Moon 21st July 1969

The Official Airfix Club Magazine...
Issue 7
2009
In this issue...
Apollo
Saturn V
PLUS...
One Small Step
for Man...
PLUS FREE
Pull out poster
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Contents
60 Years of logos & packaging
Pages 2 - 3
Apollo Saturn V Model Build
Pages 4 - 6
The IPMS NASA SIG
Page 6
The Boys' Book of Airfirx
Page 7
Man Walks on Moon - 21st July 1969 Pages 8 - 9
Forthcoming Releases
Pages 10 - 11
Competition Time
Page 12
Editorial
We devote a major part of this issue of the Airfix
Club magazine to the 40th Anniversary
celebrations of that momentous occasion in the
whole history of the world, when man walked on
the Moon on 21st July 1969.
We centre our editorial round the two Airfix Space kits, scheduled for
release in time for the Moon landing anniversary. Follow the step-by-step
guide to building your own Airfix Saturn V spacecraft. Enter our
competitions in which you have a chance of winning a superb Airfix Space
model of the Apollo Saturn V, as well as reading the fascinating support
articles by model spacecraft enthusiasts. And – that’s not all! We have
included a double-sided pull-put poster in our centre pages in addition
to the usual action-packed 12-page magazine.
2009 is also a cause for special Airfix anniversary celebrations. This year
marks 70 years since Airfix was founded in 1939 and the 60th year of
kit production. It is the 60th anniversary we are focusing on and Jeremy
Brook takes a look at the logos and packaging across the years, right up
to 2009 when the whole range is presented in a brand new pack style.
Finally, the 2009 Airfix Roadshow events are now under way, where we
will be displaying a wide range of the 2009 model releases programme
for you to look at, as well as meeting the Airfix team during the course
of the summer. See Diary Dates below to find out where we plan to be
during the forthcoming season. See you there!
Diary Dates
Catch up with the Airfix team aboard the Airfix Roadshow vehicle and view the 2009
Airfix ranges at the following events, where we look forward to seeing you. Please note
all information is correct at the time of going to press but you may need to check with
the attraction concerned prior to setting off on your day out.
14th June: RAF Cosford Airshow, Shropshire. For full details including opening times and
advance ticket sales, visit: www.cosfordairshow.co.uk RAF Cosford Airshow is signposted
on the A464 Shifnal to Wolverhampton road and on the A41, close to J3 of the M54.
From the south, leave the M6 at Junction 10a. From the north, leave the M6 at J12 and
follow the signs on the A5. Free parking on the airfield.
20-21st June: Margate Big Event. Described as Kent’s leading air and land festival, you can
access more information by logging on to the following website:
www.thanet.gov.uk/news/focus_articles/margate_big_event.aspx There promises to be
a thrilling air display each day, as well as a host of other fantastic spectacles to enjoy.
11th July: RNAS Yeovilton Air Day, Yeovilton, Somerset.
18-19th July: Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) being held at RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire.
RIAT is the world’s largest military air tattoo and a must for all aviation enthusiasts.
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Years of logos & packaging
As you will have seen in the new 2009 catalogue, this year Airfix kits will carry a new logo and packaging style.
These are the latest improvements to packaging and logo styles which go back 60 years to 1949 when Airfix
made their first plastic kit
.
For the first 10 years until 1949, when the Ferguson Tractor kit was first produced and in fact until 1959, the Airfix
logo remained the same. The legend “Airfix Products in Plastics” was placed on a simple scroll.
All the early kits would have this logo on the front as well as all the toys and
games which were produced by Airfix. Then around 1959, the decision was
taken to update the logo and further standardise and improve the packaging.
This new logo or Type 2 as it became known was modernised and simply
said “AIRFIX” in a simplified scroll. All the subsequent logos would be
variations on this.
Early Type 4 logos were in different colours but soon black and white on a red
background became standard for all kits and other products made by Airfix.
By the late 70’s, Airfix was again modifying the logo and box design. An
“italic” version of the logo was briefly tried, mainly on the Motor Racing sets
before returning to the upright logo but now it was slightly squashed. In the
mid 1990s there would be a return to the “italic” logo when Humbrol chose
a variation of this version.
The Type 2 packaging, which accompanied the new logo, featured simple
paintings which had a dividing stripe down the middle. Then in 1963, it was
decided to feature full colour paintings and move the kit name and scale into
one corner. The Type 2 logo was often set in the middle of a red circle and
was the first attempt at a round logo.
Changes were also made to the box tops but the biggest change was made
to the paintings. Anti-war sentiments in some countries forced Airfix to
embark on a very expensive programme of ‘airbrushing’ out all the violence
in the paintings. Look at the current box top for the B-29 and you will see
aircraft flying peacefully over a city, whereas in the original there were fighters
attacking, engines on fire and bombs exploding – much more exciting!
The early paintings were not very good but Airfix soon employed a brilliant
young artist called Roy Cross. Together with another excellent artist Brian
Knight, who painted the figure sets and large sailing ships, they would create
arguably the finest and most exciting box tops to be seen in the model shops.
Just before Airfix went under in early 1981, a new logo was revealed which
harked back to the earliest logo whilst still retaining the newer circular shape.
It didn’t last long.
For those members who particularly like these stirring box tops, refer to
the special offer with this issue of the Club magazine on Roy Cross’s latest
book which shows a large number of these paintings, many of which have
not been seen for 30 years!
