Best Airfix Models To Buy

Airfix has been around since 1939, and is still very popular amongst modelling enthusiasts. Nowadays, the Airfix range is made up of over 200 different products. Mainly consisting of Military Aircraft, Airfix also dives into the worlds of tanks, cars, ships, figures and more. Understanding the best Airfix models from this huge list of products can be overwhelming. So in this article, we will use our expert knowledge to round up 10 of the best Airfix Models. Without further ado, let’s get started.

#10 – Airfix 1:400 RMS Titanic Gift Set (A50146A)

This classic Airfix kit has been around for a while, but still impresses us. With over 381 parts this model is ideal for experienced modellers, and is rated 4 / 5 skill level. You will get a lot of joy from this model, providing hours of assembly. Once built the model measures over 67 cm in length, that’s big! More, this is a gift set. So, includes all the required paints and glue making it not only perfect for gifting – but also ideal for get and go building. When our team assembled this model, the parts fit perfectly without any issues.

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#9 – Avro Vulcan B.2 “Black Buck” (A12013)

Model Background Information:

Occupying a significant position in the history of post war British aviation, the Avro Vulcan, with its huge delta wing profile, was without doubt one of the most distinctive aircraft ever to take to the skies. Built to satisfy an extremely demanding Air Ministry requirement for a fast, high altitude strategic bomber, capable of carrying a nuclear device, the Vulcan represented a 100% increase in the capabilities of any previous British bomber aircraft. When the Vulcan made its maiden flight in August 1952, the Avro team were well on the way to presenting the Royal Air Force with not only the world’s first delta bomber, but also one of the world’s most effective strike bombers. When the Vulcan entered squadron service with No.83 Squadron at RAF Waddington in July 1957, Britain now possessed the fastest nuclear capable bomber in the world.

By the time of the Falklands conflict in 1982, the venerable Avro Vulcan was facing retirement. The task of nuclear deterrent had been handed over to the Royal Navy submarines and the writing was on the wall for the distinctive delta jet, However, the Argentine invasion of the Falklands Islands meant the RAF was to call upon the ageing bomber for one more task. The Vulcan was the only aircraft capable of delivering a payload to the Island from RAF Wideawake on Ascension Island even though it would require multiple mid-air re-fuelling. The Vulcans of the last three squadrons still using the bomber (Nos 44, 50 & 101) conducted a series of raids codenamed ‘Black Buck’ between April and June, the most famous raid being ‘Black Buck One’ when XM607 managed to damage the runway at Port Stanley with one of its twenty-one bombs. This surprise attack prevented fast jets from using the airfield and was, at that time, the longest bombing raid in history.

About the kit

In 2023 Airfix replaced the long-running standard Avro Vulcan B.2 with the “Black Buck” version. However, don’t be fooled into thinking they are the same model. Airfix has made improvments upon the incredibly successful precedessor by adding new Strike missiles and ECM equipment parts to the model. In total this kit includes 271 pieces and is rated 3 / 5 skill level. Once assembled the model measures 45 cm in length and 47 cm in wingspan. It also includes 2 different scheme options:

• Avro Vulcan B.Mk.2, XM597, Black Buck Six, No.101 Squadron, Royal Air Force, Waddington Wing, Wideawake airfield, Ascension Islands, June 1982. (A)
• Avro Vulcan B.Mk.2, XM607, Black Buck One, No.44 Squadron, Royal Air Force, Waddington Wing, Wideawake airfield, Ascension Islands, May 1982. (B)

This classic Airfix kit is a must have.

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#8 – D-Day Operation Overlord Gift Set

Background Information

Early on the morning of June 6th 1944 the combined forces of the Allied armies landed on the Normandy beaches in Northern France in the most ambitious and important operation of the Second World War. With airborne troops already on the ground and fighting, the sea-borne element of the force began landing. This phase of the operation was codenamed Neptune and consisted of five invasion beaches, three British and Canadian (Sword, Gold and Juno) and two American beaches (Omaha and Utah). The landings themselves were preceded both by a powerful air attack and by a fierce naval artillery barrage from a vast armada of ships anchored off-shore.

