of scale subject kit options and therefore, if we were that way inclined, also provide us with the opportunity to delve a little deeper into the subject of scaling subjects down , as well as which subjects generally looked best in which scales.

One Airfix scale which had a relatively slow start here in the UK, but is now very much coming up on the rails, 1/48th scale definitely allows for more detail and design accuracy to be incorporated into any kit, whilst at the same time definitely giving the finished model much greater presence on any display shelf and a better appreciation of the sheer size and power the real aircraft on which it is based possesses. This is certainly the case when modelling Warbirds/WWII piston engined aircraft, where their profiles are dominated by powerful engines and huge propellers, which rise majestically in a nose up attitude. In the smaller 1/72nd scale, the same aircraft just don't quite have the same impact, however in 1/48th scale, the finished kits look almost as imposing and awe-inspiring as the real thing. Significantly, whilst offering this appealing increase in stature and visual appeal, 1/48th scale is still small enough to allow plenty of models to be displayed together, again offering that variety of subject matter which makes the modelling hobby so infectious. 

Over recent years, the range of Airfix new tooling projects commenced in this scale have increased significantly and it is probably true that many Workbench readers would now describe 1/48th scale as their modelling scale of choice. Of course, we are also aware of the fact that when we release any new kit in whatever scale, there will always be those who would have preferred it in the other scale, be that 1/72nd or 1/48th, but that just goes with the territory and in reality, both scales have a valid place in any range and have, and always will co-exist harmoniously. This hobby is all about choice and our job is to keep producing kits which maintain a healthy choice of subject matter for modellers.

Although this is a computer rendered image produced from the new Anson design files, it does show how impressive a display piece this new kit will be and how it will be a perfect companion model to be displayed next to the previously released Bristol Blenheim in the same scale.

Having said that, as we are talking about a future 1/48th scale kit addition to the range in this week's update, this is the scale which is going to be our main focus of attention. Over the past six years of producing our Workbench blog, we have been in the fortunate position of being able to inform readers about quite a number of new 1/48th scale kit projects, following them from announcement right through to eventual release and every stage in between. Indeed, in only our second edition, we exclusively revealed that our designers were working on a new 1/48th scale Boulton Paul Defiant Mk.I kit and this would be closely followed by new kits of such aircraft types as the Gloster Meteor, Supermarine Walrus, Hawker Sea Fury and most recently, Blackburn Buccaneer S.2C/D, all incredibly well received and all going on to cement the popularity of this scale in the Airfix range. 

Arguably, one of the most impressive addition to this range and certainly when talking about WWII era aircraft, has so far been the Bristol Blenheim, our scale tribute to a stunning aeroplane which is truly historic in terms of British aviation heritage, but one which rarely receives the widespread recognition it surely deserves. Hopefully, our 1/48th scale tribute will go some way towards redressing this imbalance and in modelling terms, the Blenheim is about to be joined by an impressive new hangar-mate, an aircraft type which will not only match it closely in stature, but one which effectively mirrors its development, introduction and historical legacy, the Avro Anson. Both are twin engined aircraft which represented cutting-edge aviation technology when they made their respective first flights, but by the start of the Second World War, were both effectively regarded as obsolete types. Nevertheless, both would soldier on valiantly and would become essential components of the Allied war effort in their own ways and as such, we think it's high time they both received a little Airfix modelling appreciation.

Gentle Annie from Manchester

A previously published CAD screenshot showing some of the impressive detail the new Avro Anson Mk.I kit will feature.

As proved to be the case with many of the twin engined aircraft types which made their first flights during the 1930s, the aircraft which would go on to become the Avro Anson was designed in response to a civilian requirement, but one which reflected the rapidly changing situation in aviation advancement. Carrying the company designation Avro 652, the new aircraft was a fast, relatively long-range, mail-carrying charter aircraft built to fulfil quite a demanding Imperial Airways requirement. Powered by two Armstrong Siddeley Cheetah radial engines, the new aircraft could boast a cruising speed approaching 170mph and an impressive range of 700 miles, incorporating a host of advanced design features and appeared to be exactly what the airline was looking for.

Designed by Avro's Roy Chadwick, who would later go on to design the Manchester, Lancaster and oversee the Vulcan project, the new aircraft incorporated a welded steel tube frame fuselage construction, onto which wooden formers and a doped fabric skin could be applied. This method of construction endowed the aircraft with great strength and impressive cabin space, something which would later prove essential when the aircraft embarked on its military career in the years to come. It would also incorporate a relatively recent innovation - retractable undercarriage. This was operated by a clever gearing system and manual pump handle arrangement in the cockpit, where after around 140 cycles, the main undercarriage legs would move forwards and upwards into a semi-recessed position within each engine nacelle.

