Welcome to this latest edition of our Workbench blog and all the news, updates and modelling exclusives from the fascinating world of Airfix.
When it comes to the subject of modelling and hobby nostalgia, the Airfix brand is probably second to none, particularly in the UK. Even if it has been many years since someone has actually spent time making a model kit, the sight of the Airfix logo will invariably conjure up pleasant memories of many hours spent constructing and painting kits of your favourite aircraft, tanks or cars. As a company though, Airfix can't just rest on these nostalgic laurels and have to continually evolve, using the latest design and manufacturing innovations to produce ever more accurate kits which are at the same time enjoyable to build. Just as projects such as our new 1/24th scale Spitfire Mk.IX kit is intended for modellers with some previous experience under their belts, we also have to consider the opposite end of the market, kits which whilst still being accurate representations of the subjects on which they are based, are also easy and logical for the novice modeller to enjoy.
In this latest edition of Workbench, we will be looking at some of the challenges facing our designers when approaching this interesting and vital sector of the hobby, using our new Pagani Huayra Starter Set as our illustrative subject. With input from the designer responsible for this project, we will be including CAD design imagery from this new series of models which have such an important part to play in the continuing Airfix story, introducing new people to a hobby which has brought so much pleasure to so many over the years.
We will end this week by featuring a selection of images taken during a recent visit to Head Office, as we spent a little time in the showroom in the company of some beautifully finished recent model releases, this time paying special attention to a couple of classic training aeroplane types. Conforming to our current format, we will be adding this as a separate mini blog, just to make the feature easier to find for those coming to us vis a general web search, but will still just be a couple of clicks away for us all. As we all know, the main Workbench hub is always the best place from where to access all current and past blog postings.
New models designed for success
A designer's nightmare or a chance to show their skills, Design Manager Matt Whiting kindly sent us a selection of images produced during the design phase of the new Pagani Huayra Starter Set - just look at those complex curves!
Many Workbench readers will no doubt have fond memories of spending much of their youth and probably most of their pocket money on Airfix kits, mainly the classic bagged kits which were so widely available back in those days. My own Airfix initiation came in the immediate post decimalisation days and after watching my father build the kits so expertly, before I was confident enough to tackle one. As he regularly worked away from home, he would always come back bearing gifts for my brother and I and usually an Airfix kit of some description or other - it was always aircraft for me, but my brother preferred cars and motorcycles, with just the odd aircraft thrown in. One of my most enduring memories of those times is after greeting my dad and seeing the kit on the dining room table at bed time, waking up to find the model built (but not painted) first thing in the morning. It was like a page from the 'Elves and the Shoemaker' fairy tale, just with Airfix models instead of shoes.
Perhaps the most important step in any modellers life was taking the build plunge for themselves, carefully following the instructions and trying to emulate what you had seen your parents, or older sibling do so impressively in the past. Usually not quite attaining those levels at first, our enthusiasm would get us through that first build and despite the odd glue mark and joint gap, actually ended up with a perfectly acceptable Spitfire, Messerschmitt or Model T Ford. Once we were off the reins, there was no stopping us, with this hobby proving to be as rewarding as it was immersive and addictive, with the only thing which seemingly mattered in those days being how many of these fantastic kits could we possibly get our hands on?
Moving things along to current times, there is nothing like seeing the Airfix logo to immediately drag us back to those enjoyable, carefree days and even if we have to now describe ourselves as lapsed modellers, this admission will no doubt come with stories of a loft full of unmade kits, but delivered with lots of smiles - modelling is almost always associated with something fun and enjoyable. Of course nowadays, many of us now have children of our own and we know only too well that they have many other interests and distractions vying for their attention on a daily basis, as today's world is very different to the one we ourselves enjoyed forty or fifty years ago. The question is, how can we encourage and support the youngsters of today in tackling their first model kit and more importantly, to enjoy the experience?
That is a question the designers at Airfix have been asking themselves for quite some time now and is one they knew they had to address if the modelling hobby was going to have a long-term future. Just as they incorporate all the latest design and manufacturing innovations into the latest enthusiast kits, so they have to do the same at the opposite end of the modelling spectrum, making kits which are beautifully detailed representations of the aircraft or motor vehicle on which they are based , but are also quick and straightforward to build? After all, this model will have to be built before their phone starts pinging with notifications again, something we know happens all too often these days.
More exclusive design imagery straight from Matt's computer, this time showing different views of the new Pagani Huayra model kit in CAD form. Produced in 1/43rd scale, this new kit is a faithful representation of this stunning supercar, with innovative simplified construction.