The majority of the beaches were taken with casualties, but no severe losses, except for Omaha where the American troops were pinned down after the naval bombardment failed to destroy the German defences. But even this obstacle was overcome and once the beach-heads were secure, Allied troops and equipment were quickly brought ashore, ready to continue on and liberate the occupied countries of Western Europe and ultimately to defeat Germany and win the war.

This collection comes from the Normandy beach-head, with tanks, landing craft, trucks, a gun emplacement, soldiers and a diorama base to enable you to recreate this momentous day.

About the Kit

This gift set is ideal for more advanced modellers and includes glue, acrylic paints and brushes. This kit allows you to recreate a realistic diorama scene from the D-Day ground assault. A whopping 410 pieces are inside, so that you can recreate multiple boats, tanks, armour vehicles, defence fort and of course British and German infantry on a realistic diorama base. Once completed, the whole set takes up an area of 60 x 34 cm (length x width).

This kit was created using the latest Airfix advanced CAD design, allowing for incredible details.

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#7 – 1:48 Westland Sea King HAS.1/HAS.5/HU.5 (A11006)

Background Information

King of land, sea, and sky, we introduce the newly tooled 1:48 Westland Sea King HAS.1/HAS.5/HU.5, the most complete Sea King kit ever released with 348 pieces.

With its captivating narrative, this kit portrays the evolution of a single aircraft, from its inaugural flight to its current livery, rendering it truly one-of-a-kind.

The newly designed Westland Sea King boasts an intricately detailed exterior, featuring a fully riveted external skin and overlapping panels. Its interior is equally detailed, showcasing raised cockpit elements and instrument surfaces, and three distinct cabin configurations tailored to each scheme.

At the very forefront of world helicopter design and development in the post war era, the US Sikorsky Company were awarded an important contract to produce an all-weather amphibious helicopter for the United States Navy in 1957. Its primary mission profile would be that of an anti-submarine warfare aircraft, protecting the US fleet from possible attack, however, the aircraft would prove adaptable enough to take on a multitude of secondary roles, going on to become one of the truly great aircraft of the 20th Century. 

The aircraft, which was given the designation SH-3 Sea King, was produced with an amphibious hull, giving it the capability to land on water, in addition to its more usual environment on the decks of numerous US Navy warships. Powered by a twin turboshaft engine arrangement, the Sea King was an impressive machine, capable of carrying significant loads of men, equipment, or general supplies, providing the US Navy with a truly revolutionary new aircraft. 

On entering service in 1961, the Sea King was the most advanced aircraft of its type in the world and presented the US Navy with one of the most flexible aviation platforms at that time. In Britain, an existing licence agreement between Westland Helicopters and Sikorsky to build their helicopters in the UK was extended to include the SH-3 Sea King not long after the first flight of the prototype aircraft, because even at that early stage, the incredible potential of this new helicopter was clear, and Britain wanted its own Sea Kings. 

Externally, Westland manufactured Sea King helicopters featured the same classic lines of the original US design, however internally, they were very different machines, with numerous modifications geared towards British military use. The Westland Sea King was selected by the Royal Navy to meet their requirement for an anti-submarine warfare helicopter, replacing the venerable Westland Wessex in this role, with an order for 60 aircraft being placed in the summer of 1966. 

The first Westland built Sea King HAS.1 flew from their factory facility at Yeovil on 7th May 1969, with the first Royal Navy machines delivered to No.700 Naval Air Squadron (OEU) at RNAS Yeovilton later that same year. As the Sea King became established in Royal Naval service, it quickly showed itself to be both operationally capable and highly adaptable and was destined for a long and illustrious career not only with the Fleet Air Arm, but also with the Royal Air Force. 

Excelling in every role it was assigned, it was perhaps its use as a Search & Rescue helicopter which made these some of the best loved aircraft in British military service and undoubtedly one of the most successful aircraft of the post war era.