The first flight of the Type 652 took place at Avro's Woodford aerodrome site on 7th January 1935, with the aircraft exhibiting excellent handling characteristics and generally proving to be a resounding success. The delivery of the two completed aircraft to Imperial Airways at Croydon proved to be a little more problematic, as one of the aircraft actually landed with its main wheels still retracted, due to aircrew error. Thankfully, due to the design of the undercarriage and the fact that quite a significant section of the wheels remained outside the nacelle, the mistake was not as bad as it could have been - aside from bent propeller tips and the red faces of the crew, the aircraft would quickly be returned to airworthy condition.

These two aircraft were named Avalon (G-ACRM) and Avatar (G-ACRN) by Imperial Airways and after years of serving with distinction and with war clouds now gathering, both would be impressed into military service, first with the RAF school of Photography and then with the Fleet Air Arm.
  
From a pilot’s perspective, the view from the aircraft’s generous cockpit was exceptional and must have made the 652 a delight to fly, but as work began on the two aircraft for Imperial Airways, the design held much more in store for the Avro company and an eventual production run which would see this as their most heavily produced aircraft type. With construction work already underway on the two aircraft for Imperial, Britain's Air Ministry issued proposals for a new general purpose/reconnaissance aircraft for the RAF and invited Britain’s aviation companies to submit their designs. After studying these specifications in detail, Chadwick was convinced that his new airliner design was close to meeting requirements and set about building their Type 652A, a military derivative of the existing mail plane design.

The most heavily produced Avro aircraft, the Anson was one of Britain's most important aircraft during the wartime years and was used to train thousands of aircrews prior to their joining front-line operational squadrons.

It would not be long before this military variant of the Type 652 took on even greater significance for the company, following the Air Ministry's decision to re-designate their requirement as an ‘urgent’ project, requiring the Avro team to devote even greater resource to producing their new aircraft. Powered by two Armstrong Siddeley Cheetah V1 engines, the militarization of the aircraft brought the additional weight associated with installing military equipment, including the installation of armament, in the form of a large manually operated dorsal turret with single Lewis gun and a fixed forward firing Vickers machine gun in the nose, to be operated by the pilot. The aircraft would also be given the ability to carry a modest bomb load, something which would again go on to increase its operational effectiveness, whilst at the same time placing further strain on the engines.

Making its maiden flight from Avro's Woodford airfield on 24th March 1935, the aircraft would later be flown to Gosport and the Coast Defence Development Unit, where it operated in a series of suitability trials with its competition rival, the de Havilland DH89M Dominie, the military derivative of the Dragon Rapide biplane. Emerging victorious from these trials, the Avro 652A triumphantly returned to its home airfield at Woodford to be followed almost immediately by an official Air Ministry order for 174 new aircraft. With its intended use as a maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, it was decided to give Avro’s new fighting twin the name Anson, after George Anson, a former Admiral of the fleet and First Lord of the Admiralty, something which was actually the cause some consternation amongst RAF officials, who would go on to be the largest operators of the type.

Production Avro Ansons differed from the prototype aircraft as a result of some flight control concerns discovered during testing and required a re-design of the tailplane, horizontal stabilizers and rudder, modifications which did away with the balance horn. The first production aircraft also featured a modified fuselage window arrangement, replacing the original twin window layout with an impressive new fully glazed section which ran along the entire front section of the fuselage, revealing the aircraft’s structural framework and earning the aircraft yet another nickname, that of the 'Flying Greenhouse'. Entering Royal Air Force service with No.48 Squadron at Manston on 6th March 1936, the Avro Anson represented quite an advance in capability for the force, whilst at the same time presenting them with their first multi-engined monoplane design to see front-line service. It was also the first RAF aircraft to feature a retractable main undercarriage, making this quite an important British aviation type in a great many ways.

The Anson would immediately attract interest from several overseas air arms, who could all see various operational applications this impressive new British aircraft could undertake, with general serviceability and reliability being high on their checklist of appealing features. Keen to cash in on these attractive sales opportunities, some aircraft were diverted from existing RAF orders and sent overseas, with full production forcing the company to open new manufacturing facilities in the North West of England. The RAF Anson Mk.I was equipped with a fixed forward firing .303 machine gun operated by the pilot and a single Lewis gun mounted in the manually traversed dorsal turret. It could also be equipped with a modest bomb load, something which was required by submarine hunting aircraft operated by Coastal Command and whilst there were no reports of an Anson sinking a U-Boat, their presence would keep these feared ocean hunters submerged.

