What do you think of when you hear the word Airfix? Do you think of toy soldiers or do you react with a puzzled look? The term Airfix actually originates from a UK manufacturer of plastic scaled model kits of aircraft and other military items which started in the 1960’s. It basically means “hobby.” Airfix plastic toy soldiers became so common that the term Airfix was used to represent model kits that were not even produced by them. This is very similar to the way that people refer to a copier machine as a Xerox when Xerox is only the brand name, not a machine.
Airfix soldiers come approximately anywhere from 14 to 50 in a box and represent subjects from both world wars. They are made with excellent polystyrene quality and since the 60’s have been produced to reflect the military in a variety of countries. They are made in two scale – sizes 1:32 and 1:72.
Airfix started with a Hungarian man who initially made inflatable rubber toys. He eventually went to making little tractors for a salesman who needed a sample to show his customers. Unexpectedly their popularity took off as toys. Airifx soldiers followed soon after and thus began the toy army men of Britain. With the release of the British Paratroopers set, the quality was noticed and liked so much that its popularity took off and any home that had a boy in it most likely had a set of Airfix soldiers of some sort. They were pretty much indestructible and for any toy for a child that is quite an accomplishment.
Airfix toy soldiers are still collected today. With a quick search on the internet, you can find resellers and collectors who are either giving information or actually selling the sets. Old sets are considered a vintage collector’s item at this point and are reselling for a reasonable price depending on the piece and its availability.