In mid 1981, Airfix was bought by an American company, General Mills which
put Airfix under its Palitoy label. A new logo was approved, Type 8, which
was similar to the round Type 4. At the same time most of the box tops now
had photographs of the made-up models which, needless to say, were not
very exciting and probably didn’t grab the attention of the younger modellers
in quite the same way as the original Roy Cross ones had – and still do!
Airfix also introduced the idea of ‘Constant Scale’ to its range of kits in the
early to mid 1950s. Other companies had been producing models,
particularly of aeroplanes, to rather odd scales, (e.g. 1/69th and 1/75th),
largely so that the kit would fit into a standard size box. Airfix decided from
the beginning to standardise on 1/72nd (one inch equals six feet) for aircraft
and 1/32nd for cars, for example.
Then in 1986, Airfix was again sold, this time to Humbrol, the famous model
paint manufacturer. For the next 20 years Humbrol would gradually extend
the range. They introduced some excellent kits such as the 1:48 Lightnings
and late-mark Spitfires. For the first ten years or so, the Palitoy Type 8 logo
was used and then in 1995 Airfix employed the first of three logos which
were similar to the short-lived “italic” Type 5 logo of the late 1970s. It is a
modification of these three logos which is now being introduced in 2009
by Hornby.
This meant that all aircraft or cars could be displayed together or played
with without looking out of place. This is probably the reason why many
other companies’ kits have long since disappeared but Airfix are still able
to re-release 50 year old kits like the Gladiator because they still fit in.
To cater for the different sizes of kits, they were sold in different series, each
of which had its own box size. Thus a kit like the Sturmovik would have been
released in Series 2 in a box which was identical to all other series 2 aircraft
and H.M.S. Warspite would have appeared in Series 4. Younger modellers
would, therefore, have had some idea of the size and complexity of the
finished kit before they actually bought it.
Throughout Humbrol’s period of ownership, there were several different
designs of box tops from all-white to blue-sided and finally the silver/grey
boxes introduced just before Airfix was sold to Hornby in 2007.
Airfix enthusiasts and historians have over the years attached “Type” numbers
to each of the packaging designs and logos and a complete listing with
illustrations of these can be found in “Constant Scale”, the magazine of the
Airfix Collectors’ Club (see the Clubs Directory page on the Airfix Website).
It is not really necessary to know all these but it does help when you are
looking for a kit in a particular style of packaging and the seller says, “it’s
in a Type 3 box”, then you’ll know what to expect.
These features, coupled with Airfix’s usual monthly output of new models
would soon make ‘Airfix’ the name for any plastic kit. Even today journalists
and writers often refer to any item which has to be assembled, as being
“like a giant Airfix kit”.
The range of kits grew considerably throughout the 1960s and 1970s and
many older modellers tend to regard this period as the “Golden Age” of
Airfix kits.
Finally, for collectors of earlier Airfix kits and toys, the new logo and packaging
are known as Type 13 and Type 16, respectively.
In the early 1970s the logo was again altered into the familiar round logo
and the box tops were redesigned to fit this logo.
by Jeremy Brook
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2009 celebrates the 40th Anniversary of the historic manned Apollo moon landing. It is therefore no surprise
to see the re-release of many manufacturers’ Moon shot kits this year.
The mighty Saturn V has been produced in several scales, with Airfix and Monogram both
producing a 1/144 scale replica. While both kits were both quite good at the time, you
could build a more perfect version by ‘cross-kitting’. One drawback to the original Airfix
kit was its inaccurate Apollo Command & Service Module (CSM), which was far too small.
However, 40 years on, Airfix have addressed this issue and the new, more accurate
version features a new drop-in tool, replacing the old CSM, including a replacement
adapter shroud, which covers the LEM. As this kit appeals to both junior and experienced
modellers alike, I have followed relatively simple rather
than advanced techniques and methods to suit all levels of
experience. e.g. I have used brush-painting methods, as
opposed to expensive airbrush or canned spray paint.
What to do first.
Wash the plastic thoroughly with soapy water to remove the release agent. This will
enable better adhesive qualities when sticking the plastic together.
A1
A2
A3
B1
B2
B3
B4
B5
C1
C2
C3
C4
by Paul Smith
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Pictures A1-A3 Looking at the instructions, I decided to deviate a little bit, as I wanted to
build the parts in batch form. I therefore glued the parts for the lower section of the first
stage (the S-1C) first, so they has time to set before fitting the main engines section.
I then removed the rest of the main rocket hull tubular sections (S-2C and S-4b) and the
internal disks used to represent the fuel tanks, joining them together using liquid poly
glue. A tip here – to ensure smooth joints, it is useful to use a flat bladed modelling knife
and a rubbing board.You can make a simple rubbing board by getting a sheet of wet and
dry fine and a sheet of medium wet and dry emery paper and either wrap or stick the paper
to a small piece of wood. This good and cheap method of achieving a smooth surface
also saves time using lots of model filler. However, if you don’t have these to hand, then
just glue the halves together and fill in any gaps with filler. Hold the parts together with
elastic bands. Whilst the glue is still setting make sure the hull sides join up without
leaving a ridge or step where the two halves join. This will reduce the amount of rubbing
down later.
