Airfix was first launched by Hungarian immigrant Nicholas Kove in 1939, although Airfix Kits were not introduced until 1952, the first being a plastic kit to build the Golden Hind, followed in 1953 by the Spitfire. The first 00 railway models were the Trackside Series introduced 1957, comprising General Store, Detached House, Country Inn, Signal Box and Bungalow. Rolling stock models appeared in 1960, these being the Esso Tank Wagon and Railbus.
Airfix purchasted Kitmaster in 1962, acquiring the full range of Kitmaster kit tooling, although only ten ex Kitmaster kits were ever produced by Airfix. The railway related ranges expanded considerably over subsequent years, not least the huge range of figures, civilan, military and many others. Airfix sold the railway range to Dapol in 1984, many kits still being produced today.
For additional background information, with illustrations, please refer to Dave McCarthy's Airfix Kit web site.
Airfix Kit standard NMRA Couplings |
Airfix Kit standard NMRA Couplings |
Airfix Kit standard NMRA Couplings |
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