The Avro Anson Mk.I would be the most numerous variant of the aircraft eventually produced, with some 6,688 aircraft being constructed at the main Woodford factory and at a new facility at Yeadon, near Leeds.

An aircraft deserving of Airfix scale immortalisation

The stunning artwork produced to grace the box of the first Anson release illustrates the fact that 'Faithful Annie' may not have been the most accomplished offensive aircraft in RAF inventory, but she did have several victories over Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighters to her name.

As we have already seen in two previous blog updates, the new Airfix Anson kit is an absolute stunner and will definitely introduce a new audience of modellers to the impressive aviation attributes of this famous wartime aircraft. The initial release of the kit will include three very different scheme and decal options for the modeller to choose from, schemes which interestingly graced aircraft flying from bases in Britain, Australia and Canada, further underlining the importance of this unsung hero of an aeroplane. Let's now take a closer look at each of the schemes in turn.

Scheme Option A - Avro 652A Anson Mk.l N9732, crewed by Pilot Officer Philip Peters, Sergeant D. Spencer and Leading Aircraftsman Pepper, No.500 (County of Kent) Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force, RAF Detling, Kent. This aircraft shot down two Bf 109Es from l/JG.20 over the English Channel on 1st June 1940.

As Britain was thrust into war just 21 years after enduring the war to end all wars, the Royal Air Force was in a feverish period of expansion, with some of the most numerous examples in service at that time being designs introduced during the mid 1930s, aircraft which had now been overtaken by the latest aircraft types. Despite some of these aircraft now bordering on obsolescence, they would have to play a full and significant role in the early months of fighting, as it was essential that Britain remained in the war, when the rest of Europe was falling to the horrors of Blitzkrieg.

One of the outdated aircraft types sent to face the all-conquering modern Luftwaffe, the Avro Anson may have been a cutting edge design when it originally entered RAF service, however, there is nothing like war to stimulate a surge in the pace of technical innovation and this innovation had largely passed it by. Although it could defend itself, the Anson was slow, relatively poorly armed and was not blessed with great range, however, it was by no means a sitting duck and in the hands of a competent pilot, could even prove a match for the Luftwaffe's premier fighter aircraft.

At around 08.30 on 1st June 1940, Pilot Officer Philip 'Pete' Peters took off from Detling airfield as the lead aircraft of three RAF No.500 'County of Kent' RAuxAF Avro Ansons, setting a course for France. The flight was sent to provide air cover for the evacuation of the British Expeditionary Force who were stranded on the beaches at Dunkirk and as this miracle of the Second World War unfolded beneath them, another minor miracle was taking place in the skies above. 

Full scheme details of this famous Anson which claimed victories over attacking Bf 109 fighters during the Dunkirk evacuations.

At approximately 10.40, the formation came under attack from several Luftwaffe Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighters near Ostend and immediately descended to extremely low altitude in an attempt to evade the onslaught. P/O Peters could see that the other two Ansons appeared to have taken the brunt of the first attack run and he therefore ordered them both back to Detling, whilst at the same time ordering his own crew to use the two additional 0.303 in machine guns the aircraft was carrying. The Ansons of No.500 Sqn were modified to carry two additional machine guns which could fire out of the side cabin windows on either side of the aircraft's fuselage, installed in specially fabricated mountings which were produced by an engineering company in nearby Maidstone, a company which refused to take payment for this work.

Whilst increasing the already considerable weight of the Anson still further, this modification allowed both the wireless operator and the navigator to fire at any enemy aircraft attacking their Anson, although it has to be said that this light armament would only be effective at relatively short range. 

The most impressive aspect of this engagement was how P/O Peters managed to skilfully manoeuvre his aircraft to allow all four of its guns to be brought to bear as the Messerschmitts attacked, with the enemy aircraft struggling to target the slow moving Anson, constantly overshooting their target and therefore coming in the firing line of the fixed forward firing Vickers machine gun in the nose of the aircraft. Incredibly, during this engagement, the crew of Anson N9732 managed to shoot down two of the attacking Messerschmitts, with a further two sustaining combat damage and having to limp back to their base. All three of the Ansons managed to make it back to Detling. 