Pictures B1-B4 The next stage was to build the F1 First Stage and J1 Second Stage rocket
engines. I removed them and found that the ridges on the two halves would not match
up exactly using the locating pins. To get a better fit, I cut off the locating pins, rubbed
the surfaces to get a better join and then used liquid poly, again adjusting the parts to
align the ribs on the combustion chambers.These were put aside to set, using wooden
clothes pegs to hold them together.
C5
D1
D2
D3
D4
D5
D6
D7
E1
E2
E3
F1
F2
F3
F4
F5
Pictures B5-B6 Now on to the joints between the first stage and the tail unit holding the
engines. I again used a larger rubbing block to get a good join. I used a ruler to ensure
the accurate line up of the parts when I glued the S-1C to the Engine Section. This is
important when it comes to the painting section. Another tip: I left off the fins at this
stage of construction, as they can get in the way of painting at a later date.
Pictures C1-C3 Whilst the major components were setting, I started on the new CSM parts
in the kit. I cut these off the sprue and again rubbed the joining surfaces down to get
a good surface to cement together. This included the blast cone that mounted the top
of the CSM during launch. It is essential that this be correctly aligned with the service
module engravings. The main hatch position does not line up with the panel with the half
circular lump on it. It should, however, line up with the thinner panel to the right with the
hole for the manoeuvring jets. This hole should not directly line up with the middle of the
hatch but just off to the left side of it (see photo).This is also true for the services
connector cover, which is directly opposite the hatch on the other side of the blast cover.
Pictures C4-C5 To show the vast improvements between the old and the new CSM parts,
I had an original set of parts made up which shows just how different the two units are.
Pictures D1-D5 When all the glued parts had set solid, I began work on the join lines. The
joints were cleaned up using a knife and a small piece of wet and dry. This does leave
the surface marked, so to make it perfect, I used a nail polishing set to reduce the surface
scratches before polishing the surface to match the surrounding plastic.These polishing
sets are quite cheap and you may find them in good model shops or even cheaper from
a high street chemist. They are particularly useful to repair scratched fuselage surfaces
prior to painting.
Picture D6-D7 At this point I need to point out one of the Airfix Saturn V peculiarities,
notably a series of tear drop shapes bumps on the second stage, just below the conical
adapter for the S-IVb stage. I cannot find any authentic reference that shows these on
any of the operational Saturn 5s. As a personal preference, I carefully removed them
with a knife and some wet and dry emery paper, finishing of with the polishing sticks.
However, the decision to leave them is yours.
Pictures E1-E3 The next stage involved cleaning up the engines, once more with knives,
files and polishing boards.
Pictures F1-F5 Once all the joint lines between the different stages had been checked and
adjusted – with the use of the sanding board where necessary, Saturn V was ready
for assembly.
Painting. With assembly completed, it was time to paint the model. Originally this was
always gloss white 22 but I found that Satin 130 is nearer the finish found on the Saturn.
Cover the whole model in this colour, as long as the plastic has a polished finish. If the
surface is less than perfect, apply a base coat of Matt 33 first. Let it dry and then apply
a top coat of Satin 130. This overall colour includes the CSM portion at the top of the
Saturn V. I also painted the engines at the same time using Silver 11. I then painted the
unattached lower fins of the engine section. Most of my references showed them as
not being black, so I chose a dark satin grey 106.
Pictures G1-G5 Once the base coat is dried, you can start masking the black panels for
the main part of the Saturn V. I used a combination of DIY decorating masking tape and
proprietary model masking tape for the larger sections, making sure I rubbed it into the
ridges as best I could to stop black paint creeping into the gaps under the tape. It is at
this point you need to get the tape aligned correctly, so the black panels are the same
width along the length of the rocket. Again I used a straight edge to achieve this. Once
dried, I started to add the finishing touches to ensure the panel lines joined up when
the Saturn V was fully assembled.
Picture G6 As well as masking tape I used Humbrol Maskol – a liquid masking solution
– on the inter stage ring between the first and second stages, as well as on the white
radiator panels of the new CSM, once the cylindrical part had been painted silver.
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G1
G2
G3
G4
G5
G6
H1
H2
Apollo Saturn V
Continued
The next major step was the lower engine stage which has 4 conical
shrouds covering the engines.The lower portion of this cone extends
beyond the base plate of the engine section, coloured a metallic grey or
silver. As I had not attached the fins to this section yet, I was able to make
a masking tape template, enabling me to cover the lower back and white
part of the cone, leaving a straight edge around the upper part. I then used
the liquid Maskol to cover the upper curved section. When I removed the
masking tape template, I had a nice edge to paint up to using the silver
paint. The Maskol also stopped any silver from creeping up the ridges of
the shrouds. When the paint had dried, I peeled off the Maskol, to leave a
neat edge. I then attached the lower fins to finish of the lower engine section.
The decaling is straightforward but apply carefully. There is a specific
pattern to their placement that can be checked out using references.
However, if you start with the Roman numerals, the letter “I” denotes
position 1 of the Saturn First stage, which is placed to the left of the half
circular tube that runs from the engine section to the Inter Stage ring.
The letter A is placed onto the fin on the right of this number. This pattern
is repeated, so the number II has the letter A to its left and the letter B to
its right.
Picture H1 The United States markings on the CSM also need attention.
The decal is placed on the panel with the half circular Scimitar aerial.
Picture H2 These are the only decals that need attention to their placement.
