- Airfix is the oldest UK manufacturer of scale model plastic kits and has been producing kits for the mass market since 1952. Airfix produce a wide range of kits aimed at all types of scale modelers with subjects such as; military aircraft, ships, space, cars, dioramas and military vehicles
- Enjoy the nostalgia with the revival of this classic plastic model. The boxes feature original paintings by an impressive range of artists. Since the early 1950s, Airfix has produced hundreds of fantastic models, across many different categories and the majority of these tools still exist, and using these tools are how the Vintage Classics are made.
- Primary Scheme: Westland Whirlwind HAS.22 No.781 Naval Air Squadron, Royal Naval Air Station Lee-on-Solent, Hampshire, England. Skill level: 2. Dimensions of completed kit: length 24.2 cm x width 22.4 cm x height 4.02 cm. Total Pieces: 55. A great plastic model kit for the beginner an intermediate modeler.
- Many of these models are a little more challenging for today’s modelers, but that’s part of this brilliant hobby’s fun. With some wonderful “only produced by Airfix” items to come, the excitement’s really building!
- Painting and assembly required. Paints and glue need to be purchased separately. Humbrol paints needed to complete the liveries are listed on the outside of the box.
As helicopter technology continued to advance following the end of the Second World War, the operational flexibility offered by rotary powered aircraft resulted in a race to develop a machine with the power and range to carry both troops and supplies efficiently. The breakthrough came with the introduction of the US Sikorski H-19 Chickasaw, an aircraft which was the envy of the world, with the British military being particularly keen admirers. Having successfully evaluated a number of aircraft, a licence agreement was signed to allow Westland Aircraft based at Yeovil to produce the helicopter for British service. Named the Whirlwind, the first British build prototype flew in August 1953, with the type going on to enter Royal Navy service in July 1954.
