I came across this U.S. advert for Airfix HO/OO figures on the interweb (click on photo to enlarge) . It's interesting as I don't remember back in the 60's there being any advertisements for Airfix figures in the UK - there may have been adverts in the Airfix Magazine I suppose but being a child under 10 I was unaware of them . They just appeared on the shelves of our local Woolworths and bought eagerly with my pocket money . Even then I realised some of the figure poses to be unsuitable and downright odd , all those running ACW figures waving one hand in the air !? , the odd one or two could be turned into standard bearers I suppose ? - and don't get me started about all the lying down poses in the Union box ! . I do remember my first real attempt at wargame armies by buying about 4 boxes of the Union and Confederate boxes plus Artillery and Cavalry purchased with one of my first pay packets , Ah ! happier and simpler days perhaps ? or just rose tinted nostalgia ?
Hi I loved the early Airfix figures. Their angular style holds a special nostalgia. I had the 8th, DAC and German sets but didnt know about the British infantry / combat group until you posted this. Me and my brother were buying them in the early 70s and I remember the sets changing, perhaps they had gone off the shelves by then. Thanks for the reminder. Henri
ReplyDeleteThe British Combat group was an odd one sort of 1950/60 vibes.
DeleteExcellent find Tony! I can fondly remember walking to the local hobby shop with my half dollar to buy a new box of Airfix figures! What a thrill that was at seven years old!
ReplyDeleteThe figures that launched a thousand wargaming careers !
DeleteThere is a ‘real’ thrill to remember about our Woolworth’s days and Airfix.
ReplyDeleteI’m not even sure that we had anything that an Airfix advert might appear in.
I assume an advert appeared in the Meccano or Airfix magazines ?
DeleteI had my first Airfix for Christmas c1962/3-ish including a box of Confederates and one of WWII Russians. My older brother suggested to use the Rebs as Hungarians vs the Russians in the 1956 Revolution, and so it began!
ReplyDeleteOver the years, my rather scant allowance went to Airfix sets at the local Drug Store's toy aisle. Drugs indeed!
Yes my first purchases would be about that time as well , I still find them cute and they have a certain stye about them .
Delete