New Airfix range for 2024 now LIVE!

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

As the vast majority of the modelling community are fully aware, there's nothing quite like starting a new year with an exciting new collection of Airfix model kits to discover and that's exactly what has happened over the past few days. In the now time honoured fashion, last Tuesday afternoon, the modelling community did their level best in attempting to melt the Airfix website, as everyone and their modelling loupes headed for the Airfix website to take their first look at the new collection of models we had assembled for your delectation this time. If you were amongst that number, thank you for helping to make range launch such a resounding success, but if you've yet to sample our new collection of scale delights, boy are you in for a treat this weekend.

As is now something of a Workbench tradition, we will be taking this first post range launch announcement edition opportunity to take a Workbench meander through the new Airfix range, stopping to admire some of the undoubted highlights within and of course, including all the exciting new tooling additions. As there really is no substitute for checking the new range for yourself, we will be providing lots of link access to the Airfix website throughout, in addition to including the range launch video hosted by our Head of Brand Dale, who will walk you through all the new model additions to the range in person.

Without further ado, let's get started, but if you have yet to inspect the new 2024 Airfix range, please do use this link to go and see what we have coming for you over the next twelve months and importantly, when we expect them to be available.

An Airfix story continued

The Airfix catalogue has a rich heritage in the modelling world and there's nothing quite like having the latest edition in hand.

The culmination of many months of hard work across the Airfix team, range launch day is a time of excitement and trepidation for team members in equal measure, as we unleash our latest collection of model kits to an expectant world. Despite being ultra-prepared and having checked and re-checked everything many times over, you still find yourself with crossed fingers when the allotted time approaches, not only in the hope that the technology supporting range launch behaves itself, but also that our latest collection of kits appeals to many in the modelling community.

Something to look forward to as we all return to work following the Christmas holidays, range launch day is now very much a technological marvel, as the Airfix website and all the clever stuff behind it is the main way in which we take news of our latest range to the modelling community. With the entire range being available for viewing immediately following range launch, and to anyone with an interest in doing so no matter where they are in the world, we really are fortunate to have the power of the internet powering our hobby at the moment - it just makes things so easy.

For those of us with more than a few years behind us now and a long time invested in this fantastic hobby, that wasn't always the case for us. How many Workbench stalwarts remember the unbridled excitement of Airfix new catalogue day, getting up earlier than usual to head off to our local model shop to join the queue of similar minded hobbyists, all waiting for the shop to open, so we could secure our copy of the latest Airfix catalogue. Once we had ours in hand, our world was complete and for the next few months, this much loved possession served as a personal kit collection aide memoir, as modelling inspiration and a valuable tool in highlighting to anyone in a position to help, which models we would like to receive for both Christmas and birthday.

To this day, the Airfix Catalogue can bring back those nostalgic memories for a great many people and even though we're firmly in the digital age, having a copy of the latest catalogue in hand is still something of a treat. A truly appealing publication, it includes a wealth of hobby information, as well as the latest collection of model kits and when we flick through those glossy pages for the first time, oh that smell! Very much a continuation of an important piece of Airfix heritage, the latest Airfix catalogue is available in all its glory now and even though the website will always be our main point of access and information for Airfix fans, there's still something rather special about having a physical Airfix catalogue to browse through.

As we embark on this latest Workbench range overview, let's first discuss the format we intend to follow, bearing in mind there's no substitute for heading off to the Airfix website to enjoy a little new model voyage of discovery for yourselves. We will first take a look at the new tooling project additions to the main enthusiast range, before breaking off into individual range areas to look at one or two highlights in each. This will leave plenty of new model additions for you to discover when visiting the Airfix website for yourself, but will still give you an idea of what the 2024 range looks like.

We will follow this by including the range launch video hosted by our Head of Brand, who will guide you through everything in his own inimitable style, before returning with a final selection of models and our usual linked sign off. As always, from this edition forwards, Workbench will be bringing you all the latest developments from the world of Airfix, including a closer look some of the details behind the most anticipated releases of the year, including designer input relating to all the new model tooling projects as they advance from the initial design phase, right though to eventual release.