About the Kit

Released in 2023 – This kit consists of 348 individual parts and allows you to recreate the famous Westland Sea King in four different schemes. This is a more advanced kit and is recommended to more experienced modellers. You will find a great amount of detail on this model. The cabin is fully detailed, and the body features a fully riveted surface and overlapping panels. Once assembled the model measures 46 cm long.

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#6 – 1:48 Fairney Gannet AS.1/AS.4 (A11007)

Background Information

An aircraft that must surely be considered one of the most distinctive types to have ever seen Fleet Air Arm service, the Fairey Gannet was as capable as it was unique and was significant as the only post-war military contract to be won by the famous Fairey Aviation Company. Arguably the most unconventional Fairey designed aircraft to enter full production, the Gannet was developed in response to a 1945 Royal Navy requirement for an advanced carrier-based, turboprop-powered anti-submarine hunter-killer, one which was rugged enough to withstand the rigors of operation at sea. 

Intended to counter the recent expansion of the Soviet submarine fleet at the start of the Cold War era, the Gannet was equipped with all manner of the latest electronic detection equipment and if an enemy submarine was detected, it could be marked, tracked, and if necessary, attacked, using bombs, depth charges, rockets, and air-launched acoustic torpedoes.

One feature of the Gannet which helped to give it a unique appearance was the adoption of its powerplant, the innovative Armstrong Siddeley Double Mamba. This arrangement saw two gas turbine engines mounted side by side in the nose of the gannet, sharing a common gearbox, but both operating independently, each engine driving its own coaxially mounted, contra-rotating propeller. In addition to this, the engines could run on kerosene and even diesel fuel, which was safer to handle and less refined than traditional aviation fuels. 

This arrangement provided Gannet crews with more than enough power for carrier operations, with the reassurance of two engines when embarking on long ocean patrols. Once in flight, the pilot could shut down one of the engines to conserve fuel and whilst this would reduce the Gannet’s maximum speed, it would extend its loiter capabilities. Usually, a pilot would alternate engine use during a long patrol, running each engine for around an hour before swapping to the other engine – the engine mounted on the port side drove the front propeller.

Another unique feature of the Gannet’s design was its bi-folding wing system, something which was designed to allow this large aircraft to operate safely and to be stored aboard one of the Royal Navy’s relatively small aircraft carriers. When a pilot engaged the wing unfold, this ingenious system not only prepared the wings for flight, but also automatically connected all flight control systems, hydraulic connections and fuel pipes to the main system, without any ground crew intervention. 

In operation, there are reports that the Gannet was so rugged a design that when one aircraft lost the outer sections of both wings after performing a particularly violent manoeuvre, the aircraft still managed to make it back safely to its home carrier, something which can only have endeared the aircraft to its crews still further.

The Fairey Gannet would prove to be an extremely rugged and highly effective anti-submarine aircraft, one which could carry an impressive array of offensive ordnance and one which was able to attack submarines either on the surface, or when submerged and trying to evade its attentions. Well-liked by air and ground crews alike, 348 Gannets would eventually be produced and in addition to serving with Britain’s Fleet Air Arm, the aircraft would also see service with the navies of Australia, Germany and Indonesia.

About the kit

This kit consists of 334 parts and is rated at a skill level of 4 / 5, so we recommend this to more experienced modellers. Its unique Armstrong Siddeley Double Mamba powerplant and bi-folding wing design are highlighted well. The kit features detailed representations of rivets and surface textures, emphasising the aircraft’s ruggedness and operational versatility. This model, with its historical significance and distinctive design, is a standout addition to any collection, capturing the essence of naval aviation. Once assembled, this model has a wingspan of over 34 cm. Decals for four different schemes are included.

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#5 – 1:48 Supermarine Spitfire FR Mk.XIV

Background Information

Continuing the wartime development of the famous Supermarine Spitfire, the Mk.XIV saw the classic shape of Mitchell’s celebrated fighter paired with the awesome power of the new Rolls Royce Griffon engine. The resultant aircraft was superb and one of the RAFs most capable fighters of WWII, proving particularly successful when employed against the V-1 flying bomb attacks which Germany launched against southern Britain, from the summer of 1944.