Speaking with our Design Manager Matthew Whiting, he informed us that as a design group, this conundrum is something he and his Airfix colleagues had been considering for several years now, often discussing the subject between themselves during lunch breaks and in some cases, even working on independently in their own time. Using their wealth of combined experience, they decided it was important enough to put a proposal together for wider business consideration, taking their idea to sales and marketing teams and explaining the methodology behind it. For a number of reasons, although clearly a great idea, it did take a little while for work to begin on the project, however, over the past couple of years, the first kits in this important new series have now been unleashed on the hobby world and been met with extremely favourable reviews.
Cleverly satisfying this ease of construction brief, but without compromising on subject accuracy, our new collection of Starter Sets already includes the Sherman Firefly and Tiger I tanks, along with a Spitfire and BAe Hawk T.1 for aviation fans. Earlier this year, the range expanded further with the addition of our Bugatti Chiron kit, one which was produced in 1/43rd scale, with this subject matter being considered contemporary (and striking) enough to appeal to our younger audience, whilst at the same time providing some range diversification. This choice of scale strayed from the historic Airfix tradition of producing car kits in 1/32nd scale, but was made for two specific reasons. Firstly, with the models being just that little bit smaller in size, this would allow the kit’s designer some latitude when it came to planning his individual part splits, particularly when considering they had to go together much more easily (and indeed logically) than main range kits do, but also had to feature a reduced number of parts in every case.
Matt knew that however he intended to achieve the design brief for this new kit, it had to look like this when constructed.
Secondly, when constructed, these new models would now be in a scale which is seen as being a standard collectors scale for cars, both for the plastic modelling hobby and indeed that of die-cast model collectables, something which could only serve to broaden the appeal and potential customer base for these new kits.
We certainly wanted to ask Matt why three car kits were selected as subjects for this important range this year, particularly when aircraft and tanks have traditionally been so popular with modellers over the years? He told us that providing variety of modelling subject matter has always been one of the most enduring features of the Airfix range and this is simply an extension of this tradition. Tanks and aircraft were the subjects against which this new idea was first applied and introduced, with these three new cars bolstering the range and providing further choice of subject matter. Designing three new cars together did have some benefits from a scheduling and resource perspective, whilst at the same time yielding a decent sub range of new car kits for novice modellers to choose from. As we learned at the start of the year, this range is made up of two contemporary world supercars and a true British motoring classic, with more models to come in future years.
Simplification brings new challenges
With its graceful, sweeping lines, the Pagani Huayra has to be considered one of the most striking cars ever made and an iconic addition to our new range of Starter Set kits.
From a designers perspective, many aspects of the CAD design work on the new Pagani Huayra kit was just the same as on any standard new tooling project however, things ended up being quite different when it came down to splitting the kit in to individual components and the need to reduce the usual part count on these models. This actually proved to be much more of a challenge than any of the designers had anticipated at the outset. Steadfastly recreating the sweeping, clean lines of this stunning supercar, the required reduction in part count did produce quite a few head-scratching moments when it came to deciding which parts could be combined together to form more robust kit components, but this is all in a day's work for an Airfix Product Designer.
Matt informed us that he did have the benefit of manufacturer supplied CAD data files to aid his design work on this particular project, however, these were not in a format which could be used by the Airfix CAD software and could only be used for shape data and scaling referencing. Used in the production of the actual 1:1 scale Huayra, these files still left Matt with much to do, with this effectively being a ‘start from scratch’ design project, with some additional and rather shapely research benefits!
To add to the pressure further, Matt knew that if this project was to eventually make it to model store shelves all over the world, it would have to receive the licencing approval of the car's manufacturer and every aspect of this motoring icon's design would have to be faithfully replicated, with no quarter given. They were not concerned with the fact that Airfix were looking to make an easy to construct model kit of the Huayra in 1/43rd scale, if the model was not 100% Pagani Huayra, it would have to be changed - no pressure there then Matt.
Matt went on to tell us that this kit was produced almost entirely during lockdown, when the design team were working from home and research visits were definitely off the cards. This did complicate matters somewhat, as the design team would usually meet regularly to discuss any issues or advice they could share between themselves, but this clearly could not happen in person during this period, neither could the simple pleasure of walking over to a colleague's desk to discuss a little design nuance or two - Microsoft Teams was a godsend, but it's just not the same. Relying on his knowledge and extensive experience, Matt did have the opportunity to inspect a Huayra in between periods of lockdown, which proved both beneficial and extremely enjoyable. He said that the Huayra is truly stunning in the metal, but how he is yet to see a photograph which actually does this magnificent car justice. The curves are breathtakingly beautiful and when looking at the quality of the sumptuous interior, it had something of a steampunk feel to it. All he had to do now was to make sure his kit design replicated this awesome supercar.