New Tooling Classic Kits range - 1/72nd scale

Always one of the most eagerly anticipated features of any new range launch, we are delighted to be welcoming two new tooling projects into this range, in addition to several more we will cover in different sections. When it comes to appealing subject matter, our two new kits have to be described as modelling heavyweights and come in the shape of the RAF Boeing Chinook HC.1 and the Consolidated B-24H Liberator. It's interesting to note that this is actually the first time that Airfix have introduced our own newly tooled Chinook kit into the range and to say we're excited at the prospect is the first understatement of the year.

An aircraft which possibly underlines the capabilities of the modern helicopter more effectively than any other type, the mighty Boeing CH-47 Chinook has already been in military service for over sixty years and shows no sign of disappearing from world skies any time soon. The distinctive tandem twin rotor configuration of this heavy lift helicopter cleverly counteracts the effects of engine torque by having each of its huge rotor blade stacks rotate in opposite directions, thus negating the need for the tail rotors traditionally associated with helicopters. An extremely impressive machine, the Chinook made its first flight back in 1961 and since that date, has gone on to become one of the most effective aircraft designs of the post war era, one which is capable of operating in almost any environment, no matter how inhospitable the terrain. Clearly, this has made the Chinook invaluable when performing a great many roles, ably tackling a multitude of military and civilian applications. 

As the world's largest operator of the Chinook outside the US, the Royal Air Force placed an initial order for 33 of these heavy lift behemoths in 1978, with No.18 Squadron taking the honour of becoming Britain's first operational Chinook unit in August 1981. These first helicopters were designated HC.1 (Helicopter Cargo Mk.1) and had hardly settled into service when events on the other side of the world required their first overseas deployment. Following the Argentinean invasion of the Falkland Islands in April 1982, five of the RAF's new Chinooks were wrapped in Driclad PVC protective covers and loaded on the deck of the requisitioned container ship Atlantic Conveyor. Tragically, all but one of these helicopters would be lost following an Exocet missile strike on the vessel, with that surviving Chinook going on to earn legendary status within the RAF.

Having already been in Royal Air Force service for over 42 years, the latest variants of the mighty Chinook seem certain to be in service for many years to come.   

The second new tooling addition for 2024 is the mighty Consolidated B-24H Liberator, America's 'other' major four engined heavy bomber of the Second World War, but one which whilst usually in the shadow of the more famous B-17 Flying Fortress, was actually the most heavily produced four engined bomber in the history of warfare. In fact, it has the distinction of being America's most heavily produced aircraft of WWII.

As we will be covering the initial development phase of the new Liberator in an impending edition of Workbench, that's all we're going to say about this project now, but it's certainly a major addition to the 2024 range.

Moving on to 1/48th scale and we have a new kit which will probably have come as something of a surprise to many people, but one which is surly destined to become something of an Airfix kit classic. The Bristol Bulldog Mk.II was a thing of aviation beauty and during the 1930s, really was just about the most exciting machine any man could ever hope to fly.

A gleaming silver steed to be flown by the most capable and intrepid young men Britain could call upon, the Bristol Bulldog was one of the most important British aircraft of the inter-war period, when powerful biplane fighters unquestionably ruled the skies. Initially developed as a private venture by the Bristol Aeroplane Company, the Bulldog was the brainchild of accomplished aircraft designer Frank Barnwell, the man behind the successful Bristol F2B Fighter of the Great War, and was a light, all-metal and fabric covered fighter, powered by a 440 hp Bristol Jupiter engine.

The Bulldog was armed with a pair of forward firing Vickers 0.303 in machine guns mounted either side of the cockpit, but would ultimately never fire its guns in anger during a relatively short seven year period serving with Fighter Command. Although it was the most capable fighter of the day, the Bulldog was more closely associated with challenging formation flying and spectacular aerobatics, with the Royal Air Force thrilling huge crowds at Airshows and pageants around the country, as they demonstrated the effectiveness of a modernising air force. What the Bulldog did do was help to advance Britain's aviation industry towards the production of the sleek, monoplane fighters which would contest the Second World War, as it highlighted the fact that biplane designs were fast approaching their zenith.

