A significant new Airfix tooling in 1/48th scale - The Supermarine Walrus Mk.I

Despite the undoubted success of the Supermarine Walrus during its illustrious service career, it could certainly not claim to be held in the same regard as its famous fighter stablemate, which went on to become one of the most significant aircraft ever to take to the skies. It does, however, remain as one of the more interesting aircraft of the Second World War and deserving of much more affection. With this new model being produced in the larger 1/48th scale, it has allowed the Airfix research and design team to incorporate a superb level of detail and innovation into their new tooling, which will surely bring this impressive aircraft to the attention of many more people.

The unmistakable shape of the Supermarine Walrus amphibian

Workbench readers are now becoming well versed in the processes the Airfix development teams have to go through in order to bring a new model kit to market, so for this latest announcement we will simply provide an overview of these details and concentrate on showing images from this exciting new project. As all the previous editions of Workbench are still available on the Airfix website, please do look at some of the earlier publications if you would like to re-visit any of the processes involved.

Looking at the design of the Supermarine Walrus, it is clear that this particular project was going to be a challenge for the Airfix team. The distinctive and relatively complex design of the aircraft was to be reproduced in 1/48th scale, which dictated that much more of the finer details would have to be incorporated. The research team had access to original Supermarine plans and technical drawings, which would form the critical basis of the project. This would be augmented with the opportunity to inspect, measure and photograph three examples of the Supermarine amphibian at separate locations around the UK.

Supermarine Seagull V (A2-4) at RAF Hendon

This particular aircraft is the oldest surviving example of the Walrus series of aircraft and has been displayed in the Battle of Britain Hall of the RAF Museum Hendon for many years. Following the end of its RAAF military career, this particular machine passed into civilian hands and was used successfully as a small seven-seater airliner until 1970, when it was involved in a take-off accident. In 1973, the aircraft was traded for a Spitfire and came into the possession of the RAF Museum, who began a painstaking restoration. Using many parts from their own collection, the aircraft was eventually put on display in 1979, wearing an attractive early war camouflage scheme.

Supermarine Walrus Mk.I L2301 at the Fleet Air Arm Museum, Yeovilton

Walrus L2301 saw continuous service throughout WWII with the Irish Air Corps as N18, undertaking maritime reconnaissance, surveillance and rescue flights. It was also involved in a failed defection attempt, as a small number of airmen attempted to transfer to the Germans in January 1942. Following a brief stint as a civilian airliner after WWII, the hulk of the aircraft ended up lying in an open scrapyard by 1947. Rescued by the Historical Aircraft Preservation Society, the Walrus eventually came into the hands of the Fleet Air Arm Museum in 1964 where it underwent restoration. Since the end of 1966, the aircraft has been on public display.

The third Supermarine example visited by the Airfix team, where they were assisted by the team at Vintage Fabrics

The Airfix research team were allowed special access to all three of these magnificent aircraft and we would like to place on record our grateful thanks to the fantastic people at the RAF Museum Hendon, the Fleet Air Arm Museum and at Vintage Fabrics Limited for their kind assistance.

The huge amount of photographs, measurements and drawings were then collated to assist the designer in creating a CAD Base Model of the aircraft in the necessary scale. After much reviewing of the shape and accuracy of this model within the team, the designer then begins the painstaking work of creating the model’s individual parts, all referenced from the base model. The parts must be split in such a way that they can be tooled for injection moulding. Once the model is divided into parts, each part can have details applied to give the final kit more realism. All this is carried out in Hornby Hobbies’ parametric CAD modelling software which allows the designers to see the model in wireframe, cross-sections, or even exploded views. Importantly, this software allows the designers to visualise how each part will locate to others, all in order to make the kit a pleasurable build for the modeller. Taking its place in an ever expanding line up of 1/48th scale aircraft models, the Supermarine Walrus will surely be a much loved addition to the Airfix range.

Computer rendered 3D images – The Walrus lives!

Without doubt, the most significant stage in the production of a new model tooling is the release of the computer rendered 3D images that modellers love to see so much. When these attractive images are published, it indicates that the project is real and gives modellers a good indication of how the new model will look when it is eventually under construction on their own workbench. For some time now, these images have been used in Airfix catalogues, within Workbench and in modelling magazines and have become some of the most popular future tooling imagery with our readers. With the Walrus being a particularly impressive new model, we are including quite a number of these appealing images, just to whet your appetite a little for what you can expect in 2017 – enjoy!

The magnificent new 1/48th scale Supermarine Walrus Mk.I is very much something to look forward to. The impressive size and detail of this new model will ensure that another Supermarine design will be amongst the most popular releases in the Airfix range and serve to mark the aviation heritage of one of Britain’s most famous aircraft designers. Although they look so completely different, the Walrus would look great displayed next to a 1/48th scale Spitfire. We are very much looking forward to bringing you regular updates from this magnificent project over the coming months.

A09183 Supermarine Walrus Mk.I 1:48 is due for release in July 2017 - be sure to sign up for the Airfix email newsletter to be the first to hear when this model is available for pre-order.