The adoption of the Rolls-Royce Griffon engine provided the Spitfire with a significant increase in performance, but not without presenting Supermarine designers and pilots converting to the aircraft with a few challenges. Installation of the new engine in the existing Spitfire airframe required a redesign of both the front and rear sections of the aircraft and the use of a distinctive five bladed Rotol propeller. Pilots used to flying Merlin engined versions of the aircraft would find the Griffon turned in the propeller in the opposite direction and whilst the earlier aircraft tended to veer to the left on take-off, the Griffon powered machines would veer in the opposite direction if the pilot forgot and applied their usual corrective inputs, their first flight could be a particularly short and uncomfortable one.

As the only British fighter type to remain in production throughout WWII, the Spitfire was constantly developed to ensure it remained at the forefront of fighter performance, with the Griffon powered aircraft being around 80 mph faster than the original Mk.I machines. With the purr of the early Merlin engines replaced by the throaty growl of the mighty Griffon, these later developments appear to be much more capable versions of the fighter than the classic early Spitfires, even though they are basically a development of them. The Griffin powered Spitfire Mk.XIV possessed greater performance than that of the thoroughbred Mk.IX and therefore was superior to both the Luftwaffe’s Focke Wulf Fw 190 and the latest versions of the Messerschmitt Bf 109.

Taking part in air operations in support of and in the months following the D-Day landings, the Mk.XIV was used extensively by the 2nd Tactical Air Force, equipping all 20 of the Spitfire Squadrons that operated from the continent in the months between D-Day and VE-Day. Employed predominantly in an armed reconnaissance role, these fearsome fighters would search for targets behind German lines, attempting to disrupt both their retreat and their ability to send reinforcements to the current front line. Their speed also made them an ideal aircraft to help counter the growing Doodlebug threat endured by southern Britain in the months following Operation Overlord and the D-Day landings.

About the model

It features precise molding that captures the Spitfire’s sleek lines and distinctive elliptical wings. The kit includes options for different liveries, allowing modelers to build and customize their aircraft in various squadron colors and markings. This 1:48 scale model is designed for intermediate to advanced hobbyists, offering a rewarding build experience with its historical accuracy and attention to detail. Once assembled, this model has a wingspan of 20.7 cm. A total of 118 parts are included in this kit – with decals for 2 scheme options.

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#4 1:180 HMS Victory (A09252V)

Background information

Launched on 7th May 1765, HMS Victory gained its fame by becoming Admiral Nelson’s flagship during the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The victory at this battle ended Napoleon’s bid for mastery of the sea, but cost Admiral Nelson his life.

She had previously taken part in many major actions against Spanish and French fleets, and is now the oldest serving Royal Naval ship still in service, being the flagship of Portsmouth Command. After being restored to the same condition and appearance as she was at Trafalgar, she can now be seen in all her glory at her home in Portsmouth by visitors from all over the world.

About the kit

This kit consists of 353 parts, measuring 38.3 cm long once assembled. One of the best HMS Victory kits on the market for this price point.

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#3 – Cromwell Mk.IV (A1373)

Background Information

One of a series of fast and relatively well armed cruiser tanks developed by the British during the Second World War, the Cromwell can trace its history back to late 1940 and the decision to find a replacement for the widely used Crusader tank. Due to a relatively protracted development, however, there can be some confusion with these tanks, as similar looking machines were named Centaur and Cromwell, with both being derived from the A24 Cruiser Mark VII Cavalier, the name given to the original intended Crusader replacement programme.

The main reason for the different names refers to the three different engine types which were used to power the individual vehicles. The A27M Cromwell Mk.IV was the most heavily produced version of the new Cruiser Tank Mk.VIII and matched the Centaur hull with the highly effective Rolls Royce Meteor engine (A27Meteor), which allowed the tank to travel at impressively high speeds. The tank also featured a quick firing 75mm gun, which was a re-bored version of the British 6 pounder gun and allowed the commander to have the option of using American produced armour piercing or high explosive rounds.