The rest are as shown on the instruction sheet.
In addition to the revised CSM, Airfix have reproduced the old style display
base. This adds a very nice finishing touch to the model, especially when
painted black to match the original.
The IPMS NASA SIG
I have always been interested in NASA as I grew up during
the “Golden Years” of the Moon Shot.
Our group membership is worldwide – we even have a member from Austin,Texas, USA.
As many members were bringing their models with them for the display, we had no
idea what the final diorama would look like until we set it up at the exhibition. One of
our members, Phil Mills, also had a display of real spacecraft from other nations and
we managed to place the displays next to each other at the show, which drew a great
deal of interest from the visiting public. As a consequence, we had very busy and
memorable weekend
I was born in 1958, the same year as NASA was created. Being a little young to appreciate
the Mercury and Gemini missions, my childhood was dominated by the Apollo Missions. And
– Yes, I can remember vividly where I was when Neil Armstrong first stepped onto the Moon’s
surface.The idea of forming an interest group was first thought of in early 2007, after chatting
with other model-making enthusiasts about the impending celebration in 2008 of NASA’s
50th Birthday. From these talks, and the displaying of a few NASA related models (including
an Airfix Saturn 1B, my oldest surviving model from 1974), it seemed that NASA as a subject
was very popular and there were a lot of modellers who had built something NASA during
their model-making past – not all related to the manned space missions.
As a dream ending to our very first show, we were informed that we had won the
Shows “Best SIG Display”, and were presented with a gold cup. We attributed the
award in no small way to the members of the group who contributed so much to the
winning display. During the exhibition, we had used the official NASA 50th Anniversary
poster and for interest, I sent a selection of photos to NASA for their anniversary diary.
You will find an image of our display by visiting the NASA website:
http://www.nasa.gov/50th/postcards/index.html and going to the Photo Postcards
section of the 50th Anniversary web page. Our post card is number 57.
With this encouragement, I wrote to the IPMS (International Plastic Modellers Society) UK
Liaison Officer in August 2007 about getting a mention in the Society’s magazine, to advertise
the possible creation of the SIG and canvas interested members to help get it formed.Within
7 days of my e-mailing the IPMS UK Liaison, I had acquired my required four IPMS members’
names to form an IPMS Special Interest Group. By September 2007 we were give official
status to become recognised by the IPMS (UK) Executive.
2009 marks the 40th Anniversary of the Moon Landing in July 1969. As you may have
guessed, our display will be dedicated to this theme. If the list of models already available
from the members is anything to go by, it will include a wide variety of exhibits of all scales
and subjects dedicated to this historic event. And – they won’t all be space ships!
By the end of 2007 the membership was growing and we made plans for the group to hold
its first display at the IPMS 2008 Model Show at Telford – Scale Model World or SMW 2008.
The theme for our first display was 50 years of all things NASA and we compiled and
distributed a list to identify the models already completed by the membership, to see where
we had any gaps. The interest was enormous and as I published the results, the list grew
in excess of 50 different models. The subjects ranged from the aircraft used by NASA in
aeronautical tests from 1958 to the modern day, the spacecraft used in the manned space
missions, as well as the support vehicles attached to the tests or missions.
So where do we go from here?
For more information about the IPMS NASA SIG and how to join, please email me at
IPMSNASASIG@AOL.COM or write to 26 Sherbourne Avenue. Bradley Stoke, BRISTOL
BS32 8BB. I look forward to hearing from you or, even better, seeing you at Telford in
November 2009.
by Paul Smith
Our first showing at SMW 2008 grew closer. With input from members, we designed and
built a special display stand to compliment the model exhibits.One poignant addition was
a small display entitled ‘Fallen Heroes”, dedicated to the men and women, both astronauts
and test pilots who had made the ultimate sacrifice.
“It’s not just about Space Ships”
The Boys’ Book of Airfix
It would be natural for those familiar with my 50th anniversary history
of Airfix to ask ‘Why another book, what more is there to say?’
Well fortunately, Hornby, my publisher, Ebury Press, and I think there’s
quite a lot of new material to add to the story of Airfix – arguably the
world’s most famous construction kit manufacturer.
First and foremost of course, there’s the exciting story of Airfix in the
21st Century.
As part of Humbrol, the veteran brand began the new millennium in pretty poor shape,
heavily in debt and restricted by a somewhat intractable relationship with French sister
company Heller.
Further strain was added to this often-fractious kinship because all of Airfix’s precious
mould tools – apart from its brand equity, the company’s only real asset – were stored
in Trun, Heller’s home near Falaise. Humbrol divested itself of Heller in 2005 but maintained
a relationship requiring the French firm to manufacture Airfix kits on its behalf.
By the summer of 2006 Heller found itself in trouble, Humbrol’s deliveries were frozen,
stretching the British company’s cash flow to the limit and in August Airfix (Humbrol)
went to the wall.
This news generated even more attention in the British media than Airfix’s previous
collapse almost exactly 25 years earlier. British newspapers were full of predictable
headlines full of phases like Airfix crashes and burns, Airfix plummets to disaster and
inevitably I suppose, Airfix – shot down in flames! Kit and toy collectors website,
Collectingfriends.com ran an article I had written entitled ‘It’s happened to my favourite
brand again!’