Matt kindly sent us these fascinating exploded part views, which show how he managed to recreate the Huayra in kit form and how it was all done whilst making it easier to construct. The second image is a repeat, but just adds a splash of colour to the proceedings.
Having had the opportunity to inspect the design of the Bugatti Chiron kit we reviewed earlier in the year, we wanted to ask Matt about the elements of new Huayra's design which posed him the most problems, feeling sure that the single piece bodyshell of this stunning car would be his reply, but were surprised to find that this wasn't actually the case. In order to make building the new kit as easy and enjoyable an experience as possible, Matt had to replicate the iconic shape of the car, incorporating many aspects of the design into larger, combined parts which would make the build easier for the novice modeller, whilst at the same time avoiding any potential for undesirable manufacturing marks. Despite the physical depth of the impressive one piece bodyshell, Matt told us that it wasn't actually that difficult to design in tooling (although he is our most experienced designer), with side tooling undercuts allowing the main body shell and chassis underpan to be replicated as single units, with the front and rear bumpers designed separately, so they would mould more accurately during manufacturing. Matt likened the process to designing something like a Corgi Vanguards model, only completely in plastic and with a similar part count (obviously before the Corgi model is assembled).
When talking specifically about designing the new Huayra kit, Matt informed us that the most challenging aspect of the project was definitely the recreation of the graceful curved lines of this magnificent car and trying to force the CAD software to do things it really didn't want to. Recreating these shapes proved challenging enough, but when combining this with his knowledge of the manufacturing process and its limitations, he was certainly glad of the many years of experience he had behind him. It was one thing designing the bodyshell shape accurately, but then getting it into tooling without any creasing in the resultant mouldings was quite another. As always, there were a number of design compromises which had to be made, usually around providing the kit with enough inherent strength, something which model kit designers have to become rather adept at spotting during the design phase if costly overruns are to be avoided. In the case of the Huayra, this was mainly associated with the wheels which are handed left and right and which feature individual spokes milled from a single block of metal on the actual car - this would not have provided the kit with enough strength, so mat had to be a little creative here with his design.
Prototype model stage and time to check that all those hours spent at the computer have produced kit parts which include all the required detail, whilst at the same time allowing for simplified construction. The picture below features internal detail and some of those design touches Pagani have become famous for, only in scale representation.
Matt told us that when he had the opportunity to go and admire one of the actual cars for himself, how he was not only impressed with how stunning it looked, but as a designer himself, how the design appeared to take inspiration from something he hadn't expected, a human eye. To him, it appeared as if much of the design philosophy followed this stylized eye concept and how if you look carefully, similar shaped features can be found right across the car's design, even down to the smallest details - very clever. It could even be argued that the profile of the car is itself eye shaped, but we will leave you to decide whether you agree with this opinion or not.
Despite all this design excellence and motoring opulence, Matt was determined that his scale version of this stunning car was not only going to be a faithful representation of the Pagani Huayra once built, but would also be a relatively simple and enjoyable kit for modellers of all abilities to attempt. Impressive little details such as the large one piece clear part for all the windows simply clips into place, without the need for glue will surely remove an age old modelling problem for the less experienced modeller and produce a visually impactful model once completed, one which could grace any model collection.
Modeller support from start to finish
If a young modeller can make his first kit build look like this, we think they will be rather pleased with their first modelling experience and possibly even keen to come back for more.
In addition to ensuring this new breed of Airfix Starter Set model kits achieve their aim of appealing to modellers with limited or even no prior modelmaking experience, the innovative design of these kits goes hand in hand with the support of an impressive new way of laying out their instruction sheets. Although the kits have been designed to go together in a simple, intuitive manner, the modeller is given further guidance and support from the instructions ensuring that they are never left guessing and know exactly what the next stage in the build process is. It could even be argued that these new instructions are almost like a modelling dot-to-dot, providing a visual reference point of where you are with the build and where you are going next.
All the kit parts are numbered in the order you will come across them during construction process, with the instruction illustrations clearly showing a silhouette of the part in question and where you will find it on the sprue tree. Next, the modeller is given clear guidance on how these parts go together and significantly, how when they have been used, how they disappear from the part tree in the next stage, removing any possibility for confusion and leaving the new modeller in no doubt where they are up to in the build. The instruction illustrations also show the modeller when and where they need to apply glue during construction, in addition to the usual painting and decal placement guidance.
A great deal of thought has gone into both the design of the new Huayra Starter Set kit and the instruction sheet which accompanies it, all intended to give the inexperienced modeller an enjoyable first build experience.