Perhaps the most famous incident involving a Bristol Bulldog proved to be a rather unfortunate one, when an accomplished, but rather headstrong RAF pilot performed unauthorised low altitude aerobatics for a group of onlookers and a private civilian aerodrome in Berkshire. Flying so low that the wingtip of his fighter struck the ground during a manoeuvre, the Bulldog cartwheeled across the airfield, inflicting catastrophic injuries on the pilot - that pilot was future WWII RAF ace and inspirational national hero Douglas Bader.

For this project, our design team were given access to over 1000 original drawings, which will make this a truly stunning scale tribute to an important inter war fighting biplane. 

Starter Set range New Toolings

Representing further significant investment in this important sector of the Airfix range, our Starter Set collection benefits from the addition of FOUR impressive new tooling additions this year, a North American P-51D, Messerschmitt Bf 109F and beautiful RNLI Shannon Class Lifeboat. The fourth new tooling addition is another real heavyweight performer and one which along side our existing F-35B Lightning II kit, will serve as our scale tribute to the two most capable fighting aeroplanes currently serving in the modern Royal Air Force.

Gift Sets have long been a popular component of any Airfix range, a reputation which will only be enhanced by the addition of four newly tooled kits to the range.

Now a familiar sight in Britain's skies, the Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4 is the RAF's current airspace defender and whilst it entered service back in 2006 as a dedicated air superiority fighter, this fourth generation combat aircraft has gone on to prove itself to be much more than this. Now described as the world's most advanced swing-role combat aircraft, the Typhoon has developed into a true multi-role platform and arguably one of the most effective combat aircraft in service today, equally adept at undertaking reconnaissance and precision strike missions as it is challenging the latest Russian aircraft incursion into British airspace.

Forming the backbone of the modern Royal Air Force, the Typhoon has been continually upgraded throughout its service life and is a far more capable aircraft today than the one which first arrived at RAF Coningsby back in 2006.

This impressive new kit features one of our trademark shadow stands and is sure to become a hit with modellers old and new, novice and experienced following its release later in the year.

Gift Sets - New tooling additions

By their very nature, our Gift Set range of models tend to be some of the most popular when assessing such metrics at the end of any year, by virtue of the fact that many include multiple model kits and they all include a selection of paints, brushes and poly cement, everything you might need to enjoy a quiet couple of hours modelling. In addition to welcoming back some perennial favourites, this year's range also includes some combinations which feature newly tooled kits, therefore making their debuts in an Airfix range.

Two new Dogfight Doubles kits pit the newly tooled P-51D Mustang against the newly tooled Messerschmitt Bf 109F-4 and a separate release which pits the new Messerschmitt Bf 109F-4 against the recently introduced Spitfire Mk.Vc. The rivalry between the RAF's most famous fighter and the Luftwaffe's fearsome Bf 109 was probably the most famous of the entire Second World War and in this incarnation, it represents the pair's duels in the months which followed the end of the Battle of Britain, when both aircraft had been developed further and the RAF were on the offensive.

As this year marks the 80th Anniversary of D-Day, we needed something just that little bit special to mark the occasion in our Gift Set range, which is where our D-Day Fighters Gift Set comes in, an impressive collection of no fewer than FIVE 1/72nd scale single engined fighters. Featuring two different RAF aircraft types, one USAAF fighter and two Luftwaffe classics, this set will surely find favour with a great many modellers over the coming months, as this year's anniversary is set to receive extensive coverage across many channels. Also allowing us to practice our invasion markings painting skills, this kit includes a stand which will allow all five models to be impressively displayed once your build project is complete.

With so many Allied aircraft expected to be in the air supporting Operation Overlord, Allied Commanders were concerned about the possibility of their aircraft coming under attack from friendly forces both in the air and from anti-aircraft units on the ground. They issued a directive that all aircraft (with some exceptions, including four engined heavy bombers) be painted with identification markings around their wings and rear fuselage, all under the strictest levels of security. The order to begin applying markings to troop transport aircraft was not issued until 3rd June 1944, with other units receiving their instructions the following day, a move which placed additional pressure on airfield staff already working at maximum capacity.