The engagement lasted around ten minutes in total and in a further display of courage and airmanship, once the enemy fighters had been shot down or driven off, Peters and the crew of N9732 continued with their assigned patrol, before returning to RAF Detling, where they landed at 12.37. On inspecting their aircraft back at base, they could only find four bullet holes in their Anson, yet another indication of the skill displayed by Pilot Officer Philip Peters during that dramatic sortie.

For this exceptional feat of airmanship, P/O Peters was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, whilst two other members of his crew were recognised with Distinguished Flying Medals.

Scheme Option B - Avro 652A Anson Mk.l AW665/B-PP, Coastal Command camouflage trials aircraft, No.71 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force, Lowood, Queensland, October 1943.

As an aircraft type which was in widespread use during the Second World War, the Avro Anson was charged with performing a multitude of different roles, many of which it was not designed to undertake, but nevertheless proved flexible enough to take them on. With many aircraft operating in Australia, the Anson would equip the newly formed No.71 Squadron RAAF at the beginning of 1943, a unit which was established to perform maritime patrol duties along the eastern coast of the country. The Australians were facing a major threat from marauding Japanese submarines, which were roaming relatively unchallenged and taking a heavy toll of shipping along their coastline, a situation which forced the government to significantly expand their anti-submarine capabilities.

Three new maritime patrol squadrons were formed, Nos 66, 67 and 71 Squadrons, with each one equipped with the venerable Avro Anson, most of which had been reassigned from previous training roles. Although not the ideal aircraft for this important task, this coordinated force was a valuable lookout in the sky and would prove an effective deterrent threat, helping to keep shipping losses to a minimum.

The squadron's aircraft would regularly be operated from satellite bases right along the eastern seaboard of Australia and whilst sightings of enemy submarines were made and weapons were dropped on Japanese vessels, it is not known of any of these attacks actually resulted in the destruction or damage of an enemy submarine. In addition to these offensive duties, the Ansons of No.71 Squadron were also tasked with undertaking air sea rescue sorties and to fly co-operation missions in conjunction with both the Army and the Navy.

Full scheme details for this second, Royal Australian Air Force coastal patrol Anson, one which is wearing experimental camouflage markings.

Prior to being assigned to No.71 Sqn RAAF, Avro Anson Mk.I AW665 had spent time flying with the country's national carrier Qantas and with No.3 Service Flying Training School, roles for which this magnificent aircraft was ideally suited. Taking up its more offensive anti-submarine role, this aircraft was also used during experimental camouflage trials, as the Australians attempted to find the optimal camouflage presentation for aircraft engaged in coastal patrol duties. In this crucial role, just a few extra seconds any aircraft could remain undetected by an enemy submarine might make the difference between it successfully launching an attack and having to watch its target slip frustratingly into the depths of the Tasman or Coral Sea.

Seeing plenty of operational flying, AW665 would also be involved in several incidents, including one where it struck a telephone wire shortly after take-off from Lowood airfield and whilst the crew managed to land the aircraft safely, it did require extensive repairs before it could fly again. The aircraft was reduced to components in 1946, cannibalised to allow other Australian Ansons to keep flying.

Scheme Option C - Avro 652A Anson Mk.l K8727/H7, No.3 Training Command, No.31 General Reconnaissance School, Royal Canadian Air Force, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada, 1941.

One of the most useful attributes of the Avro Anson apart from its general reliability, was the generous interior space it could boast both in its cockpit and in the main fuselage crew compartment. The fuselage construction of the Anson was particularly impressive, with its large, box-like structure possibly looking as if it came from an earlier period in aviation, but one which gave the aircraft incredible flexibility. Able to accommodate a crew of four in some comfort, the size of the aircraft's fuselage allowed all manner of military equipment to be installed, something which would prove crucial when the Anson found its true calling, that of training various aircrew disciplines for future service in front-line squadrons.

The Canadian's would make a vital contribution to the war effort during WWII, not least of which was the establishment and organisation of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. With the construction of new airfields to administer the large-scale training of thousands of pilots, observers, flight engineers, air gunners and other aircrew, this plan allowed men to be trained in relative safety and away from the world's combat hotspots, effectively ensuring a constant stream of trained crews throughout the war, allowing the Allies to keep the pressure on Germany to the very end. 

The aerodrome at Charlottetown was opened on 1st May 1941 by the Royal Air Force as No.31 General Reconnaissance School under the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan and was to be the home of No.31 General Reconnaissance School and No.2 Air Navigation School. It was originally intended that the base would also be home to the No.5 Bombing and Gunnery School, however, objections lodged by the local lobster fishing industry and their concerns that these operations would irreparably damage their fishing grounds soon brought about a change of heart and bombs would not be dropped around the idyllic coastal location of Prince Edward Island.

