The type IV style boxes were introduced from 1974.

They had a less appealing look than the older Type 2 and Type 3 boxes,
but nevertheless they have their place in the line of boxes and figures.
With the boxes came also a new style of figure making, in which
Airfix set the pace for the future quality, style and design of figures
Most of the new released boxes had excellent figures in it, even by today
standards.
Type 4 boxes would see three major changes in lay-out, illustrated below

Three variations of Type IV boxes. The top one is the 1974 new issue, usually marked by a copyright date on the side. The middle one is the 1975 issue box, recognised by its English and French text on the front. The bottom one is the 1978 issue, most recognisable by its colorfull, diagonal striping in the right bottom corner

When the Type IV's were introduced, quite a number of new sets came along in the run
The first set, was S50- australian infantry. Though printed in the catalogue
with type 3 artwork, it never did materialise, and the set appeared in Type 4
style. Other sets soon followed, S51 US Paratroopers, S-52 German mountaintroops,
S-53 German paratroopers, S-54Gurkhas, S-55 Luftwaffe personnel, and the last
were Waterloo Prussian S-56.

The S32 commando's set was at this stage also completely renewed, and given a
newer box artwork.
It also became appearant at this stage, that the artwork showed
the poses of the actual figures.(below)

Below, another picture showing the three
styles in Type 4 boxes.

Below a picture showing that the
first two styles, still may have
a same copyright year, in this case 1975.

While new sets were introduced, older sets were dropped as well
Casualties were the color guard and band ( S1 and S2), the civilians (S6)
the wagon train (S15), (S24 and S25) zoo animals sets 1 and 2,
Tarzan (S33), and the High Chapparal (S38).
The S42 Station accesoires was also dropped in the figure range,but returned
in 1978 in the Trackside yellowboxes of the time.
Following sets:
S19-Arabs ; S-20 Robin Hood ;S-21 Sheriff of Nottingham;S31 Royal Horse artillery.
still appeared in three catalogos in type 4
artwork, but never materialised as such. The Royal Horse artillery
was the most persistent, still appearing in the 1977 catalogue !

Illustrations helpfully provided by Airfixlimey !

I hope to add more pictures to this section soon

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