On D-Day itself, over 13,000 individual sorties were flown by Allied aircraft in support of the amphibious landings and although around 127 aircraft would be lost for various reasons during those operations, it's thought that the adoption of invasion makings significantly reduced numbers succumbing to incidents of friendly fire on that momentous day. Although the Luftwaffe were conspicuous by their absence on D-Day itself, they would fight tenaciously in the weeks and months which followed, highlighting the fact that they were far from finished.   

Quickbuild - New Tooling additions

Just before we take a break to watch the new 2024 range launch video, we go out of sequence somewhat to feature the new tooling additions to our Quickbuild range, but with good reason - we have a pair of new model additions to tell you about that nobody would have expected. Over the recent Christmas holidays, those readers with youngster in their families may well have come across one of our Quickbuild kits recently, models which whilst still being 100% Airfix and assembling into attractive representations of the subject covered, but do so by means of a simple push-fit format and importantly, without the need for glue or cutting tools.

The new 1/35th scale Tiger I and Sherman Firefly mark an exciting new direction for the Quickbuild range and the addition of two expertly designed new kits.

If you did see a Quickbuild kit under construction, it would probably have been one of our London Taxis, or perhaps an Audi TT Coupé, but new to the 2024 range, we have two new mighty classic armoured vehicle subjects, both of which have been produced in 1/35th scale. Rumbling into the range in a way only the most famous tank ever produced can do, 2024 will see the introduction of both the mighty German Tiger 1 tank and its feared adversary, the Sherman Firefly, an up-gunned variant of the Sherman which gave any Panzer commander sleepless nights.

Even though the Tiger I heavy tank saw its combat introduction in September 1942, it would still go on to be regarded as the world’s most famous tank design. Possessing a fearsome combination of firepower, armoured protection and mobility, the 88mm gun mounted on the Tiger and its excellent sighting optics allowed it to engage enemy armour at extreme ranges and certainly well outside the range at which they could return fire. 

Indeed, during the first Tiger engagements on the Eastern Front, the most likely way that a Tiger would be destroyed was by the hands of its own crew, as they were desperate to avoid the possibility of one of these incredible machines falling into the hands of the enemy. From the date of its introduction, the Tiger was the tank against which all other tanks would be judged and large numbers of Allied tanks and military vehicles would fall to its gun.

We are really excited to be introducing these two new classic WWII tanks to the Quickbuild range and all the design innovations they feature. They will be joined by a newly tooled Lamborghini Huracán EVO which might not have the same firepower as either the Tiger or Sherman, but would certainly show both a clean pair of heels.

Classic Kits - New parts

This second release from the 1/72nd scale Bristol Beaufighter tooling includes additional parts to allow the mark 1A variant to be modelled.

Before we leave the subject of newly tooled additions to the 2024 range entirely, we have to include those relatively new kits which take their place in the latest range featuring the inclusion of new parts to allow different variants of the existing tooling to be modelled. This year, we have three kits which fall into this category - in 1/72nd scale, we have the Gloster Meteor F.8/FR.9, the armed photo reconnaissance variant of the Meteor, an option which has previously only been available with this tooling through the Airfix Club. This will be joined by the second release from our highly regarded Bristol Beaufort tooling, with the new kit allowing the Mk.IA variant of the aircraft to be modelled.

RAF, Fleet Air Arm and Commonwealth Beaufort crews were be tasked with flying some of the most dangerous attack missions of the Second World War, with their aircraft often flying into a hail of enemy defensive fire before they were in position to release their bombs or torpedoes. The Mk.IA variant was based on its service predecessor, however, this variant benefitted from overall increased strengthening and the addition of a new Bristol B1 MK.V turret.

These two appealing additions will be joined by the next release from our 1/48th scale de Havilland Chipmunk T.10/T.20 kit, a release which will include decal options to build a scale example of the aircraft in which King Charles III learnt to fly, the Red Dragon.

Vintage Classics - The return of some old modelling friends

The Supermarine Swift will only be making its second release appearance in an Airfix range, following its debut release in 2015. 

As is the case with every range launch, the vast majority of the kits included in the range are formed by kit re-introductions which feature new scheme options and decals, along with a smaller number of kits which are just straight re-introductions, kits which have proved so popular that a further supply of kits in their existing format are required to satisfy demand. As this is such an extensive list, this is one section we're going to leave you to discover for yourselves, however, you can be sure that as they each approach their individual release dates, Workbench will be covering them in more detail throughout the course of the coming year.