Fortunately, as we all know, Hornby Plc, led by CEO Frank Martin came to the rescue
and by November Airfix was in safe hands again. To find out exactly how Mr Martin
conspired to strike a deal with the French authorities guaranteeing the safe delivery of
Airfix’s precious tool bank – you’ll have to purchase The Boys’ Book of Airfix!
In my new book you’ll also hear from Airfix veterans like Trevor Snowden and Darrell
Burge who, along with some other key staff moved from Hull to Margate to continue
with the firm they knew and loved.
However, the Boys’ Book isn’t simply a sequel to my previous illustrated history about
Airfix. It is also designed to be a stand-alone volume documenting Airfix’s history from
the earliest days. A book the Airfix tyro will hopefully enjoy.
Fortunately, because of the company’s prolific rate of production (it’s been making kits
for 60 years!) there’s a huge amount of illustrated material to feature. Apart from one or
two seminal items (the Ferguson Tractor, Spitfire BTK, 1st Airfix Magazine, 1st Catalogue,
etc) the majority of the illustrations differ from those in my previous works.
One of the most significant and completely fresh inclusions in my new book concerns
Airfix founder, Nicholas Kove. His story is amazing. In 1914 he was a cavalry officer in
Emperor Franz Joseph’s army. Captured by the Russians he was interned in a POW cage
on the Siberian-Korean border but managed to escape and walk, yes walk, back to
Hungary! There’s a lot more besides – including a clue to the origins of the name Airfix
– but again, you’ll have to read the book to find out.
Now like most Airfix fans I guess, I love seeing original artwork and there’s lots of this
too, including some unseen box-top roughs. There are also interviews with Airfix stalwarts
like Peter Allen, effectively the ‘our Trevor’ of the 1960s and 70s, as well as from Ralph
Ehrmann, the financial genius who steered the company to its dizzying heights during
this period.
With more stories, more interviews, more vintage toys and crafts, more box tops and
the exciting story from Airfix’s birth to its recent near-death experience plus…Dr Who,
Nimrod and TSR-2, hopefully there’s something new for everyone.
The Boys’ Book isn’t simply a sequel to my previous
illustrated history about Airfix. It is also designed to be
a stand-alone volume documenting Airfix’s history from
the earliest days.
by Arthur Ward
Order Now!...See leaflet enclosed for full details
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Man Walks on the
Space Age Baby
I was born at the beginning of mankind’s exploration
of space and grew up watching amazing men & women
astronauts and cosmonauts as they learned how to take
the first steps on a world beyond the Earth.
On 21st July 1969 I watched the live TV pictures of the
first moon landing and being a keen model maker,
thanks to my older brother Steve who had been making
Airfix models as long as I could remember, I was
delighted when Airfix delivered the goods for space
modellers with a series of model kits including the
Saturn 1B, the Saturn V, the Lunar Excursion Module
(LEM) and the poly figure astronauts.
I’m delighted to see the return of the Saturn V model which shows off the massive
rocket system topped with the Apollo Command and Service Modules (CSM) and
containing a LEM tucked up inside the shroud of the final booster stage.The lunar
landing itself was depicted on a round moon’s surface base with the LEM, two
astronauts and a number of their scientific instruments and experiments, not forgetting
an American flag, of course.
Still the biggest (so far…)
At 110.5 metres high (about the same as St. Paul’s Cathedral), generating 3.5 million
kilos of thrust taking the rocket to 9,850 kilometres per hour (that’s nearly 3 kilometres
a second), everything about the Saturn V rocket is colossal and extraordinary. On the
launch pad the all-up weight of the Saturn V rocket and Apollo systems adds up to
nearly 3 million kilos. What returned to earth at the end of the mission was just the
Command Module (CM) – the crew compartment, weighing a tad over 5,000 kilos
representing less than 1% of the take off weight and at 3.2 metres tall less than 3% of
the take of height, but crucially safely containing all three astronauts and approximately
10 kilos of precious moon rock and dust. Mission accomplished.
The LEM depicted by the Airfix model represents the earlier version of the spacecraft
and certainly looks the part. I recall building it in the late 1960s and early 1970s and
being thrilled to look at this spider-like vehicle, fragile but purposeful; now I can’t
imagine it being any other way and some of the alternative designs, which never made
it beyond the drawing board, seem strange to my eye.
A giant leap
Landing on the moon in July 1969 was the culmination of many thousands
of people’s efforts, but just two men took the limelight when Neil
Armstrong and Dr. Edwin ‘Buzz’ Aldrin walked on the moon, while the
Command Module pilot, Mick Collins, remained in orbit in the CSM.
Nearly ten years earlier, when President John F. Kennedy
famously laid down the challenge of putting a man on the
moon before the end of the decade and America had just
fifteen minutes experience of man in space, the
engineers and scientists at NASA along with the
companies that manufactured their equipment
must have blanched at the prospect. But they
pulled out their slide rules (no calculators or
desktop computers back then), did their
sums and designed a space craft
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Moon 21st July 1969
Before Apollo 11 landed, previous missions had been proving flights (rehearsals)Apollo 8 circumnavigating the moon, Apollo 9 testing all the equipment in Earth’s
orbit and Apollo 10 flying the LEM near to the surface but not actually landing.
