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John Healy
151 articles

1/72 Bristol Blenheim IVf.

August 12, 2021 · in Aviation · · 26 · 1.9K

This is the new tool . Airfix has given the Blenheim pretty extensive coverage over the last 8 years. They've produced bomber and fighter variants of both the Mk. I and Mk. IV in 1/72 for a total of four kits. They could easily do another release of the Mk. IV as a Canadian built Bolingbroke with just a change of decals. These kits all feature nacelles that are shaped more like a Bolingbroke then a Blenheim. The only one missing is the Mk. V. In 1/48, they've done the Mk.I in both fighter and bomber boxings.

Having built the Mk.I previously, this kit held no surprises. Pay attention to the join between the nose and main fuselage and you'll get a great model. Very enjoyable all around. No, I didn't modify the nacelles to better reflect a Blenheim. Life is short and that stash of kits needs to get built. Paints are Xtracolor and Humbrol. The decals are from Xtradecal for a RCAF 404Sq. plane stationed at Thorney Island in the south of England during 1941.

Reader reactions:
16  Awesome

13 additional images. Click to enlarge.


26 responses

  1. Lovely work, John, and a really fine finish to your kit... :-).

    Regards,

    Paul

  2. Fantastic result on this Blenheim, John @j-healy
    The camouflage and weathering are well looking.
    Also the chipping is very well performed.

  3. Nice job on the whole build, the finish looks great.

  4. Really nice work John. Hopefully we'll get one from Airfix in 1/48.

  5. Beautiful Blenheim, John. Once again, you've really knocked it out of the park on the quality. This is my favorite version of the Blenheim, shape wise and, as with your Beaufort, the FAA color scheme is such a pleasant change for the RAF temperate (which I also like but is more conventional). Love the weathering, panel wash, etc. How do you do the subtle paint chipping/wear? It works really well at this scale. I am always looking to improving my chipping techniques.

    • Thanks, Colin! I use a few small pieces of sponge dipped lightly in Floquil Old Silver for the chips. I usually then use the same process with the base color over the chips. It works well in larger scales especially. You need to be very careful not to overdue it in 1/72. Like you, I enjoy doing British camo, especially the temperate sea scheme.

  6. Dandy job. You know they're good when they can stand up to close-ups like this one. Clear part installation and framing are outstanding, especially in 1/72.

    • Thanks, Bill. The clear parts all fit well as long as you follow the instructions. I’ve been using Eduard masks on these 1/72 kits with multi pane windows. Well worth the $.

  7. A beautiful Blenheim, John!
    Painting and weathering are super!

  8. Another winner @j-healy. Great paint work and weathering. I sure do wish they'd release this in 1/48.

  9. An impressive result! I like your Blenheim exceptionally, the cleanliness in the execution suits the beautiful lines wonderfully. I admire the accuracy of the clear parts; a truly remarkable model!

  10. Well done, John (@j-healy). I love the forward canopy on the IVf (I just don't want to be the one doing the masking, though).

  11. Beautiful work once again John, your Airfix kits (and all others) are impressive.

  12. Nice looking Blenny. The color on the exhaust collectors is great!

  13. A real beauty - love the paint and weathering work. I'm going to have to add a new-tool Blenheim to my stash...

  14. @j-healy Sorry that I mist your article, but plane looks so great! Very good weathering!

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