

Welcome to this latest edition of our Workbench blog and all the news, updates, and modelling exclusives from the fascinating world of Airfix.
Well, that was an exciting week just passed. As the great and the good will be fully aware, the latest Airfix range was unveiled last Tuesday afternoon and for the first time ever, I was actually at Head Office on range launch day. Although all the work had been completed and everything had been checked, re-checked and checked again, technology always has a habit of biting you when you least expect it, so until the range went live and we’d had the chance to check it one final time, there’s always a certain amount of trepidation within the team, something which usually only subsides when the first pre-orders start rolling in.
This year, we knew we had some model announcements that the hobby has been requesting for quite some time, along with a couple of new tooling additions which would certainly have come as a surprise to many people, but this year in particular, we really do think we have something for everyone.
As you would expect, with such an impressive new collection of models just unveiled, we will be taking this blog opportunity to provide something of a new model overview, picking out some of the highlight announcements we will be covering in much more detail over the coming twelve months. We will also be embedding our range launch video into this edition, for those people who have yet to benefit from having our Head of Brand Dale Luckhurst talk you through the details of our latest selection of modelling delights. Always a good watch, this goes hand in glove with the latest Airfix Catalogue, which also arrived en masse during my visit to Head Office, each one ready to find a new home.
So, without any further introductory ado, let’s dive straight into the Airfix 2025 range.
One of the most requested subjects over recent years, we know you’re going to love the new Jaguar.
Rather than following our usual format of reporting on the new range in catalogue entry order when reviewing any new range of models in the first blog which immediately follows, we’re so excited about our new selection of new tooling projects, that we simply had to start here this time, new tooling’s for a new year.
Before we begin though, can we just start with a little range launch housekeeping, if you don’t mind. As Workbench regulars will be only too aware, the launch of any new model range is something of an exercise of managing expectations, both the expectations of individual modellers, as well as those of the wider hobby. All our readers know that new tooling projects can be eye-wateringly expensive to bring to market, can take up many months of our designer’s time and are the result of many hours of focused consultation between team members, as to what we feel are the right projects to progress. Even though we’d like nothing more than to bring ten or more new tooling projects to market in any given year, this simply isn’t an option for us either from a cost, or designer workload perspective.
That being the case, you will understand that we have to make choices when it comes to which projects advance to tooling in any given year, and those which have to remain on our extensive ‘To do list’ for the time being, ready to state their case on a future occasion. This also means that whilst we always try to grow our range in a structured and thoughtful manner, taking customer feedback into consideration with every decision made, it simply isn’t possible to do everything we know you’d all like at the same time, something which may frustrate some of our followers.
Please don’t despair though, because we will hopefully get round to your favoured subject before too long, and as recent history has shown us, our Head of Brand does like to keep a couple of really tasty new tooling secrets up his sleeve for announcement later in the year, so that’s definitely something to remain excited about. In addition to this, please do keep letting us know what you would like to see us adding to the range, whether that be at one of the many Airshow and modelling events we attend, or at Scale ModelWorld later in the year, as we always listen and no suggestion is a bad suggestion – how high it will appear on our future new tooling project list, well, that’s a very different story.
This brings us rather nicely to the first new tooling project we’d like to mention, one which will be the headline new model announcement for many. The one thing the team have learnt over the years, is how the modelling enthusiasts attending Scale ModelWorld each year are both knowledgeable and passionate, and are also not shy about letting us know what they would like to see us produce next. Although we were proudly displaying our newly announced Westland pair of Sea King HC.4 and Lysander at Telford last year which proved extremely popular, we still received plenty of suggestions regarding which kits you would like to see joining them.
A series of computer rendered images produced for display in the new 2025 catalogue. We’ll be bringing you many more exclusive images from the design and development of the new Jaguar throughout the year.
Without question, the one subject each and every member of the team were told we were really ‘missing a trick’ by not doing more than any other was a SEPECAT Jaguar in 1/48th scale, and as we clearly knew it was coming and due for announcement in just a few weeks’ time, we were just dying to let this particular Big Cat out of its bag. On Saturday evening, we all met up before dinner with a Jaguar sized grin on our faces and when Dale whispered the word ‘Jaguar’, we all just nodded and smiled – we knew you’d be pleased with this one.
