I had always had 1/32 soldiers, since before I can remember. They were 6d each from 'Johnsons the Jewelers' (where else would you get them?).

Then, on a shopping trip to Redcar with Mum one day I discovered 'Chas. Skinners Model Shop' and the world changed forever. One window of the shop was filled with Airfix boxes. I found it difficult to believe that for 1'6d you got 48 soldiers, I wasn't fully convinced until I got home,after the worlds longest 3 mile bus ride, and opened the box.

I was about 5 or 6 (64-65) and I got the Japanese infantry, I thought the caps were pretty cool. My Dad was a bit disgruntled that I had bought Japanese infantry rather than British so the next set I got was the Eighth Army. these two fought against each other for some time, who cares about geography?.

Other early buys were US Cavalry, Foriegn Legion and the civil war sets. I bought the WWI sets when they were first released, likewise the Romans and Ancient Britons.

Then, Imagine my joy when I saw in the shop window a box of Airfix Napoleonic Highlanders, a dream come true, and a happy memory that will only be eclipsed when HaT release theirs .

Great thread, I've enjoyed reading everyones stories.