Holding pattern: the Airfix kits still to land
Airfix releases have been all over the place in 2026. Kits announced at the January range launch have moved back, some of them more than once, and several expected dates have come and gone. A couple of kits that Airfix have already released have not reached us yet either.
The big releases have been the exception. The 1/48 Phantom FG.1, the 1/48 Lightning F.6, the 1/72 Ju52 and the 1/35 Saracen Mk.5 all arrived without much trouble, and the Phantom has already sold out.
Here is where the rest stand, with the dates Airfix give on their own website as of 1 November. Airfix quote seasons rather than days, so treat them as a guide.
English Electric Canberra B.2, 1/72
Due this month
This is the one most of you have been waiting for, and it is a new tool. Airfix list it as expected in autumn 2026, and their shop data points to the second half of November.
The Canberra was Britain's first jet bomber. It first flew in May 1949, entered RAF service with No. 101 Squadron in 1951, and stayed in RAF service in one form or another until 2006. The new kit has 171 parts and spans 277mm once built. All three marking options are for WJ640 at different points in its career: No. 85 Squadron at RAF Binbrook in 1968, No. 85 Squadron at RAF West Raynham in 1973, and No. 100 Squadron at RAF Marham in 1977.
Lockheed F-117A Nighthawk, 1/72
Now expected in the new year
Airfix now list the Nighthawk as expected in winter 2026 to 2027, with a date at the end of January in their shop data, so this will be a new year arrival rather than a Christmas one.
Lockheed's Skunk Works built the F-117 in secret. It first flew in 1981, was not shown to the public until 1988, and flew on the opening night of the Gulf War in 1991. The US Air Force officially retired it in 2008, yet a small number are still flying. The kit has 48 parts, spans 183mm and offers three schemes, so it is a quick and satisfying build of a very unusual shape.
Released, but not with us yet
Two kits are already out from Airfix, but we have not got them yet. Everyone who has ordered either one with us is first in line when our stock arrives.
- Eurofighter Typhoon FGR.4 "Moggy" and Hawker Typhoon Mk.Ib, 1/72. In 2024 the RAF painted Typhoon ZJ913 in 1944 camouflage and invasion stripes for the 80th anniversary of D-Day, honouring No. 257 Squadron, which flew Hawker Typhoons over Normandy. Airfix put both aircraft in one box, 117 parts at skill level 2.
- Legends: Douglas Bader triple pack, 1/48. The Bristol Bulldog he crashed at Woodley in 1931, the Hurricane he flew with No. 242 Squadron in the Battle of Britain, and the Spitfire he flew leading the Tangmere Wing until his capture in August 1941. Three kits, 414 parts in all.
Also on the horizon
Airfix list two more big kits for winter 2026 to 2027: the 1/48 Westland Sea King HAR.3, the yellow search and rescue helicopter, and the 1/72 Avro Shackleton AEW.2 and MR.2. We will try to add both to the shop as their dates firm up.
If you have a pre-order with us
You do not need to do anything. Pre-orders are held against your order and sent as soon as our stock arrives, or kept for you at the shop if you chose collection. If you have a question about an order, reply to your order email or ask us in the shop.
Or collect free from the shop at 294 Hillmorton Road, Rugby.
Release dates from Airfix product pages, checked on 1 November 2026. Marking details for the Canberra from Scalemates. Images: Airfix.
