Airfix 1/72 Scale Bristol Blenheim Mk.IF

Airfix Workbench: Pre-Order Now for the RAF’s Early War Blenheim Mk.IF Heavy Fighter

Welcome to the latest edition of the Airfix Workbench blog, your source for all the news, updates, and modeling exclusives from the iconic British model kit manufacturer. This week, Airfix is excited to announce that their newly tooled 1/72 scale Bristol Blenheim Mk.IF heavy fighter (A04059) is now available for pre-order!

The Bristol Blenheim Mk.IF: An Early War Workhorse Turned Night Fighter:

The Bristol Blenheim was initially designed as a fast, unarmed light bomber. However, as the Second World War loomed, its speed and adaptability led to the development of fighter variants. The Blenheim Mk.IF was one of the earliest heavy fighters of the Royal Air Force (RAF), equipped with a ventral gun pack housing four .303 Browning machine guns, giving it a significant punch. While later outclassed as a day fighter, the Mk.IF found a crucial role as a night fighter in the early stages of the war.

A Blenheim with the short Mk I nose at RIAT, 2015

Airfix’s New 1/72 Scale Kit: A Modern Take on an Early War Icon:

Airfix‘s new tooling of the 1/72 Bristol Blenheim Mk.IF promises to be a significant upgrade over previous renditions, offering enhanced detail and accuracy for modern modelers.

Key Features of the Airfix Kit (Based on Airfix’s recent new toolings):

• 1/72 Scale: A popular scale for aircraft modeling, balancing detail and manageable size.
• New Tooling: Modern tooling ensures accurate shapes, finely engraved panel lines, and detailed surface features.
• Mk.IF Specific Details: Accurately represents the features of the heavy fighter variant, including the ventral gun pack.
• Detailed Cockpit: A well-appointed cockpit with accurate instrument panels, seats, and other interior details.
• Optional Parts: Likely to include optional parts for different configurations, such as aerials or early radar equipment.
• High-Quality Decals: Decals for various RAF squadrons operating the Blenheim Mk.IF in the early war period.
• Clear Parts: Clear and distortion-free canopies and other transparent parts.
• Detailed Undercarriage: Accurate representation of the landing gear and wheel wells.

Expert Modeler’s Perspective:

Building the Airfix 1/72 Blenheim Mk.IF will allow modelers to recreate an important early war RAF aircraft. The ventral gun pack is a distinctive feature that will require careful assembly and painting.

Key Modeling Considerations:

• Cockpit Detailing: The Blenheim’s cockpit was relatively complex for its time, so careful painting and detailing will enhance the model.
• Surface Preparation: Ensure a smooth surface for painting and decals.
• Decal Application: Early war RAF camouflage and markings require careful application.
• Ventral Gun Pack: Pay close attention to the assembly and alignment of the ventral gun pack.
• Weathering: Early war aircraft often showed signs of use, so subtle weathering will add realism.

Historical Significance:

The Bristol Blenheim Mk.IF played a vital role in the early years of the Second World War, both as a day fighter and a pioneering night fighter. Modeling this aircraft provides a tangible link to a crucial period in aviation history.

Pre-Order Information:

The Airfix 1/72 Bristol Blenheim Mk.IF (A04059) is now available for pre-order on the Airfix website: 

Conclusion:

Airfix’s new 1/72 Bristol Blenheim Mk.IF is a welcome addition to their range, offering modelers a modern and detailed kit of an important early war RAF aircraft. Pre-ordering now ensures you’ll be among the first to build this iconic heavy fighter.

Airfix Model Airplane Kit-A09190 1-48 Bristol Blenheim Mk.I / From amazon.com $40.24