Although originally introduced in November 1943, persistent problems with the new guns operation meant that the Mk.IV would not make its combat introduction until the Normandy landings in June 1944, where its speed and mobility would complement the Sherman tanks, which were available in greater numbers. During the savage fighting in the narrow hedgerow lined lanes of the Normandy battlefield, the excellent mobility of the Cromwell was somewhat nullified and even worse than that, as tanks were forced to climb these steep banks, they exposed their vulnerable undersides to potential armour piercing Panzerfaust attack.

The simple solution was to attach a steel blade hedge cutter to the front of the tank, which allowed the commander to scythe through the obstacle, keeping his tank level and still able to bring his guns to bear. This addition even provided some welcome natural foliage camouflage for the tank, as long as the bushes it didn’t obstruct his gun aiming sights.

About the kit

This model kit, featuring 285 pieces, is designed for intermediate skill levels, rated at 3 out of 5. It boasts detailed panels, accurately overlapping components, and high-quality decals, enhancing the realism. Instructions are easy to follow. Once assembled this model measures over 18 cm in length.

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#2 – De Havilland Mosquito B.XVI (A04023)

Background Information

Without question, the de Havilland Mosquito qualifies as one of the finest fighting aeroplanes of the Second World War and one which could claim to be the envy of every other air force, particularly the Luftwaffe, who tried, but never quite managed to produce an equivalent aircraft. A true multi-role aircraft, the Mosquito’s famous nickname ‘The Wooden Wonder’ referenced the fact that this hugely successful British aircraft was constructed using ‘non-strategic’ materials and employed a clever system of balsa and birch plywood lamination, which gave the aircraft great strength. Although they relied on the performance and survivability of their Mosquitos, men in these units would often take its nickname a stage further and affectionately refer to their aircraft as ‘Flying Furniture’.

Developed and tested largely as a private venture and without interference from the Air Ministry, once they saw what de Havilland had managed to produce, the Ministry were suitably impressed and immediately placed an order for 150 aircraft, with the Mosquito quickly attracting a ‘priority status’ production requirement. The Mosquito was one of the fastest aircraft in the world at that time and one which would prove to be something of an aviation phenomenon – although initially intended as a high speed bomber, Mosquitos would also operate as day and night fighters, pathfinders, night intruders, maritime strike and reconnaissance aircraft.

Once the first production aircraft started reaching RAF squadrons towards the end of 1941, the de Havilland Mosquito quickly showed itself to be one of the most valuable assets available to the Royal Air Force, a real war winner and one which would serve with distinction for the remainder of the conflict. Originally conceived as a high speed bomber for the RAF, the final major bomber variant of the de Havilland Mosquito was the B.XVI, with deliveries to front line squadrons starting from 1944. This was a development of the earlier B.IX variant and one which had been optimised for high altitude operation, incorporating a new pressurised cabin. Another unarmed version of the Mosquito, the B.XVI could carry a 3,000lb bomb load, however, all but the first 12 aircraft from a total production run of 402 machines incorporated modifications to allow a 4,000lb ‘Cookie’ or blockbuster bomb to be carried internally, a weapon which possessed devastating destructive capability.

Combining the power of these fearsome weapons with the legendary speed and bombing accuracy associated with Mosquito operations allowed Bomber Command to keep the pressure on the enemy throughout the latter stages of WWII. Interestingly, these huge bombs were exactly four times the weight of the original bomb load this exceptional aircraft was designed to carry, which is testament to the strength of the Mosquito’s construction techniques. Optimised for high altitude operations, this final major bomber variant of the Mosquito could be powered by several different ‘seventy series’ versions of the Rolls Royce Merlin engine, in addition to incorporating a modified wing, which could now accept either a 50 or 100 gallon paper drop-tank on either side and up to four externally mounted 500lb bombs, further enhancing the strategic capabilities of this superb aircraft.

