This is a 192 page oversize hardback book (isbn 000 472327 9) written by Arthur Ward which celebrates the Airfix range of kits and associated toy items. It is lavishly illustrated, with photos of made up kits, unmade kits (how does anyone keep a kit for over thirty years without even taking it out of the packaging?), box art and various associated items (magazines, catalogues, etc). The accompanying text is not the usual kit listing and price guide that might have been expected, but is the story of Airfix from star to rather sad end to happier "rebirth" -- with plenty of comment from people who were involved with the company. This includes intriguing insights into kits that were considered, and even planned, but which never made it into production. The author's opinion of Airfix (which might be guessed from the title of the book) is sometimes a little higher than perhaps some of the kits deserved, but then a book like this ought to be written by an enthusiast. There can be few of us who haven't had some contact with Airfix in our wargaming. Hundreds of miniature armies were formed from their extensive range of figures. Few WWI and WWII gamers won't have bought a few tanks, aircraft and buildings. How many Airfix French Foreign Legion forts have anxiously awaited the relief column to break through the hordes of besieging tribesmen? Add in the ships, the trackside buildings, the excellent Airfix magazine (an early champion of wargaming) as well as the still superb wargaming guides and it is clear that Airfix was for long at the heart of our hobby (whether they really realized it or not!). It's a great book to look through, there's page after page of familiar models leading to plenty of "I bought that one" or "I never knew they did that". And the chance to marvel at the guideline prices for the twenty most collectible kits (there are some people out there with far too much money!). For anyone who does a fair bit of modeling - whether for games or otherwise - this is a fascinating read, and, although not a cheap book, is worth the cover price. Those who'd like a look for the nostalgia value might like to suggest their local library gets a copy! Back to MWAN #110 Table of Contents Back to MWAN List of Issues Back to MagWeb Magazine List © Copyright 2001 Hal Thinglum This article appears in MagWeb (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web. Other military history articles and gaming articles are available at http://www.magweb.com