One kit we will mention though is the return of our 1/72nd scale Supermarine Swift FR.5 kit, only the second time this model has been released. An incredibly sleek early jet which can trace its lineage back to the Spitfire, the Swift occupies a significant position within the history of British aviation, as it was the first swept-wing jet fighter to enter Royal Air Force service. The FR.5 variant proved itself in the reconnaissance role, in 1957 and 1959 Swifts won the NATO ‘Royal Flush’ reconnaissance competition, conclusively beating the best aircraft types other nations were equipped with.

Now we move on to the subject of new Vintage Classics range additions for the coming year and we are delighted to be welcoming back a further selection of Airfix modelling classics to the 2024 range, kits which have always been modelling favourites and are about to take their place on workstations all over the world once again. A range of classic Airfix kits which have proved to be nothing short of a hobby revelation since the range was first introduced back in 2018, it really does seem as if the hobby world has a particular fondness for these kits which hold prominent positions within the heritage of the Airfix brand and with it, our formative modelling years.

When talking impressive Airfix heritage, this year will see the introduction of our Guards Band and Guards Colour Party figure sets to the range, both in 1/76th scale and both occupying the historic positions of being the first (Guards Band) and second figure sets ever released by Airfix. Neither kit has featured in an Airfix range for many a year, so their release really is a little piece of Airfix history in the making.

A Belvedere and a Chinook sitting next to each other in a model display, now that is an exciting modelling prospect.

Aircraft kits joining the Vintage Classics ranks in 2024 include the distinctive looking Handley Page Hampden 'Flying Suitcase', the historic Hawker P.1127 VSTOL development aircraft and another classic product of Britain's post war aviation industry, the Bristol 192 Belvedere helicopter. A significant post war achievement for Britain's aviation industry, the Bristol Belvedere was a highly capable, tandem rotor heavy lift helicopter which underlined the versatility of modern rotorcraft. Featuring true twin engine redundancy, the Belvedere could operate safely on just a single engine if required. Surprisingly, only 26 of these helicopters were produced. 

Could a case be argued for the Belvedere being Britain's indigenous attempt at a Chinook? Whatever your opinion, it will be nice to have both tandem rotor helicopter types in the range at the same time this year, something which presents a fascinating display opportunity for both built models. The Belvedere kit was last seen in an Airfix range back in 1997 and in this scale, is unique to the Airfix range.

The remaining new additions to the Vintage Classics range are North American P-51D Mustang in impressive 1/24th scale and from the world of naval sea power, the introduction of HMS Iron Duke and HMS Ajax, a kit which was last introduced back in 1996.

That's were we intend to leave this overview of the new 2024 Airfix range, but ending by imploring those who have yet to do so, to head for the Airfix website to discover all the new model release announcements for yourself - clicking on this New Range link will speed you straight there.

Whilst expertly delivering his range introduction over on the official Airfix YouTube channel, Head of Brand Dale included a little tease that the coming year may or may not include the additional release of the odd surprise model to the range and whilst we can neither confirm nor deny such an inference, this format did prove incredibly successful for us last year, so you never know. That being the case, please keep checking your weekly Workbench blog, because as always, we will endeavour to keep you fully updated with all the latest developments, including any surprise announcements.

Of all the new kits on offer in the 2024 range, which ones will be taking their places amongst your collection?

For now though, we hope you enjoyed reading this traditional range launch review edition, but still have to ask the question, 'What on earth are you still doing here?'  You've got new Airfix kits to go and discover!

We are afraid that's all we have for you in this latest edition, but we will be back next Friday with more project development updates and the very latest Airfix kit exclusives. In the meantime, we are always keen to hear your views on all things Airfix and in particular, any thoughts and opinions you may have regarding our Workbench blog. If you would like to drop us a quick line, could we please ask that you use our workbench@airfix.com email for all correspondence. 

To re-visit any of the Airfix blogs we have produced over the past seven years or so, please head to our main Workbench hub, where you will find our entire blog back catalogue and all the Airfix design projects we have already covered.
 
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Please join us for more Airfix updates next week and thank you for your continued support.

Airfix Workbench Team