By the end of its ten year production run, which began in 1940, almost 8,000 of these highly effective warplanes had been constructed. For an aircraft which earned such an impressive wartime reputation, it is sobering to think that the Mosquito may have been stopped in its tracks, as Air Ministry officials were initially concerned that work on this new aircraft project might disrupt production of the Tiger Moth training biplane, something they could not allow to happen. Thankfully, designers at de Havilland knew they were on to a winner and were determined to see their magnificent new aircraft fly.

About the kit

This 1:72 scale kit consists of 161 parts. Rated a skill level of 2 / 5 this kit is ideal for intermediate and experienced modellers. This kit provides an impressive amount of detail with grooved tyres, realistic weapons, detailed bomb bay, realistic landing gear and riveted external body.

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#1 – 1:24 Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IXc (A17001)

Background Information

In the world of aviation, is there any aircraft which can even come close to matching the iconic status the Supermarine Spitfire enjoys, a legacy which is as strong today as it was during the wartime years? A modern monoplane fighter aircraft which made its first flight from Eastleigh Aerodrome on 5th March 1936, the Spitfire would earn its legendary reputation during the Battle of Britain, when the pilots of the Royal Air Force stood defiantly against the overwhelming might of the all-conquering Luftwaffe, an aviation beacon of hope for a nation and its people during their darkest hour. 

Elegant and graceful to look at, the Spitfire’s appearance masked the fact that this was a deadly fighting aeroplane and one which was adaptable enough to undergo almost constant development throughout the wartime years, allowing later marks of the fighter to post speeds which were almost 100 mph faster than the first machines to enter service. With a service career which extended well into the post war years, the Spitfire outlived all its aviation contemporaries and with over 22,000 Spitfires of all variants (including Seafires) eventually being built, Spitfires are still a regular sight at Airshow events all over the world, as an ever increasing number of restored airworthy aircraft continue to write the enduring Spitfire story. Even though the prototype Spitfire made its first flight over 85 years ago, the aircraft is still widely regarded as Britain’s most famous aircraft type and instantly recognisable to many millions of people the world over.

The Spitfire Mk.IX variant was arguably the most important mark of Spitfire in the entire production run and because of that, it is somewhat surprising to learn that it was actually something of a stop-gap development. The arrival of the Luftwaffe’s new Focke Wulf 190 fighter over the Western Front in August 1941 saw RAF Spitfire Mk.Vs operating over the Channel falling victim to the ‘Butcher Bird’ in ever increasing numbers and something had to be done. A major Spitfire upgrade was in progress, but the Mk.VIII was still some way off, as manufacturing facilities prepared their tooling jigs for the new aircraft, but there was a temporary solution. One of the major features of the new Spitfire was its use of a powerful new version of the Rolls Royce Merlin engine and it was proposed that fitting this new engine to a Spitfire Mk.V airframe would give the fighter a welcome performance boost.

The first 100 Spitfire Mk.IX fighters were actually Mk.Vc airframes adapted to take the new Merlin 61 two stage, two speed supercharged engine, with this combination producing a thoroughbred fighting aeroplane, one which was more than capable of challenging the FW190 and the latest ‘F’ variant of the Messerschmitt Bf 109. In fact, the new Spitfire was considered so successful that this would become the second most heavily produced variant in the entire production run and if including the aircraft powered by the licence built Packard Merlin 266 (Spitfire Mk.XVI) even eclipsed the Mk.V in production numbers. With further powerplant refinement taking place throughout the production life of this variant, the first Mk.IX Spitfires started to join RAF Squadrons from July 1942, with this famous mark of Spitfire going on to see service past D-Day and into the post war era. The last major Merlin engine powered variant of the Spitfire, this ’emergency stop-gap fighter’ actually became something of an aviation classic.

About the kit

This large scale kit is a gem in the Airfix range and tops our Best Airfix Models guide. This kit recreates the iconic Spitfire Mk.XVI in stunning detail. The rivets are accurately reproduced. The engine cowling is removable to show off the great engine detail. The cockpit canopy is openable.

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