Blenheim Mk.IF Interior, Exterior, and Flap Detail Sets

Eduard, 1/72 scale

Reviewed by Mark Davies

Eduard's BRASSIN 1/72 WGr.21for Fw 190 is available online from Squadron.com

The sets reviewed here are intended to enhance the Airfix Bristol Blenheim Mk.IF kit.

For many Eduard is a brand name synonymous with superb quality, and this is certainly the case with the items reviewed here, from the packaging and instructions, to the actual components. In each case, a single PE fret comes packed with a large card stiffener and printed instructions in a resealable cellophane bag. The instructions are also downloadable in as a PDF from Eduard’s website.

72621 – Blenheim Mk.IF Exterior

This set provides quite a number of external fixtures representing hatches and access panels that fit to the surface of the wings and the tail area of the fuselage, as well as the surround to the dorsal hatch just forward of the gun turret. Collector ring braces and circular faces for the trumpet-like oil-cooler air intakes enhance the engines, and quite a lot of the parts focus on improving the main wheel wells. Wing-mounted dipole radar aerials are also supplied to suit night-fighter versions.

The constructional challenge this sets represents is only modest, but some parts are extremely fine and delicate, demanding care when removing from the fret and placing in position as they can easily be bent out of shape.
The instructions that illustrate the parts placement can be viewed as a PDF by clicking here; and below are Eduard’s CAD image and my scan of the PE fret:

72622 – Blenheim Mk.IF Landing Flaps

PE flaps by nature represent a delicate constructional challenge, perhaps best faced by those with some PE assembly experience, as considerable care will be required when folding and fixing the parts.

The new tool Airfix Blenheim kits are engineered for lowered flaps, so this slightly reduces the surgery needed, as the lower wing halves already have the flaps as separate items. However, the wing structural detail moulded into the upper wing halves will need removing, and the area sanded smooth to receive replacement PE detail.

The most challenging assembly involves the interior structure that fits against the inside of the upper wing. It is also necessary to make four torque tubes from wire that insert through the ribs in the upper wing structure. It is to these tubes that the incredibly small and delicate flap actuator rods fit.

The four flap sections are slightly easier to construct than the internal wing structure.

I would advise making the flaps first to get a feel for things, and then assemble the internal structure. Only when these steps have been successfully completed would I remove the moulded wing detail. This way if you make a mess of the internal PE structure you can still at least use the PE flaps!

The instructions that illustrate the constructional sequence can be viewed as a PDF by clicking here; and below are Eduard’s CAD image and my scan of the PE fret:

73556 – Blenheim Mk.IF Interior

This set includes many pre-coloured parts, but wisely leaves those that provide for the cockpit structure in plain metal so they can be annealed to assist shaping, and be painted along with the kit’s plastic parts in a matching colour.

The set includes control wheel, trim wheels, various levers, engine controls, compass repeater, rudder pedals, navigator’s seat frame, bombsight, instrument panels, cockpit sidewall structure, seat harnesses, map pocket, and gun turret enhancements. The removal of some moulded detail is necessary, but easily done.

The instructions that illustrate the parts placement can be viewed as a PDF by clicking here; and below are Eduard’s CAD image and my scan of the PE fret:

These excellent quality detail sets should enhance the appearance of Airfix’s Blenheim Mk.IF very nicely.

Thanks to Eduard for the samples and images.

Review Text & Images Copyright © 2016 by Mark Davies
Page Created 22 August, 2016
Last updated 22 August, 2016

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