“You see a photograph and you’d be hard pressed to say that’s a model… I can still get tricked.”

Many of us will have nostalgic memories of building Airfix model kits of planes as a child. In the UK, the name 'Airfix' has become practically synonymous with plastic models of the iconic British WW2 fighter plane, the Spitfire. However, Airfix (and their parent company Hornby Hobbies) make model kits of a wide range of vehicles and aircraft, from sports cars to classic and modern jets, trains, tanks and even warships. Their models range in complexity all the way from starter kits to very complex designs.

Senior Designer Chris Joy tells us about the development of new kits and the detailed research which is required to make Airfix models the most detailed and accurate representations of planes and vehicles as possible. He explains the artistry involved in putting together the smallest details on model planes, including making the outside look weathered and beaten, and discusses how computer-aided design has helped models to evolve over the years.

We then speak to Head of Strategic Delivery Jamie Buchanan who tells us why he thinks people are still so drawn to practical model kits in a world of technology. We also hear from Brian Thompson, who heads up PTC’s CAD division. He explains why PTC’s CAD software CREO is such a crucial part of allowing designers to capture the small details of aircraft which make the Airfix models so accurate.

Find out more about Airfix here.

Find out more about CREO here.

Your host is Paul Haimes from industrial software company PTC.

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Third Angle is an 18Sixty production for PTC. Executive producer is Jacqui Cook. Sound design and editing by Ollie Guillou. Location recording by Hannah Dean. And music by Rowan Bishop.