discussion Do you know the history of these kits?

[Guest]

Hi, Dose anyone know the origin of these kits? They have appeared under several brand names and I was assuming they were bought-in by Airfix. however the boxes say Made in England.

These kits were sold in 1976 by Airfix. At that time Airfix had its own moulding factory in the old Tram shed in Charlton (SE London). As far as I know, this was still in operation in 1981 when the Airfix group went to the wall. At least I know for sure the factory was still there and owned by Airfix even if they had stopped moulding on site. It seems reasonable that the Receivers would have sold the tools on after that date. prior to the Airfix kit it was produced by Peerless-Max. I am now wondering if Airfix bought the tools and moulded the kits here in Charlton. If anyone knows the real history I would be interested to know.

Now I am looking for detail kits to go with any of the for kits shown. If you have any suggestions please let me know.

Thanks in advance!

Ralph.

 

[Ian M]

I can't say to much about the history of the kits, pre-Airfix. I can tell you that the 6lb'er Portee is a great kit. I have built one and have one more in the stash. I also have the 15cwt truck but without the 6lb'er. The big difference is they are Italeri boxings. I would love to get hold of the Chevy field tractor as well but have not found one.

If you are after aftermarket parts, I suggest that you look for parts for the Italeri boxing as I believe they are still current.

The Old Airfix 6lb'er is a fantastic kit by the way and is much better than the offering from Tamiya!! (IMHO).

Ian M

 

[yak face]

As far as i know ralph, the moulds were bought by airfix in the mid seventies when japanese manufacturer Max went bust.They would have been moulded in britain as you say. It was a strange move as at the time airfix was developing its own range of armour but to 1/32 scale to match their multipose figures. The 1/35 max moulds naturally didnt quite sit right next to the airfix stuff!However time has proved the japanese right as 1/35 became the standard scale .As Ian says the kits are quite highly regarded for their time and undoubtedly were moved on to other makers during one of airfix's many changes of hands , Italeri seeming to be the current custodian! cheers tony

 

[Guest]

Can't help on the history, but they all look like exciting kits. I like the idea of building the Chevy gun tractor.