In fact, the 2025 range includes Jaguars in both 1/48th and 1/72nd scale, but we’ll come on to the smaller version a little later, because for now, we’d like to talk about our new cat on the block. Continuing our growing collection of 1/48th scale kits, the new Jaguar is an absolute stunner of a kit, a highly detailed representation of one of the most distinctive post war jets to see service with the Royal Air Force.
For an aircraft which looks every inch the Cold War strike warrior, it can be surprising to learn that the project which eventually led to the introduction of the SEPECAT Jaguar began as one looking to design a high-performance training aircraft. During the 1960s, Britain’s aviation industry was going through a period of great change, as the Royal Air Force were considering their needs for an uncertain future. There were some exciting projects in development at that time, such as the BAC TSR.2 and the P.1154 and in support, they were in need of an advanced new training aircraft to produce pilots to fly them. Looking for an aircraft to replace the diminutive Folland Gnat and ultimately, the Hawker Hunter, it was clear such a project would be expensive and place further strain on the nation’s finances.
The aircraft which eventually entered Royal Air Force service would immediately show itself to be a potent performer and would go on to enjoy an impressive 34 year service career, benefitting regular upgrades to improve and perfect its operational capabilities during that time. It would earn a reputation as a hardworking and reliable strike and reconnaissance platform, something which was illustrated by its performance during the first Gulf War. The twelve Jaguars deployed during Operation Granby flew 612 combat sorties, with one Jaguar flying 47 missions, the most of any aircraft in theatre.
Such a highly requested new model, we’ve been itching to tell you about our new Jaguar for ages, as we know this beauty will be taking its place on many a workstation following its release. The initial release will come with four appealing scheme options, and we look forward to bringing you more Jaguar details in forthcoming editions of Workbench, as we look in greater detail at all the latest new model announcements.
The only way to travel – who wouldn’t want a back-seater in the world’s most famous aeroplane?
One new tooling project few Workbench readers will have been expecting to join the range this year would have been our 1/48th scale Spitfire Tr.9, an aircraft which only saw service after the end of the Second World War, and one which is currently one of the most popular Warbird aircraft types in British skies. In fact, the new Tr.9 comes as something of a tandem offering with a newly tooled representation of the Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IXe, which really is rather fitting, as each and every Spitfire Tr.9 actually started its life as a single engined fighter variant, either a Mk.VIII, or more usually, a Mk.IX.
Although the iconic Spitfire continues to be one of the most popular modelling subjects across our hobby, every time a new Spitfire kit joins the range, we often see comments across hobby sites bemoaning the addition of yet another Spitfire from Airfix, even though it will undoubtedly go on to become one of our most popular kits in the range, not just this year, but for many years to come. As design and moulding technology continues to advance, it’s always a good idea to update older kits with impressive new representations of the same subject and in the case of the Spitfire, with over 20,000 aircraft built, there’s no shortage of subject matter.
In the case of our new Spitfire duo, not only are you getting beautifully designed 1/48th scale representations of two significant/increasingly significant variants of this famous aircraft, but you’re also getting kits which really are quite significant for both us and the hobby. Although we have had a Mk.IX kit available in 1/48th scale previously, it was rather an old kit and was one which attempted to cover quite a few different variants of the fighter from the same mould tooling. This new kit is a different beast altogether, one specifically designed to recreate the famous Spitfire in this period of its development, and one which incorporates lots of beautiful detail, making this our most accurate representation of a Mk.IX Spitfire in this scale to date.
Joining it, our Spitfire Tr.9 really does represent a significant addition to the range, the first time a kit of this subject has been available as a modern injection moulded project in this scale. Helping to tell the continuing story of this most famous aircraft, although specifically manufactured two seat Spitfires only took to the skies after the end of the Second World War, they have gone on to become a regular sight in British skies. They not only allow members of the public to experience the thrill of flying in the world’s most famous fighting aeroplane, but have also now become much loved Warbirds and Airshow performers in their own right.