When ‘Eagle’, the crew’s radio call-sign nickname for the LEM, landed they left a
small plaque attached to one of the LEM’s legs which says: ‘Here men from the
planet Earth first set foot upon the moon July 1969. We came in peace for all
mankind’, all the more poignant when you consider that the east and west were
sniping at each other over the ‘iron curtain’ and threatening each other with
nuclear missiles.
system consisting of the Command & Service Module and Lunar Excursion Module
together boosted into orbit by the Saturn V rocket, still the biggest rocket system
of all time, which eventually launched twenty-four men to travel the 384,403 km
from the earth to the moon and put twelve of them safely down on the moon’s
surface using the purpose built LEM. The LEM was designed and built by the US
aerospace company Grumman, better known to Airfix modellers for their World
War 2 aircraft such as the Widgeon, Wildcat and Avenger and the more modern
F14 Tomcat and Prowler.
Our only spaceship
Of course that was also the big spur. Americans didn’t want to ‘go to sleep under
a red moon’, but equally they wanted to be able to show their technological might
and beat the Russians. They’d been significantly behind in what became known
as ‘the space race’ because the Soviet Space Programme had already put the first
satellite in orbit, first man in space, first woman in space and beaten the United
States in a host of other manned and unmanned missions.
Forty years on it would be easy to take the first moon landing for granted. Like all
technologies, when you look back at them many years later, older systems and
vehicles look dated, even clumsy, but don’t be fooled, the LEM remains the world’s
only true spaceship. It is a vehicle designed to function only in space while all others
have been a compromise between the physics and atmosphere of earth and the
rigours of space. The crew compartment houses two astronauts in an area
approximately the size of two large fridge-freezers. The walls of the LEM are just
millimetres thick composed of several layers of metal foil called aluminised mylar
which you could literally poke your finger through. It has no aerodynamics, because
they’re not needed in the vacuum beyond earth’s atmosphere and the navigation
was carried out using computers with a lot less power than your mobile phone.
There’s an old saying in engineering, ‘Form follows function’ and the LEM is perhaps
the epitome of that. There’s another saying, ‘If it looks right then it probably is right’,
but to most casual observers at that time the LEM was a world away from the
spaceships of science fiction we’d all grown up with. Dan Dare and Buck Rogers
would have never gone into space in this one. It certainly wasn’t sleek, pointy
or beautiful. They stayed on the moon’s surface for just 21 hours, 31 minutes and
17 seconds gathering rock and soil samples, taking photographs, setting up and
conducting experiments, sending back TV pictures and taking a phone call from
the US president, Richard Nixon in the Oval Room of the White house; surely
one of the most famous phone calls in history. Long distance of course.
A high price to pay?
The business of space exploration is dangerous. Three men died during ground
based testing for the Apollo programme, Lieutenant Colonel Edward ‘Ed’ White II
(first American to walk in space), Colonel Virgil I ‘Gus’ Grissom (one of the first
seven US astronauts during the Mercury programme and veteran of the Gemini
programme) and Lt. Commander Roger B. Chaffee (Apollo his first assignment
as an astronaut). Their deaths resulted in an extensive programme of safety
improvements and the ‘Block II’ Apollo was the result. Many Soviet cosmonauts
paid with their lives too.
Landing on the moon was an enormous achievement, borne out of global ‘oneupmanship’ perhaps but representing the high point of humankind’s inquisitive,
inventive and adventurous nature. Never take it for granted and forget the
extraordinary daring, determination, expertise and courage which it took to walk
on another celestial body. One evening this summer, go outside when it’s dark, look
up at the moon and remind yourself that forty years ago men first walked there.
They left scientific instruments, some of which are still functioning and sending
back useful information. They also left flags, vehicles and messages designed
and built here on earth. They brought back some rocks and dust but most of all
they realised a dream that man had centuries ago when people first realised that
the moon was our nearest celestial neighbour.
Imagine that, walking on the moon...
by Madeleine Pursey
9
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Forthcoming Releases...
We review the varied Airfix kits which you can look
forward to over the next three months, comprising
mostly the newly tooled 2009 additions to the range.
The history and background to these new releases
is fascinating and we are sure you will enjoy
constructing and adding them to your Airfix display.
A03073 BAe Hawk 128/132.
The Hawk 128 is the newly Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT) for the RAF and Royal Navy. The Hawk 132
trainer was produced for the Indian Air Force, the first being delivered in 2007. This newly tooled
1:72 Scale Airfix kit has two variations, enabling you to decal it up as either the RAF/Royal Navy
version or that of the Indian Air Force.
A Series 3 model, it has a length of 172mm, width of 138mm and comprises 100 pieces.
A02005 BAe Red Arrows Hawk.
This 1:72 scale piece is a brand new version of the famous Red Arrows Aerobatic Display Team’s
Hawk, incorporating the latest colour scheme in which the team will fly in this year. The Airfix
model has a length of 163mm, width of 130mm and has 65 pieces to construct in one kit variation.
The Red Arrows, or to give them their full title - The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, is based at
present at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire. They were formed in late 1964 as an all-RAF team when
they were supplied with seven Folland Gnat trainers. Two years later, their complement grew to nine,
enabling them to develop their famous Diamond Nine formation. The Red Arrows badge shows
the aircraft in this trademark formation with the motto Eclat – ‘excellence’.
A02065 Supermarine Spitfire Mk IXC
The present Hawk T1A replaced the Gnat in 1980. It has a wingspan of 9.3m, length of 11.85m,
height 4m. Its maximum speed at sea level is 800 mph and a maximum altitude of 48,000 ft.
