My top 10 Airfix Vintage Classics wish list – AFV/Figures

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This blog post ‘My top 10 Airfix Vintage Classics wish list – AFV and figures’ follows on from my Vintage Classics Aviation wish list.

As the title suggests, I’m looking at armour, vehicles and figures from the Cold War period. It is very much British based, plus includes some of the JB Models kits that Airfix re-released a good few years back (are they Vintage Classics?).

My gut feeling is, is that if Airfix did re-release the armour and vehicles listed below, they would sell very well. But I have no evidence to back that up!

So in no particular order, lets start the list.

1. Scorpion/Scimitar Tank

Box art work of the 1/76 Airfix Scorpion/Scimitar tank. My top 10 Airfix Vintage Classics wish list - AFV and figures

Considering that the Scimitar is still in use by the British Army, I’m actually surprised that this kit is not in the current Airfix catalogue. First released back in 1975, this is one kit that I certainly did build in my younger days.

It would also be a good base for a conversion to the FV103 Spartan and FV105 Sultan. Plus would fit in with British Army or RAF Regiment builds.

2. Centurion Mk.8

Box art of the Airfix 1/76 Centurion Mk.8m tank. My top 10 Airfix Vintage Classics wish list - AFV and figures

The Airfix Centurion kit was first released in 1964. I’m trying to recall if I ever built this kit. I know I had the solid plastic toy version which came with the ‘battle’ sets that Airfix sold. This is another kit that would be suitable for the basis of conversions. Certainly one that is required for any Cold War collection.

3. Chieftain

Box art work for the Airfix 1/76 Chieftain tank.

Following on from the Centurion, is the Chieftain. Released by Airfix in 1970, another must for any Cold War collection. OK, I do have the very impressive Takom Chieftain in my stash, but a cheaper alternative would always be welcome.

4. Saladin Mk.2

Airfix box art for the 1/76 Saladin armoured car.

OK, possibly not technically in the Vintage Classics range, as this kit was first released by JB Models in 1994, and then by Airfix in 2008. But it is still an important AFV that represents the British Army during the Cold War period. Also used by many other nations around the world, so modelling/conversion options are quite good for this it.

5. Saracen APC Mk.1/2/3

Airfix box art for the 1/76 Saracen APC Mk.1/2/3.

Another old JB Models kit (1997) and re-released by Airfix in 2008. Yet again, another classic British Army Cold War AFV.

6. LWB Landrover (Hard top and Soft top)

Box art for the Airfix 1/76 LWB Landrover.
First released by JB Models in 1992 and then by Airfix in 2008. These two kits in my mind are essential for any Cold War collection. Plus the possibilities for conversions is endless! Come on Airfix, please re-release these kits. I’ve got 2 completed in my collection, but you can never have enough LWB Landrovers for builds and conversions.

7. Landrover 1 tonne FC (Truck and Ambulance)

Box art for the Airfix 1/76 Landrover 1 tonne FC truck.
Another JB Models kit that was re-released by Airfix in 2008. As has been said above, these kits would be welcome in any Cold War collection. So we can only hope that Airfix will re-release them.

8. Bedford Mk.4 (Truck and Refueler)

Another re-box of an old JB Model’s kit. The Bedford 4 tonne truck is a classic vehicle from the Cold War period. Both the truck and the refueler would sit very nicely in any British Cold War era diorama! Really hope this one does get re-released at some point.

9. NATO Ground Crew

Art work for the Airfix 1/72 NATO Ground Crew figure set. My top 10 Airfix Vintage Classics wish list - AFV and figures

Now I feature some of the figure sets for ‘My top 10 Airfix Vintage Classics wish list – AFV/figures’ post. I did a separate blog post about these figures a while back. Quite an important set of figures to have if building Cold War ere airfield dioramas or vignettes. The title claims they are NATO figures, but they have a very RAF look about them.

10. Modern Russians

Released in 1983 and not one of Airfix’s better sets, with a limited selection of poses. But they are one of the few sets of Cold War era Soviet troops. There is a good review of them over on the Plastic Soldier Review site.

Bonus Figures – 1/32 Modern British Infantry

OK, bit odd for me to add some 1/32 scale figures. But these have always looked quite cool to me, plus you really don’t see many Cold War era British infantry, especially armed with the SLR and wearing 58 webbing and the old metal helmet!

Final thoughts about my op 10 Airfix Vintage Classics wish list – AFV/Figures

OK, I’ll admit I’m pushing the distinction of ‘Vintage Classic’ kits here with the inclusion of a lot of the old JB Models kits. But they would make an excellent set of vehicles in the Airfix catalogue. The likes of the Scorpion/Scimitar, LWB Landrover and the Bedford would be ideal for both Army and RAF builds. One can only hope that Airfix consider re-releasing them at some point in the future.

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