Indeed, at one point not too many years ago, almost every Spitfire restoration project taking place was one producing a two-seat variant of the aircraft, highlighting just how much demand there was for them. With the current popularity of these aircraft and how securing a flight in one of them is something high on the ‘must do’ list of a great many people, the fact that this new model will allow us all to produce a stunning 1/48th scale version of this modern aviation classic, is surely destined to become a much loved addition to the Airfix family of kits.
Underlining the effectiveness of the modern helicopter, the Westland Wessex could do things that other aircraft couldn’t dream of and makes am ideal partner display model to go with the Chinook released last year.
Other new tooling additions to the range include a 1/72nd scale Westland Wessex HC.2 helicopter, a project which has been in development for quite some time, and one which benefits from incredible levels of detail, something we’re really proud of and a fine scale tribute to this important British helicopter. Moving on to 1/35th scale military vehicles, the incredible success of our Ferret Scout Car will surely be replicated by our latest new tooling addition to this range, an unusual looking vehicle which was as capable as it was distinctive, the Alvis FV622 Stalwart Mk.2.
As soon as we started to speak to modellers about the new Ferret following its announcement in 2023, those conversations invariably ended with people suggesting the perfect follow up to this release, the Stalwart. Thankfully for us, the project was already underway, but it was reassuring to hear that our next foray into 1/35th scale post war British armour modelling was also going to find favour with the hobby.
Entering service from 1966 onwards, the Stalwart certainly lived up to its name, with its impressive off-road performance giving it something of a go anywhere, fear nothing reputation. Featuring an intricate drive and suspension system, the Stalwart afforded its crew an extremely comfortable ride when operating over uneven terrain, however, even though the vehicle was capable of speeds approaching 40 mph on open roads, the handling of the Stalwart could be challenging, with each bank of wheels constantly trying to outpace those on the opposite side.
An unexpected addition to the range, if you’re looking for an unusual, yet distinctive model build over the coming twelve months, look no further than the Alvis FV622 Stalwart Mk.2.
A true amphibian, the Stalwart boasted watertight seals to protect all vital components, enabling it to deliver its vital cargo across bodies of water not served by bridges or temporary crossings, climbing out of the water on the other side if the ground was shallow or compact enough to support its weight. In the water, the Stalwart Mk.2 featured improved waterjet power and could reach speeds of 16 km/h in optimum conditions. As much as anything, the new Stalwart kit will add real interest to any collection of models, a modelling subject talking point and a military vehicle which to many, probably wouldn’t look out of place if seen emerging from the pod of Thunderbird 2.
Staying with 1/35th scale, this year’s range also sees the second release from our ultra successful Ferret tooling, this time in Mk.1 configuration, supported by a new frame of components to allow this variant of the Scout Car to be modelled. Once again being made available with multiple scheme options in which to finish your model, including markings for a vehicle which saw service during the first Gulf War, one which will prove difficult for us to overlook when building our kits.
Can you believe we’re already almost at a 2,500 wordcount and we haven’t even fully covered the new tooling announcements included in this week’s range launch yet. This does seem like the ideal opportunity to take a break and allow everyone who hasn’t seen it yet, to enjoy Airfix Head of Brand Dale Luckhurst’s range overview video, where he walks us through some of the many highlights of our latest model collection.
Over to Dale:
The most powerful machines ever conceived by man, is it any wonder that space launch vehicles continue to captivate millions of people across the planet.
One of the major new components of the 2025 range, and the kit grouping which welcomes the final new tooling announcement made on range launch day, our Space Exploration Gift Set series boasts the inclusion of three 1/144th scale kits featuring machines which must mark the pinnacle of man’s technological and engineering achievements, space craft and their powerful launch vehicles. Craft which incorporate incredible technologies, many of which subsequently find their way into our daily lives in numerous different ways, NASA space launches are unequalled spectacles when it comes to the sheer power possessed by these launch vehicles, and have therefore become recognisable to a higher percentage of the world’s population than any other individual machine.