Its thrust is 5,200 lbf, powered by one Rolls-Royce Adour Mk 151 engine.
There are two kit variations in this Series 2 model, which has 38 pieces and a completed
length of 131mm and a wingspan of 155mm.
The Airfix series of Spitfire models sees another Mark joining the field this year in the shape of the
1:72 scale Mk IXc. In real life, the Mk IX Spitfire was introduced as an interim measure to combat
the formidable German Focke-Wulf Fw 190.
The Red Arrows have no reserve pilots and if one is unable to fly, the team flies an eight-plane
formation. If Red Leader 1 is unable to fly, the team does not display at all. Each pilot flies the same
position in a formation and pilots stay for a three-year tour of duty, with three longest serving pilots
being changed each year.
The Mk VIII had been earmarked for this purpose but there was insufficient time for a complete
Spitfire re-design, so the Mk IX provided the alternative with a modified Vc fuselage but using the
same Merlin 60/70 engines.
As we go to press, it has been announced that from 2010, the first woman pilot is to join the
Red Arrows. Fl. Lt Kirsty Moore joined the RAF in 1988 and has been an instructor on the Hawk
aircraft at RAF Valley. She currently flies the Tornado at RAF Marham.
The majority of Mk IXs used the standard ‘C’ wing, which could carry four 20mm cannons or two
20mm and four .303in machine guns. From June 1942, the Mk IX took over from the Mk V, enabling
the RAF to increase their offensive in occupied Europe. During this time, the Mk IX took part in the
highest altitude combat of WWII, when on 12th September 1942, it intercepted a Ju 86R at
43,000 ft – its maximum height – over Southampton. Less than a month later, 401 Squadron became
the first IX users to shoot down an Me 262 jet. The Mk IX remained in service until the end of the war.
A02029 Messerschmitt Bf 1090G.
Another new Airfix model being introduced this year in 1:72 scale is the Messerschmitt Bf 109G,
which will complement your WWII display featuring its predecessor the Bf 109F, already in the
Airfix range.
A02017 Supermarine Spitfire PR Mk XIX.
This latest addition comes with three kit variations and comprises 38 pieces. When
complete, your Series 2 model will have a length of 120mm and a width of 137mm.
Another piece of new tooling for 2009, this 1:72 scale Spitfire replicates the reconnaissance Spitfire
– the last of the specialised photo-reconnaissance Spitfires and the only one with a Griffon engine.
The Messerschmitt Bf 109 was designed by Willy Messerschmitt in the early 1930s. One of
the first true modern fighters of the era, it incorporated the advance features of an all metal
monocoque construction, closed canopy and retractable landing gear. Around 33,984 aircraft
were built up to April 1945 and it was the backbone of the German Lufwaffe fighter force in
WWII – and the most successful fighter plane of the conflict. Its original purpose was that of
interceptor but its subsequent development enabled it to serve as a fighter-bomber – day and
night and in all weathers, ground-attack aircraft, reconnaissance, bomber escort and
bomber destroyer.
The Mk XIX was unarmed and carried either two vertical cameras and/or one oblique camera. The
aircraft could fly at 370 mph at 40,000 ft. The fuel capacity was 1563 litres, with an external auxiliary
tank, enabling a range of 1500 miles.
The Airfix Series 2 replica is 138mm long, 155mm wide and comprises 44 pieces over 2 kit
variations.
Royal Navy
2009 Marks the 100th Anniversary of the association between the Royal Navy and the Air force
which became the Fleet Air Arm. Throughout the year, there are many celebrations being held in
honour of this great association under the Fly Navy 100 banner, some of which are being attended
by the Airfix Roadshow.
The world’s top scoring fighter ace Erich Hartmann, flew only the Bf 109G and claimed 352
victories. Hans-Joachim Marseille, the highest scoring German ace in the North African
Campaign, also claimed all his 158 victories flying the Bf 109 against Western Allied pilots.
10
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A01315 WWI Male Tank.
This 1:76 scale kit comprises part of the new tooling programme for 2009. Containing 47 pieces
over just 1 kit variation, the finished model is 22mm wide and 102mm long.
The British Mark 1 Tank was the world’s first combat tank, entering the war in 1916. This tank
was developed to cross trenches, resist small-arms fire, travel over difficult terrain, carry supplies
and have the capacity to capture fortified enemy positions. There were two types of Mark 1 Tank
– ‘male’ and ‘female, both of which are available as Airfix kits.
The male tanks mounted a six-pounder gun in each sponson, plus three light machine guns.
Female tanks had two heavy Vickers machine guns in place of the six-pounders.
A50105 100th Anniversary of Naval Aviation.
This newly tooled 1:72 scale Airfix kit celebrates the history of naval flying over the last 100
years. From the first flight by the airship ‘The Mayfly’ in 1909, the use of aircraft in naval
warfare has been crucial.
The set comprises 5 models, 18 Acyrlic paints, 2 Brushes, 1 Poly Cement and an 8 Page
Booklet.
New Airfix Pack and Logo Design...
One of the great things we all love about Airfix is the
fantastic box illustrations that have been used over
the years. Whether it be some of the original line
drawings or some of the Ross Cross classics, there’s
always been something to inspire generations of
modellers to make that model of the REAL thing!
