Airfix Control Tower - Info?
Discussion
I've got this old favourite in the stash (along with all the old Airfix RAF vehicle sets) to finally build to a good standard rather than my childhood efforts:
I was wondering if anyone (Lufbramatt?) knew if it was based upon a specific tower, or was it - as I suspect - generic of the type?
Also, does anyone know of any online references, or books about WW2 control towers that show the subtle detail of these buildings? I'm looking for references for what was in the watch tower at the top, and things like anemometer/meteorology/singalling equipment.
Ta.
I was wondering if anyone (Lufbramatt?) knew if it was based upon a specific tower, or was it - as I suspect - generic of the type?
Also, does anyone know of any online references, or books about WW2 control towers that show the subtle detail of these buildings? I'm looking for references for what was in the watch tower at the top, and things like anemometer/meteorology/singalling equipment.
Ta.
As far as I know it wasn't based on a particular location, nor even a particular type, as it has features from various different types of tower merged into one. It dates from the 1960s IIRC. Sadly since we moved office I don't have access to the archives any more otherwise I would have looked it up.
If anyone would know it would either be Jeremy Brook of the Airfix collectors club or Arthur Ward, I'm sure they have contact details somewhere on the internet.
The best example I have seen for interior refs is the preserved tower at Elvington, which has all the equipment set up as if it was 1943- although that doesn't have the "greenhouse" on the top...
If anyone would know it would either be Jeremy Brook of the Airfix collectors club or Arthur Ward, I'm sure they have contact details somewhere on the internet.
The best example I have seen for interior refs is the preserved tower at Elvington, which has all the equipment set up as if it was 1943- although that doesn't have the "greenhouse" on the top...
Ok thanks for that. Coincidence that I'm perusing "Classic Kits" by Arthur Ward at the moment. Sad, but true.
I thought there was a preserved WW2 tower at Carew in Pembrokeshire, but when I was on holiday down there last year I got the impression it had closed down for some reason.
Not sure if the one at Finmere is still there IIRC it was delapidated in the 80's. Also not sure if Silverstone's tower has survived the chavvish destruction of the old circuit.
I thought there was a preserved WW2 tower at Carew in Pembrokeshire, but when I was on holiday down there last year I got the impression it had closed down for some reason.
Not sure if the one at Finmere is still there IIRC it was delapidated in the 80's. Also not sure if Silverstone's tower has survived the chavvish destruction of the old circuit.
I have that book too 
It looks like they reduced the size of the mouldings by making the kit 2/3rds the size of what it should be- the towers I can find pictures of that are a similar style all seem to be 3 windows wide whereas the airfix kit is only 2 windows wide. Tangmere, Molesworth, Goxhill, even Duxford "almost" match if you added another window bay to each side of the building.
It looks like they reduced the size of the mouldings by making the kit 2/3rds the size of what it should be- the towers I can find pictures of that are a similar style all seem to be 3 windows wide whereas the airfix kit is only 2 windows wide. Tangmere, Molesworth, Goxhill, even Duxford "almost" match if you added another window bay to each side of the building.
ninja-lewis said:
OMG anorak alert The Airfix control tower is a bit like the tower at Halfpenny Green
A bit
They do however have a good coffee machine
Eric Mc said:
It's also 1/76 (as its states on the box) as were most of Airfix' airfield accessories of that era - which was a rather strange choice of scale given they were intended for display with 1/72 aircraft.
Scalemates shows that the kit is even more ancient than I thought - 1958!
I suspect it was intended (bizarrly) as part of the (very ahead of its time) model railway kits Airfix (ex-Kitmaster) produced....House, Shops, Garage, Railway Buildings, Locos and Wagons...all OO Gauge = 1/76 scale.Scalemates shows that the kit is even more ancient than I thought - 1958!
Absolutely - but it was better suited for displaying with their aircraft models. Indeed, they went on to produce a refueling and an emergency vehicle set - both to 1/76.
To be fair, 1/76 is not madly out of scale - and their new airfield vehicle sets ARE to 1/72.
The Classic British Kits Special Interest Group display at Telford was centered on the Kitmaster range of railway accessories.
To be fair, 1/76 is not madly out of scale - and their new airfield vehicle sets ARE to 1/72.
The Classic British Kits Special Interest Group display at Telford was centered on the Kitmaster range of railway accessories.
As you say, it doesn't matter that much. The odd scale is probably a bit more relevant for their vehicle sets.
Any time I've seen it built up it always looks a bit "false" - often just "plonked" into an airfield diorama. I think that's because I've never really seen an example properly weathered or blended into the base - which is what I think the trick is with modelling buildings.
However,I'm sure you'll make a good job of it.
I was surprised at how old it was. I didn't realise that it went all the way back to 1958. It's as old as me!
Actually, looking at the buildings in the background on the Roy Cross artwork, I've just realised they bear a very close resemblance to the admin buildings that used to be on Farnborough Airfield before the whole site was redeveloped.
Any time I've seen it built up it always looks a bit "false" - often just "plonked" into an airfield diorama. I think that's because I've never really seen an example properly weathered or blended into the base - which is what I think the trick is with modelling buildings.
However,I'm sure you'll make a good job of it.
I was surprised at how old it was. I didn't realise that it went all the way back to 1958. It's as old as me!
Actually, looking at the buildings in the background on the Roy Cross artwork, I've just realised they bear a very close resemblance to the admin buildings that used to be on Farnborough Airfield before the whole site was redeveloped.
perdu said:
They do however have a good coffee machine
Coffee machine ........... Coffee machine ............. My local tower (West Malling) has gone the whole hog and is now a Costa! (Whilst that in itself is a crime the state it had got into prior to the take over was just as punishable)
ninja-lewis said:
looks an interesting thread, but no images on mine.72twink said:
perdu said:
They do however have a good coffee machine
Coffee machine ........... Coffee machine ............. My local tower (West Malling) has gone the whole hog and is now a Costa! (Whilst that in itself is a crime the state it had got into prior to the take over was just as punishable)
Funny old world innit
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