These kits include everything you will need to complete your own scale Space Exploration tribute, other than the tools you might need to help during assembly, and welcome back a pair of iconic Airfix models in support of their newly tooled sibling. The Saturn V rocket has to be one of the most iconic sights ever produced by man, the launch system which delivered men to the surface of the moon and the rocket which featured the most powerful engines ever created by man. With NASA’s exploration of space captivating an entire generation of the world’s population during its widely televised attempts to place men on the moon, would you describe this as the most famous machine ever created by man? It most certainly must be in with a shout.
Taking over the space exploration baton from the Saturn V, the Space Shuttle is a similarly impressive craft, one which features even more impressive technology than its predecessor and a system which was intended to utilise re-useable technology. Space exploration is an expensive business and requires a massive financial commitment from the nations engaged in such programs, so employing technology which can be used multiple times will help ensure they continue to be allocated funding, something which is very much part of the Space Shuttle story.
Without doubt, both of these kits are amongst the most impressive to ever be released by Airfix and could easily be described as perennial favourites. That being said, they are both making welcome returns after quite some time away, which in the case of the Space Shuttle is actually 14 years. For this release, the kit will include decals to allow any one of the six Space Shuttles produced to be modelled, and as build projects, do these fantastic models have any equals?
Such a powerful image, whilst only the most impressive humans can hope to head into space, the rest of us can dream through our model collections.
Joining our classic Space exploration pairing, this new range can also now boast a kit which is surely destined to join its predecessors in the hearts of the modelling community, a newly tooled scale example of NASA’s latest and most impressive launch system, Artemis. Appearing to take design inspiration from both its predecessor, this incredible machine once again incorporates technologies which mark it as arguably one of mankind’s most impressive achievements, and is destined to fascinate and inspire a new generation of the world’s population as it sets about its voyage of stellar discovery.
Our newly tooled 1/144 scale tribute to this awe-inspiring machine is itself pretty impressive, standing imperiously on its launch platform and designed to stay there as if ready for blast off. Although the test build model shown in catalogue and in our range launch video has been intentionally finished in grey for development purposes, this kit will be produced in white plastic and will help us all get ahead of the game, when it comes to the Artemis space era.
We can’t wait to bring you details from behind the design of this impressive new addition to our range and to see how it goes on to forge its own rocket shaped piece of Airfix history.
If a kit has the word ‘Classic’ attached to it, it really should be a classic and iconic subject.
When all we need is a bit of modelling nostalgia and the sight of box artwork which inspired us during an earlier phase of our modelling journeys, our Vintage Classics range definitely answers the call, and as a consequence, has become an interesting and much loved feature of range launch day. Throughout the year, modelling enthusiasts and the social media channels they frequent love to suggest which classic Airfix kits they would like to see joining the range, and as range launch day approaches, this subject speculation almost matches that of the new tooling excitement.
With many of the recent Vintage Classics releases finding new homes in our respective kit stashes in super quick time these days, we’re only too aware that they now form an important component of any Airfix range, and we’re pleased to announce our latest selection.
We begin by welcoming a 1/72nd scale chaperone re-introduction for its larger scale new tooling debutante partner, the SEPECAT Jaguar GR.1. When these magnificent aircraft were representing the Royal Air Force in fine style, this kit was high on every modeller’s ‘wants’ list, a really appealing kit which allowed us to recreate one of the most impressive strike and reconnaissance aircraft in RAF service at that time. How many of our readers remember seeing footage of a Jaguar being operated from the new carriageway of the M55 Motorway near Blackpool, highlighting the off-airfield performance of this extremely capable aircraft?
Continuing on a military aviation theme, this year’s range also welcomes back the Westland Puma HC.1, Lockheed Hudson (a personal favourite of mine) and the Sopwith Pup, however, if you’re looking for a Vintage Classic project which simply oozes style and class, look no further than the impressive lines of the Boeing 314 Clipper. The Clipper was a seaborne airliner which was forced to trade its ocean liner opulent air travel proposition, for wartime military markings during its service life, and both representations are offered with this appealing re-introduction.
Some of the most impressive vessels of the Second World War, the German Kriegsmarine operated a fleet of fast, wooden hulled attack craft which they referred to as Schnellboots.
