Airfix 1/72 Bristol Blenheim mk.IF

[Stuart]

One of the other things I'm promised myself I'd build this year, other than a 1/35 tank, was a WWII twin, as I've ever actually built one.

I started this kit yesterday, Airfix's new tool Blenheim mk.IF - the fighter verion of the Blenheim light bomber. It wasn't a great success as a day fighter (It achieved much better success as a Nightfighter and (I think) was the first aircraft fitted with an AI radar) but it filled a gap during the Battle of Britain when we needed to get as much in the air as possible. It was one of the five fighters used by the RAF during the battle, the others obviously being the Spitfire, Hurricane, Defiant and Gladiator.



This it the scheme I'll be doing - typical RAF Temperate Land Scheme



Work has started, all the sub-assemblies are built ready for paint.



If you don't know it, this is what I'm going for. The fighter variant had a gun pack placed over the Bomb bay doors containing x4 .303 guns. This combined with another .303 in the wing, plus the Vickers K in the turret was the extent of it's armament - not very much when compared to the later Beaufighter and Mosquito.



Cheers!

[LyleW]

That is a nifty subject.

[Stuart]

Thanks Lyle, there is one currently flying in this configuration.

[BlackSheep214]

The one aircraft I have on my wish list. My sister asked if I wanted a Beaufighter kit she found d. Told her it's up to you to get it for me. Told me she's getting it..... found it on www.oldmodelkits.com

I mentioned to her I get email updates from that site. Lots of good stuff if you never heard of oldmodelkits website.

[Stuart]

The Beaufighter is a nice looking aircraft - I have one in the stash as well.

I've had a look on olmodelkits before, some very nice stuff on there.

[LyleW]

That is a nifty subject.

Thanks Lyle, there is one currently flying in this configuration.

Not a pretty machine such as the Mossie or Beaufort. But it has a good look to it...until the cockpit glazing. Looks like a German design there.

[Stikpusher]

That looks to be a really nice kit Stuart! Interesting to think of a bomber being used in the heavy fighter role, but necessity being the mother of invention…

[Brandons_Iron]

I always thought these were an interesting looking bird. Glad to see someone building one up. Great work thus far.

[keavdog]

Not a pretty machine such as the Mossie or Beaufort. But it has a good look to it...until the cockpit glazing. Looks like a German design there.

My thoughts exactly. Plus the awkward turret. So ugly you have to love it.
Looking forward to this build Stuart.

[Medicman71]

It'll be cool to watch your build Stuart.