Bagged kits, boxed kits and blister cards have all come and gone, making
for a treasure trove of collectable products for thousands of Airfix fans
over the last 60 years. The team at Airfix have now developed a brand
new look for 2009. The main colour is to be red, which will really make
it stand out from the crowd, but not only that, where possible new hi-tech
digital illustrations will be used.
We believe you’ll find these new boxes
and illustrations fantastic....
These dynamic pictures we believe will capture the spirit
Airfix has always had, and not only keep our loyal fans happy,
but also inspire a new generation of computer savvy youngsters too.
There’s more information on the box, showing the decal options and
colour schemes in a clearer way and the trays inside have modelling
tips to help the less experienced modeller. Depending on the size of the
box there are three different grades of tips.
....Enjoy collecting them, and of
course building the brilliant models inside!
On the bottom of the tray we have shown details of both the website
and the Airfix Club, which will encourage even more people of all ages
to join this great Airfix modelling hobby.
11
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JUNIOR COMPETITION TIME
COMPETITION TIME
Celebrate the 40th Anniversary
of the Moon landing with your
own Airfix Saturn V model!
Here is a chance to win a
fantastic example of A11170
Apollo Saturn V, the 1:144
scale model of the largest
operational launch vehicle ever
produced.
It could be yours if you answer
the following questions
correctly:
Prepare for landing! One of our junior members is about to win a space age prize
of the Airfix model kit A50106 One Small Step for Man…. The kit is the 1:72 scale
Apollo Lunar Module that landed on the moon and consists of the descent and
ascent stages. There are 93 pieces in all. All we want you to do is answer the
two simple questions below. You will find the answers in this issue of the Club
magazine. The competition is limited to junior Club members aged 14 and under.
1. What do the initials LEM and CSM stand for?
1. Who were the first two Americans to walk on the Moon?
2. Who was the President of the United States of America at the time of the
Moon landing?
2. What was the date of the first manned Moon landing?
Put your answers on a postcard with your name, address and Club membership
number and send to Issue 7 Airfix Competition, PO Box 25, Melton Mowbray,
Leicestershire, LE13 1ZG, UK to reach us no later than 23rd July 2009.
Put your answers on a postcard and send with your name, address, age and Club
membership number to Issue 7 Junior Airfix Competition, PO Box 25, Melton
Mowbray, Leicestershire, LE13 1ZG, UK.
Closing date for entries is 23rd July 2009.
Rules of Entry.
1. The winner will be the first selected at random from the
all-correct entries received by the closing date of 23rd
July 2009.
2. The competition is strictly limited to one entry per current
member of the Airfix Club.
3. Duplicate entries will be disregarded.
4. The results of the competition will be announced in Issue 8
of the Airfix Club magazine and the winner notified by post.
5. The competition is not open to employees of Hornby
Rules of Entry.
Hobbies Ltd., their agents or families.
6. No correspondence will be entered into in conjunction
with the competition.
7. No cash equivalent is available.
8. The Airfix Club accepts no responsibility for entries lost
or damaged in the post.
9. Entries defaced or altered in any way will be deemed null
and void.
10. The judges’ decision is final.
1. The winner will be the first selected at random from the
all-correct entries received by the closing date of 23rd
July 2009.
2. The competition is limited to one entry per current junior
member of the Airfix Club, aged 14 or under.
3. Duplicate entries will be disregarded.
4. The results of the competition will be announced in Issue 8
of the Airfix Club magazine and the winner notified by post.
5. The competition is not open to employees of Hornby
Hobbies Ltd., their agents or families.
6. No correspondence to be entered into in conjunction with
the competition.
7. No cash equivalent is available.
8. The Airfix Club accepts no responsibility for entries lost
or damaged in the post.
9. Entries defaced or altered in any way will be deemed null
and void.
10. The judges’ decision is final.
COMPETITION RESULTS
The winner of the Issue 6 adult competition to win an example of the A50055
Spitfire Vb is Mr Ryan Norton, Member 502545 from Middlesex.
And the competition answers were: 1. RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire.
2. A choice of two from a Lancaster, Hurricane or Dakota.
Congratulations to our Junior Competition winner from Issue 6. Andrew Lidster,
aged 14 – Member 503408 from South Yorkshire who wins one of the Doctor
Who – Daleks in Mannhattan sets. And the answers to the questions were:
1. David Tennant.
2. The Empire State Building.
EXCLUSIVE BOOK OFFERS FOR AIRFIX CLUB MEMBERS ONLY...
With this issue of the Airfix Club magazine, you will find enclosed a promotional
leaflet and an order form for two highly informative books on Airfix, one by
Roy Cross – The Vintage Years of Airfix Box Art; and the Boys’ Book of Airfix
by Arthur Ward.
ONLY
£15
Especially for Club members, we have negotiated a fantastic discount on each of
the books for a limited period only.
Arthur Ward’s Boys’ Book of Airfix normally retails at £20.
As an Airfix Club member, you can take £5 off and obtain this superb read for
only £15. The enclosed leaflet carries full details of how and where to order.
ONLY
£25
PLUS
FRP&EPE
Buy The Vintage Years of Airfix Box Art by Roy Cross, signed by the author, for
£25 only – a fantastic saving of £10 on the normal selling price.
Both books will make great gifts for the Airfix enthusiasts
in your life – or why not treat yourself!...
*
* Free p&p to UK addresses only.
www.airfix.com