Blenheim Mk.IV / IVF

Classic Airframes, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

Airfix's 1/48 scale Spitfire Mk. Vb will be available online from Squadron.com

Introduction

I was very sad to see Classic Airframes go into hibernation around five years ago.

Over the previous two decades, “Uncle Jules” had brought us a large selection of subjects that would otherwise never have seen the light of day in 1/48 scale. He was particularly fond of British and Italian aircraft, with these forming the bulk of his catalogue.

It was a pleasure to watch the products of Classic Airframes evolve from sometimes basic and tough to build kits; to high quality, well-detailed limited run models.

Classic Airframes kits still demanded close attention and the application of modelling skills, but for me, the subject matter and the impressive finished result made the extra effort well worthwhile.

Earlier this year I had a phone call from Jules Bringuier, maestro of Classic Airframes. He told me that a number of Classic Airframes kits would be re-released in an exclusive arrangement with Hannants. He also said that it was not be out of the question that new subjects might be released under the Classic Airframes label in the future.

The Bristol Blenheim Mk.IV

While Spitfires and Hurricanes were carving themselves a legend during the first years of the Second World War, Bomber Command was faring poorly.

Their inventory comprised Whitleys, Harrows and Hampden as heavy bombers; while the Fairey Battle and Bristol Blenheim formed the backbone of the light bomber Squadrons.

The Battle and Blenheim were both fatally vulnerable to attack by Messerschmitts, but the Blenheim Mk.IV continued to press home the RAF's daylight bombing campaign until replaced by Mosquitos and Bostons during 1942.

The Blenheim Mk.IV also served as a night fighter, equipped with four additional Browning .303 machine guns in a ventral tray.

The latest Classic Airframes re-release, exclusive to Hannants, is the 1/48 scale Bristol Blenheim Mk.IV.

It is hard to believe that it is 15 years since I wrote the review of the first release of this kit.

Under new box art by Jerry Boucher, the main parts of the kit are produced in low-pressure injection plastic. There are only 61 parts in grey styrene - quite a small number for a kit of this size. Plastic is smooth and shiny, while surface detail is impressive. Engraved panel lines are crisp and fine, and raised detail is present where appropriate. Fabric surfaces look great.

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Sprue gates are reasonably narrow for a short-run kit. The quality of moulding is actually better than the original release from the year 2000, with noticeably less flash on the darker grey plastic. Ejector pins are present on the inside surface of some larger parts. The modeller can easily remove these if they interfere with fit.

Some thought has gone into the location of sprue attachment points for the major parts. The trailing edges of the wings are free of attachment points, and are quite acceptably thin. Four narrow attachment points run along the bottom of the fuselage, with a single attachment at the tip of the rudder..

All control surfaces are moulded in the neutral position and cowl flaps are closed. I found it slightly surprising that the prominent landing lights in the leading edge of the port wing are moulded solid, with no option for a clear lens cover in the kit.

One of the characteristics of the Blenheim IV is its long, clear-glazed nose. Mercifully, Classic Airframes has represented this feature in injection-moulded clear plastic. The glazed sections are impressively clear, and the plastic is quite thin and free of distortions. Sprue connector points are kept to a minimum and are attached in areas that will be painted. This will eliminate possible sprue scars on glazed sections. The nose is split down the middle, so adhesive should be used sparingly to minimise the likelihood of visible glue marks. Two ejector pins will have to be removed from the inside of the main nose sections before painting and assembly.

If the clear plastic is the crown of this kit, then the resin parts are the jewels.

Almost 70 parts in grey coloured resin are supplied. These include two lovely Bristol Mercury engines, gear wells, a detailed cockpit, an array of guns, propeller hubs and other fine details. The resin is crisp and casting is up to today's standards.

Resin highlights include the structural detail inside the wheel wells, the drilled-out gun barrels, and the fine engine detail.

One part in clear vacform represents the early-style underside turret.

The decal sheet includes two marking options. These are printed by Microscale. The decals appear quite thin and opaque, and they are in perfect register. One aircraft is a Coastal Command machine of 105 Squadron finished in Extra Dark Sea Grey, Slate Grey and Sky. The second machine is a Mk. IVF. of 68 Sqn. in overall Night (Black).

8 pages of instructions include a parts breakdown and 20 construction steps described in illustrations and helpful captions.

Kit options include the choice of two underside turrets or a ventral gun pack, two different turret armaments, extended turret ring and tropical filters.

The general outline of the aircraft looks good. The complex scalloped shape of the nose is captured very well, but the rake of the windscreen seems slightly steep according to photographs and drawings - even the CA's own drawings. Some minor framing and a prominent blister on the port side of the canopy (depicted attractively on the box top) is also missing.

In addition, the contour of the fuselage bottom is a smooth, shallow curve on the kit, but displays more of a discernible angle on the real aircraft.

Even so, neither of these issues prevent the model from looking very much like a Blenheim.

Engineering is basic but thoughtful. Parts are not fitted with locating pins, but the major components are quite rigid. This will assist alignment. The recessed section in the fuselage to accommodate the completed wing assemblies is also a welcome feature that will help set the correct dihedral and create a strong bond.

Take note of any comments and warnings in the instructions. There are some important notes about parts that may need excess material removed, or alternate construction suggestions.

Most major parts are common with the Classic Airframes 1/48 scale Blenheim I, and construction reports have been favourable about that kit. Careful preparation and plenty of test fitting should deliver a rewarding result for any modeller with some experience of limited run kits.

Decals are offered for five varied schemes.

Markings are all in register and colours look good.

It is great to that some of Classic Airframes' "classics" are being re-released.

This kit is intended for experienced modellers so additional time and effort is required. Even so, thanks to the injection-moulded clear parts and straightforward parts breakdown, the Blenheim IV should be within the capabilities of many HyperScale readers looking for a challenge.

Take your time, test fit, and you will have an attractive and well-detailed Blenheim on your shelf.

Thanks to Classic Airframes and Hannants for the sample

Text and Images Copyright © 2000 & 2015 by Brett Green
* Historical Text Courtesy of Wikipedia
Page Created 15 May, 2015
Last updated 5 June, 2015

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