Representing an Anson engaged in the vital task of training aircrew as part of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, this is arguably the most appropriate scheme with which to commemorate the legacy of this magnificent aircraft, in a scale modelling sense.

Avro Anson Mk.I K8727 was taken on strength with the Canadian Car & Foundry on 11th June 1941 and was passed to No.3 Training Command on 4th August the same year, for use by No.31 General Reconnaissance School at Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia. The unit would later pass under the control of Eastern Air Command, even though conducting the same vital work and with a punishing flying schedule, was regularly sent back to Canadian Car & Foundry to undergo repairs and upgrade.

In early 1943, the aircraft was involved in quite a serious flying accident, where engine failure resulted in the pilot having to force land the aircraft on icy ground on Amherst Island, not far from its home airfield at Charlottetown. Recovered and sent back to Canadian Car & Foundry to undergo repair, the aircraft would later be assigned to No.10 Air Observers School at Chatham, where it would continue with its work of training aircrews destined for operational squadrons across the world. A large number of Ansons would be used and indeed manufactured in Canada during WWII, but this particular example would not survive the wartime years, as she was reduced for spares and used to keep other Ansons flying.

The three scheme options to be included with the initial release of this fantastic new kit clearly illustrate the widespread use of this ubiquitous aircraft and how it saw service in both training and more offensive roles across the wider Commonwealth during WWII. All three of these options could hardly be more different, however, it does have to be said that whichever one you decide to choose, the finished model will look absolutely stunning and we are really hopeful that following the release of this kit, more people will discover the many undoubted qualities of an aircraft which rarely receives the aviation plaudits it surely deserves.

The new Anson instruction booklet includes modeller guidance for the positioning of both rigging and the main aerial placement.

Once this stunning box artwork arrives on model shop shelves everywhere, this largely unknown aircraft will surely receive much more enthusiast attention, especially when people see it in all its glory in this larger 1/48th scale.

The new Avro Anson Mk.I kit is currently scheduled for a late Autumn release and we look forward to bringing readers our next project update blog, which will feature exclusive images of a fully built and finished model, in at least one of the three schemes featured above, something which is definitely worth looking forward to.

Airfix Aviation Photo Awards gains special guest judge.

We have big news for those Workbench readers who have entered our inaugural Airfix Aviation Photo awards, the announcement of a special guest judge. We are absolutely delighted that internationally renowned former RAF fast jet pilot and published aviation photographer Ian Black has agreed to join us as our guest judge, meaning that your pictures will be admired by someone whose work every aviation enthusiast is fully aware of.

Ian began his operational RAF flying career on the legendary McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom in RAF Germany at the height of the Cold War. After three years flying as a navigator, Ian underwent Pilot Training in 1984-1986 during which time, he was awarded prizes for flying ability, aerobatics and unsurprisingly navigation skills.

On completion of his flying training, Ian was selected to fly the English Electric Lightning in the Air Defence Role. Twenty-five years earlier, Ian’s father had been one of the RAF’s first Lightning Pilots and in a historic twist of fate, his son was set to become the last.

After the Lightning was withdrawn from RAF service, Ian transferred to the Tornado F.3 - Flying over 1200 hours in the Air defence role taking part in the first Gulf War, Exercise Red Flag and a deployment to the Falklands Islands. Serving on 23 (F),25 (F) 11 (F) and 56 (R) Squadrons and amassing 1250 hours on type Black was selected to the first RAF Pilot to fly the French Air Force Mirage 2000 C on exchange with the French Air Force. Assigned to EC 2/5 Ile De France the Squadron had strong links to the Royal Air Force, having been No.340 Squadron Free French Air Force RAF during WW2. 

During his 4 years flying the Mirage 2000C, Ian flew live operations over Bosnia and took part in Operation Southern Watch, patrolling the skies over Iraq. 

On leaving the RAF, Ian became an Airline Pilot flying for Virgin Atlantic, captaining such classic civil airliners as the Airbus A330, A340 and the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

We are honoured to have Ian on board.

If you have yet to send in your photographic entries, please use this Photo Awards link to be taken to the our dedicated web-page, where you will find all the details you will need.

That’s another edition of Workbench done and dusted, however, we will be back as usual with more project updates for you next week. As always, we are interested to hear your views on all things Airfix and particularly in relation to our Workbench blog, so if you ever feel like dropping us a quick line, please use our workbench@airfix.com contact e-mail address.
 
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