Bristol Blenheim Mk.I Airfix 1/72. Malaya 1941.
Hello. Today's story is about the Bristol Blenheim. It is a very iconic machine from the beginning of the war. Especially in the Mk.I version. This medium bomber built according to the specification 1000/1000/200 (Carry a load of 1000lbs, a distance of 1000 miles at a speed of not less than 200 miles per hour), at the beginning of the Pacific War it had already become obsolete. The lack of armor, weak defensive armament consisting of only two machine guns and a small payload did not classify it as a great operational asset. However, this plane became famous for its flight on December 9, 1941. The commander of the mission S/L Artur Scarf, despite the fact that the Japanese attack destroyed all the bombers at the airport, except for his machine, decided to go on a solo combat flight to bomb the Japanese invasion forces landing at Singora. His Blenheim number L1134, flying at low altitude, reached the area of ββthe Japanese landing site unnoticed and after dropping bombs and firing machine guns at ground targets, flew off towards the base. Then he was attacked by a group of Ki-43 fighters. Flying practically over the tops of palm trees and making rapid dodges despite numerous damages, loss of engine units and a serious wound, he brought the machine to the Alor Star airport, where he made an emergency landing. Also noteworthy was the attitude of the rear gunner, who effectively drove off the attacking Ki-43s, damaging several of them (between you and me, the Ki-43 was completely unarmored, so one accurate burst could have destroyed it). Artur Scarf died a few hours after landing in hospital. Only after the war did he receive a posthumous Victoria Cross... As I presented in the presentation on YT, which I heartily encourage you to watch, the model has significant flaws that drove me to despair and the model was on the edge of the trash bin three times. Too tight a fit of the glazing in the nose and poor fit in the dorsal section were very disappointing. And the fact that the cockpit canopy simply cracked from the stress was beyond criticism. The section removed at the dorsal was too short and required filling in the gaping holes between it and the fuselage. The fit of the bow section to the rest of the fuselage also left a lot to be desired. Putty and a lot of patience. But what can I say? Watch the presentation, because a picture speaks better than 1000 words π
Captain R will return...
Sorry to hear about the struggles you had - when I built my Blenheim I didn't have any trouble I did attach the nose glazing separately to each side though. That seemed to solve the issue. You're build is very nice and you've done an excellent job.
@christopher
Where Can I see photos of Your Blenheim? My glazing was slightly curved what was shown on photos. But I think better way to make molds were divide glazing to more pieces than two.
A very nice result despite the struggles you had, capt, R!
Loved your diorama, as well!
Thank You Spiros! Airfix disapointed me in this kit.
Great job on your build and great video too. She's a nice looking Blenheim!
Thank You Bob! It was very hard work.
Despite the struggles you head with this build, it really turned out wonderful, Bernard @lis
The diorama makes it even look better than it already is.
Well done.
@johnb I catch few minutes of good weather for nice photos π
I've never done photos of it but maybe I will. I converted the glazing to that of a very early Blenheim I K7038 - not an easy task.
Very interesting! Mabye my kit was wrose than other π
A fine result despite the problems, Capt!
Thank You John! @j-healy
Capt. R @lis, i love the Blenheim Mk.1 and i know how the Airfix kit is both lovely detailed and bad in fit. You did a great job!
@fxrob This is my first Airfix kit with so bad fit.
I agree @lis, it does suffer from unusually bad fit. But it has great detail.
I think Mk.IV version is better @fxrob
Nice work! Looks good.
Thank You Greg! @gkittinger
Glad you won the wrestling match with this build, Capt R!
Looks fantastic!
Always impressed with your photos.
Thank You. @georgeswork ! I hope next Blenheim will be better to build βΊοΈ