1/48 AirFix Bristol Blenheim Mk.1
Been quite a long time since I have been on the site with a completed model! A lot of "life" has kept me from the bench for almost a year.
I picked up this kit on Facebook Marketplace along with an AirFix P-51D for $15. Originally I only wanted the Mustang, but the gentleman told me the price included BOTH! I have never built an AirFix kit prior and found the engineering, molding and details to be excellent. A few minor issues with the clear parts, the canopy or "greenhouse" was four pieces!
Two versions of decals come with the kit. My build represents No. 90 Squadron, RAF Bicester, Oxfordshire, England, 1939. Hard to believe this was the fastest aircraft in RAF inventory at the time, some of which were converted civilian airliners. There is only one still flying today.
Initially my approach to this kit was all practice, pretty much a paint donkey, but as it progressed, it grew on me, and I enjoyed reading up on the aircraft's history.
Great kit to hone my novice airbrushing skills, detailing and chipping. For the first time I also attempted under coloring which gave my cammo pattern a nice uneven look. Not sure if that comes across in the photos. I also experimented with exhaust staining on a black surface and was pretty happy with the results.
Overall a very fun build, and am so thankful to be back at the bench! Cheers!
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- 1. First time playing with "exhaust", black on black. White down first, followed by dark brown, then a little black.
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- 1. Funky little turret this aircraft had!
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- 1. Cammo under coloring
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- 1. Tamiya Flat Earth down loosely first. I hard masked the Tamiya RAF Green next.
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- 1. Engine detail. Amazing this plane was the fasted in RAF inventory in 1939. Many of the aircraft were converted civilian airliners!
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- 1. Four piece "greenhouse" canopy. I really got lucky gluing this together! Three cheers for Tamiya Extra Thin!!
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- 1. Love the cockpit details. I added some wires in there,
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- 1. Note the price!
@jboyla
I don’t think I had a paint mule that even came close to yours. Very good colours, especially the black undersides. A very solid build
This Blenheim looks amazing, Joe @jboyla
Very nice paintwork and detailing.
A real bargain to have this one and a P51 for just $15
In 2019 I was lucky to have a view on this aircraft at Duxford, a wonderful plane.
4 attached images. Click to enlarge.
Thanks John. I watched the videos of this aircraft on YouTube a lot. Great pics!
Nice work, Joe. That’s a fun kit and you got a great deal. Airfix is my favorite brand these days.
Excellent job, Joe! Hard to believe you only paid only $15 for both kits!
Nice work on this Blenheim, Joe, perhaps more Airfix kits coming in the future.
Pretty good looking donkey if you ask me. Nice work Joe.
Joe, a sweet build and some eye candy. Especially, given the price, adds to the frosting on the cake. Looking forward to seeing that P-51.
I love the plane and this kit. Your build looks great, Joe @jboyla! Since i am currently building it too, i might want to try your way of preshading, looks very intriguing with the beautiful result.
For a "first" like this, this is very nice and you've got a good result. It looks like you have more airbrush experience than you say you do. All good.
Not a criticism (we've all done this), but in your future projects, tone down the wear and weathering. Airplanes aren't tanks. Particularly pre-war (as this project is). Outside of particular projects like a USMC fighter in the Solomons or a Russian airplane on the Eastern Front and such, the rule of "less is more" is the path to realism. It took me a while to realize this, even being around old airplanes as I have been for the past 50 years.
Thanks Tom. I appreciate any feedback as I am returning to the hobby. In hindsight, I did wonder if I had gone too far on it. All in the learnings! Love "airplanes aren't tanks". LOL! Maybe my Blenheim was flying behind a gravel truck! Up she goes!
Lovely work Joe!
Well done Joe, nice job with the camo paint.
That is one Fine looking build, all around...love paint/weathering.
Great job on this Joe! I love the pre-camo paintwork you did which helped achieve a nice result on the top layers. Can't believe the deal you got on this for only $15 way to go! Looking forward to more of your work
Lovely airplane and an even more lovely build for a return to the bench!
A real bargain, 15 bucks for two kits.
Look forward to seeing the P51 shine on this platform.
A great-looking Blenheim! Keep them coming...
Nice Blenheim - a real bang for the bucks!