We can’t move on from the latest crop of Vintage Classics range additions without returning to the ocean waves once more, to feature a trio of kit re-introductions which mark some of the most impressive craft to see service during the Second World War, fast attack and rescue vessels which make for some of the most appealing model builds in the entire Airfix range.
With each of these kits being produced in 1/72nd scale, they make for fine representations of the vessels which inspired their inclusion in the range, smaller military craft which were more than capable of going about their business whilst defending their own interests. The RAF Rescue Launch was essential in reaching the scene of a ditched aircraft as quickly as possible, often guided to the position by Britain’s fledgling Air Sea Rescue service, but able to defend itself should it be challenged in the course of its duty from either sea or air.
Much more offensively minded, both the Vosper MTB and German E-Boat were designed to be the scourge of enemy navies, possessing the speed, manoeuvrability and firepower to inflict significant damage, before heading off at speed before they themselves could be targeted. Designed to be deployed against shipping of all sizes, these vessels carried so much destructive potential that they were regarded as some of the most important vessels in any naval fleet, as important in a defensive/protective capacity for friendly warships, as they were an offensive threat to the enemy.
Significantly from a modelling perspective, this trio of kits make for really engaging build projects and as finished models, could hardly have greater presence in a scale modelling sense. With our fast attack craft and space exploration kits, there are going to be some very impactful model displays in 2025.
The popular Fairey Gannet will include new parts in this second release from tooling introduction, allowing the COD.4 variant of the aircraft to be modelled.
Every time served Airfix fan will be only too aware that the lion’s share of any Airfix range is made up of existing kits which are being released with new parts, those re-joining with new scheme options and box artwork, along with straight re-issues and range carry-overs/perennials, kits which are no less important to the range and definitely of interest to the modeller. For a range launch blog overview posting, there really is too much good stuff to look at in detail, and there’s no substitute for spending a little time on the Airfix website and exploring the new range for yourself.
Pointing out some of those highlights however, our 1/72nd scale Messerschmitt Me 410, Chinook and Consolidated B-24 Liberator all benefit from additional parts to allow new variants of those respective models to be produced, in conjunction with new scheme and decoration options. In 1/48th scale, the first availability of our stunning new Westland Lysander will be joined a little later by the release of just the second kit produced from our popular Fairey Gannet tooling, this time allowing COD.4 variant of this distinctive aircraft to be modelled.
For fans of diorama and themed display modelling, they will be pleased to see the return of a quartet of slightly more contemporary military vehicles/equipment, which includes the British Army 4-ton G.S Truck and 105mm Light Field Gun, and in 1/48th scale, the popular wartime Albion refueller and 15-cwt 4x2 G.S Truck, along with the re-introduction of our RAF Ground Crew in the same scale. These models make such a difference to the display of any suitable aircraft kit in this impressive scale, whether that be as part of a more ambitious diorama creation project, or just positioned creatively within a model collection display.
Again though, we have to reiterate that we’re not even scratching the surface here, and there really are an impressive selection of new models which make up the 2025 range which are just awaiting discovery. Please do set aside a little time over the coming weekend, just to familiarise yourself with our latest collection, particularly as every single kit has a fascinating story behind it, with each offering a compelling case as to why this should be your next build project.
If Airshows around the country are going to be commemorating the 85th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain this summer, why should our model display cases miss out on the action?
For those Workbench readers of a certain vintage, we can remember seeing some of the Second World War’s most celebrated airmen giving accounts of their wartime exploits live on various TV programmes aired at the time, and how they held us spellbound with their stories of courage and sacrifice. Sadly, most of these impressive human beings have now left us, but we can still commemorate their life and deeds through the medium of modelling, faithfully replicating the aircraft in which they served in accurate scale form.
It will not have escaped the modelling world’s attention that this year marks the 85th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain, and a year of events planned to commemorate this significant period in British history. After the valiant attempts to stem the inexorable advance of German forces across western Europe in 1940 had failed, the evacuations at Dunkirk marked what many anticipated to be a Wehrmacht amphibious assault against Britain. Before that could take place, the all-conquering Luftwaffe would have to defeat the Royal Air Force in order to protect their landing forces, something they were supremely confident about doing.
