The Beginning
Airfix was founded in 1939 by Nicholas Kove, a refugee from Hungary who originally manufactured rubber inflated toys. The name Airfix was chosen because part of the process involved fixing air into products. Kove believed that all successful companies should have their names at the beginning of business directories and consequently the name Airfix was born. After the Second World War he switched to producing plastic combs, and was the first manufacturer in the UK to introduce an injection moulding machine.
They collaborated on a toy tractor and it became wildly popular. It soon became obvious that more tractors could be sold if they were cheaper, and to achieve this they sold the kits unmade with instructions. The small scale Golden Hind was launched in 1952 for Woolworths. Woolworth's buyers then began to ask for more subjects, then soon after Airfix began to produce a wider range of polybagged model kits – the all famous Spitfire model appearing from 1953.
The Middle
Aeroplanes are the most exciting machines produced by man and have been a source of fascination since the Wright Brothers made their first successful manned, powered flight in 1903. Through two World Wars, into the jet age and beyond, aeroplanes have always been at the cutting age of technology and continue to enthrall and inspire to this day- designed by geniuses, flown by heroes.
Our Aerodrome blog is produced with a love of all things aviation at it's heart and is published in the community section of both Airfix and Corgi websites. It is an indulgence in the subject of aviation and includes reports from Airshows and Museums, special aviation related events around the UK and regularly features historic articles from our extensive archives. Whether reporting from the front lines of the Great War airfield at Stow Maries, or bringing you the thrill of the flying action from the latest Royal International Air Tattoo, Aerodrome is the blog where aviation enthusiasts come together to share their passion for the craft.
The End (For Now)
Each year we band together as a team to create our long awaited catalogue. Our aim is to showcase the coming year's exciting selection of new products for our Airfix family to revel in just as they launch. However, we also tend to do a large amount of reflecting within the pages, mulling over the last year with each other and all of you. As much as it's a celebration in it's own right to have had another merry trip around the sun, some years more than others, we are reminded of just how important it is to shed one's skin in aid of new beginnings (or new ranges).
With each new catalogue, comes a new year, a new us, and a new you. We hope to spend many more years growing, diversifying, expanding and thriving, with all of you by our side. We are very grateful for your continued support and look forward to hearing your thoughts on our latest catalogue!
For all publication and catalogue needs and necessities, please continue to check back for updates.
