New From Airfix 2023
Wow another year gone, and not enough kits built! So what’s new from Airfix 2023?
So following on from previous years, I’m having a quick look at what Airfix is offering for 2023 from a Cold War era perspective, and it’s looking pretty darn good.
The official Airfix video below, covers all the releases they are planning for 2023.
New from Airfix 2023 – New Releases
We have 2 new releases for 2023 for the Cold War model maker, one aviation and the other armour.
A11007 1/48 Fairey Gannet AS.1/AS.4
A1379 1/35 Ferret Scout Car Mk.2
Now if Airfix decide to produce the Scorpion/Scimitar and other Cold War armour, I could be tempted to expand my modelling subjects.
New from Airfix 2023 – Re-introduction
So lets look at the re-introductions, starting with 1/72 scale kits.
A06019A McDonnell Douglas Phantom FG.1/FGR.2
Considering this is my favourite Cold War aircraft, I’m surprised I’ve not built one yet! However, in my defence, I do have 2 in the stash (both Airfix). Reading the info on the Airfix website, it hints that they will be doing Nos 43 and 111 squadron themes.
A02110 Hawker Tempest Mk.V Post War
Yep, think this one will end up in the stash. Quite like the end-of-line prop aircraft. No notes yet on the Airfix site as to what schemes it will be in. I suspect RAF and maybe an overseas user.
A06022A Blackburn Buccaneer S.2B GULF WAR
OK, not strictly Cold War as it’s in Gulf War markings. However, if, like me, you have aftermarket decals of Cold War Buccaneers. Then this will be a useful kit.
A04057A Hawker Siddeley Harrier GR.1/AV-8A
Well, I guess Airfix couldn’t have a 1/72 Harrier in their 2023 lineup. Would seem obvious that we will get RAF and USMC options.
A02105 Folland Gnat T.1
A welcome back to the venerable Gnat. Got quite a few in the stash, so will probably be giving this one a miss this year.
OK, so let’s take a look at the 1/48 re-introductions new from Airfix 2023, and there are quite a few.
A12014 Blackburn Buccaneer S.2B
Last year we got the Navy Buccaneer, and this year we got the RAF version. Airfix are certainly spoiling 1/48 builders with their continued releases of Cold War-era aircraft. I seriously need to start building more in this scale. Yes, they cost more, but I imagine they also give you plenty of hours of model-making enjoyment.
A09192 Hawker Hunter FGA.9/FR.10/GA.11
Think this one will be going on my wish list. I may not have built many 1/48, well only 1 actually, the Airfix 1/48 Chipmunk. But the Airfix range of early Cold War RAF aircraft certainly keeps growing.
A06105A Hawker Sea Fury FB.11
A06108 de Havilland Vampire FB.5/FB.9
I suppose it was only time before Airfix used the original Vampire F.3 kit to expand it to other versions. Incidentally, I have the F.3 in my stash, so it would only make sense to get this version… right?
A09182A Gloster Meteor F.8
Apparently not one of Airfix’s better 1/48 kits, read lots of builders having issues with the nose. Which is a shame, as I have the FR.9 version in my stash. But again, it’s great to see that Airfix keep adding/expanding the early Cold War era aviation collection. So being forewarned that the kit has some issues, hopefully, this enables us to build a decent representation of the Meteor.
New From Airfix 2023 – Vintage Classics
A01023V Auster Antarctic
Could be a very fun and colourful kit to build, but being first released in 1958, I’d imagine a bit fiddly to put together. Mind you, I suspect a lot of scratch building will be required for that cockpit area.
A02309V Bristol Bloodhound
Oh boy, is this a blast from the past for me! When I saw that Airfix is reintroducing this kit, I knew I had to pre-order one. But then I got to thinking of various diorama ideas, so I ended up pre-ordering 3 of these kits. Shame I’ll have to wait till the autumn before they arrive.
Well, that’s another good outcome for Cold War model makers, especially for the 1/48 builders.