The scene was set for a monumental aerial struggle and a nation with its back against the wall fighting for its very existence. There was no room for error, but Britain had the English Channel and Churchill’s ‘Few’ to call upon, and for the first time in WWII, the Luftwaffe were at a tactical disadvantage, facing a determined and well organised enemy. The outcome of this conflict would be a pivotal moment in the fortunes of the entire war, galvanising a nation and emboldening the British nation for the many struggles to come.
One of the more interesting British aircraft of the Second World War, the Boulton Paul Defiant served with day squadrons during the Battle of Britain, before switching to night defence duties, after suffering at the hands of the Luftwaffe.
With our enduring fascination for this period in history, along with the men and machines which helped achieve such a hard fought victory being deserving of our undying respect, we were in no mood to let this significant anniversary pass without also marking it in scale model kit form. Returning to commemorate Battle of Britain Day in fine style this year, our Battle of Britain Gift Set makes for an eye-catching display of air power from the Battle of Britain, with the Spitfire keeping a Messerschmitt Bf 109 busy, whilst the eight guns of the Hurricane attempt to prevent a Heinkel He-III from reaching its intended target.
Of course, as a gift set, this appealing kit, with its impressive display stand included, also comes complete with poly cement, paint and brushes, so your attempt at producing your own Battle of Britain tribute shouldn’t be a struggle, and result in a fitting modelling masterpiece. Across the wider 2025 range, there is a fantastic selection of kits which all possess links to the Battle of Britain, in both 1/72nd and 1/48th scales, so whether your interest be in Fighter Command of the Royal Air Force, the Luftwaffe, or both, we have plenty of modelling subject matter to keep you busy in Battle of Britain anniversary year.
Did you manage to decipher Clint’s clue and can therefore count yourself amongst the top brains in the country?
You may recall that in the previous edition of Workbench, we included a teaser image which possessed a rather challenging link to the identity of one of the new tooling projects announced earlier this week. We were a little nervous about including such a thing in the blog prior to range launch, however, our Researcher Clint assured us that you poor lot had absolutely no chance of guessing correctly! The last time I checked, I think he was proved absolutely right, even though you would have had to have been a rocket scientist to have even come close to getting it.
We thought you might like to discover the identity of the new model, which was linked to the image above just for fun, and so you can take it up with Clint when you see him next, or at Scale ModelWorld later this year. The picture featured a section of the Wilbur Wright Monument at Jacobins Square, Le Mons in France, which was unveiled in 1920.
This is where the link fun begins.
Although many people correctly identified the statue and what it was connected to, Clint’s clue was actually related to the city in which the statue lies, rather than its subject. Le Mons was the location of the first official Grand Prix in 1906, and in 1926, Alvis designed and raced the first straight-eight front-wheel drive racing car, which they called the Grand Prix. I’m sure you can see where this is going now – in the early 1950s, Alvis went on to produce the distinctive FV603 Saracen six wheeled armoured personnel carrier and later the Stalwart, a scale representation of which will be joining the range this year as a new tooling release.
We think the announcement of the new Stalwart will have come as a surprise to many modellers and will not have been helped by Clint’s extremely challenging photo clue. Effective lateral thinking was definitely the order of the day here, and if you even came close, we wholeheartedly salute you. I’m sure Clint will be back next year for more range launch clue pain for us to endure.
Did you guess the Stalwart from Clint’s rather cryptic new tooling photo link clue?
That’s all we have for you this time. We hope the new range includes one or two models which are of interest to you, whether they be new tooling additions, or the return of existing kits in appealing new guises. Our commitment here at Workbench is to bring you regular, exclusive updates as these new kits each negotiate their individual development journeys and speed towards release, including the designer interviews which always prove so popular with our loyal readership.
For now though, if you haven’t been on the Airfix website to see all the new models for yourself, there really is no time like the present. Grab a cuppa, find a quiet spot and embark on your Airfix 2025 new range voyage of kit discovery right now, and imagine yourself in the passenger seat of that beautiful new Spitfire Tr.9 whilst doing so.
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.
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