Paint and decal placement guidance for this scale version of this beautiful Supercar.
What we were hoping to achieve with these new kits was to effectively support a first-time or novice modeller through the entire build process, almost as if the designer who created the model was looking over their shoulder, showing them how the model should go together at every stage. Perhaps even more importantly than this, we wanted to give youngsters the confidence to simply open the box and have a go at modelling, even if this was their first time.
Finally, providing yet another level of support for the novice modeller, the kits also include a separate ‘Before you start’ sheet of handy modelling tips and guidance, again featuring the extensive use of visual aids and showing the things which might be useful to know before embarking on their first build. As long as they manage to negotiate their first model kit build quickly and efficiently, ending up with a model they are pleased with, then our new Starter Set kits have done their job. Perhaps even more importantly than this, we want them to enjoy the experience, because that is the only way they will come back for more. You never know, they might even find an hour without their mobile phone quite enjoyable, perish the thought!
Pagani Huayra - The most 'Super' of Supercars
A thing of absolute beauty, as few Workbench readers will be in a position to afford the real thing, our new Pagani Huayra Starter Set kit makes for an attractive scale alternative.
We have seen how this new breed of Starter Set kits have been produced to a very special and rather specific design brief, but why the Pagani Huayra? As Matt would say having had the opportunity to spend some time in the presence of one, why not! This is truly a supercar in every sense of the description, named after a South American wind God (Father of the wind), which is rather apt, as this thing moves like the wind - powered by a six litre twin turbocharged V12 engine designed specifically for Pagani by Mercedes AMG, the Huayra is capable of attaining speeds of over 230 mph. Unusually for a car possessing such incredible power, the Huayra is rear wheel drive and with its savage acceleration, this truly makes this the ultimate driver's car, but at a price. When originally announces, these beasts were selling for £800,000 and if you can find one of the originals in good condition now, you can expect to pay significantly more.
The long awaited successor to the hugely popular Zonda, Pagani produce cars for the real motoring purists and not those looking to head down the route of such familiar names as Ferrari, Porsche and Lamborghini, but to search for something different, something exciting and something with real style - you might also need a large wallet or be celebrating a Euromillions win. Described by its Italian manufacturers as being 'Sculpted in performance', this car is not only performance monster, it can boast unique styling, with an attention to even the finest of detail, which is actually almost bordering on the obsessive.
Recreating an icon in scale kit form, something Airfix have a proud reputation of doing.
Throughout its sumptuous construction, ever nut and bolt is made from titanium and as for the Huayra name badge itself, this is made from a single solid piece of high quality aluminium which takes 24 hours to be sculpted. Taking this to an even higher level, each wheel is also honed from a single solid block of aluminium and actually takes five days to produce - there can be no shortcuts when it comes to production of this Italian Supercar. It has been claimed that the body design of the car is more high-tech than a Formula 1 racing car and with its light weight and abundance of power, the rear wheel drive gives this car real character and as driving pleasure is concerned, is this supercar without equal?
Featuring unique styling, the use of high quality materials and manufacturing standards which are the envy of the industry, this car really has something of the mysterious about it and even though it is taking on some established supercar competitors in this high profile aspirational motoring arena, the company's obsession in creating a thrilling drive experience for the car's owners, they have received many plaudits for their stance and demanded supercar enthusiasts sit up and take notice of what they are doing. A real head turner of a car, if ever you are lucky enough to see a Huayra, it will usually have a sizeable crowd of admirers around it, most taking pictures and almost all intending to do a little internet research to find out more about this strange, but beautiful supercar. If you are looking for a performance car with style, substance and just a little mystique surrounding it, if your bank balance will allow, then maybe the Pagani Huayra is the car for you.
A stunning addition to our new Starter Set range of models, the Pagani Huayra is the second of three new 1/43rd scale car kits to be released this year and a continuation of this new concept in design for Airfix.
Having read what we think about the car and how a scale representation of it is already playing its part in the ongoing story of Airfix, why not take a closer look for yourself and head for our official Airfix YouTube channel, where you will find a short video showing the new model. Whether you are a novice first-timer of a seasoned modelling pro, the new Pagani Huayra Starter Set is a stunning addition to the Airfix range and one which has been designed to be an enjoyable way in which to spend an hour or so modelling, even if this will be your first ever attempt at building a model kit.
That’s all we have for you in this latest edition, but we will be back with more project updates for you next week. As always, we are interested to hear your views on all things Airfix and particularly in relation to our Workbench blog, so if you ever feel like dropping us a quick line, please use our workbench@airfix.com contact e-mail address.
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Please join us for more Airfix updates next week and thank you for your continued support.
Airfix Workbench Team
