Shelliecool Posted August 25, 2019 Share Posted August 25, 2019 My next build is Airfix's 1:72 Bristol Blenheim Mk.IV, which I was lucky enough to receive for Mother's Day. The box contains a detailed set of instructions, small decal sheet and glass sprue. There are five grey sprues, all with little to no flash and a nice amount of detailing. I have decided to build the aircraft in the markings of Groups Dr Bombardement 1 (Lorraine), Armed de l'Air, North Africa, 1941. I plan to build it straight as it comes from the box, using Vallejo acrylics (because I prefer airbrushing with them). The kit has been washed and is drying, and I'm looking forward to my next challenge. 12 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry1954 Posted August 25, 2019 Share Posted August 25, 2019 What a great mothers day gift Shellie! I remember buying Airfix's first iteration of this. So very many years ago now, back in the late 60's . I love it that the new box art on the re-tool is so similar to that first release, but hey, looks like they have subtly corrected some of the markings? Will definitely follow this build. Terry 4 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LorenSharp Posted August 25, 2019 Share Posted August 25, 2019 Excellent choice for a build, This will be an enjoyable one to watch. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CedB Posted August 26, 2019 Share Posted August 26, 2019 I'm in! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brandy Posted August 26, 2019 Share Posted August 26, 2019 Me too! I also built the original in the (apparently wrong!) Free French markings. Ian 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jean Posted August 26, 2019 Share Posted August 26, 2019 Hi Michelle, I always knew I should have been a mother... Wrong career move. This kit has had rave reviews, so it should be a pleasure to build. Lucky you. Have a lot of fun! JR 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fatalbert Posted August 27, 2019 Share Posted August 27, 2019 On 8/25/2019 at 9:32 PM, Terry1954 said: What a great mothers day gift Shellie! I remember buying Airfix's first iteration of this. So very many years ago now, back in the late 60's . I love it that the new box art on the re-tool is so similar to that first release, but hey, looks like they have subtly corrected some of the markings? Will definitely follow this build. Terry My favourite Airfix box art.I recall buying this in Woolworths in the 70's,loved it ever since. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tempestwulf Posted August 28, 2019 Share Posted August 28, 2019 I used to buy my airfix kits from D.E.K.A here in NZ but Woolworths too. Airfix Mossies were my fave as a teenager 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shelliecool Posted August 30, 2019 Author Share Posted August 30, 2019 I have begun work on the Blenheim, firstly blasting a coat of primer on some of the sprues, then once dry adding some interior green on top. I then began building. As you will know if you have built this kit, Airfix want you to add the undercarriage struts to the wheel wells from the beginning. I am building it from the box, so obliged (usually I add the undercarriage once I have airbrushed the top coat to the build). Then once this had dried secured both wing halves together. Then I started on the rear half of the fuselage, fixing the halves together and leaving them to dry overnight. I have since began sanding the seam on the fuselage, my least favourite job! So far so good. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shelliecool Posted September 1, 2019 Author Share Posted September 1, 2019 Back to the build today, after an amazing trip yesterday to IWM Duxford, which was full of inspiration for current and future builds. I made sure to get some photographs of the Blenheim's cockpit interior. Today I have built the frame around the pilots seat, fitted the seat in place with the control column. I then secured the clear parts in both halves of the cockpit section. Moving along slowly, but good so far. 10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hamden Posted September 1, 2019 Share Posted September 1, 2019 Nice start, I'll follow along if you don't mind? Roger 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Headroom Posted September 1, 2019 Share Posted September 1, 2019 Can I bagsy a seat please? I have the night fighter release so will be looking for tips 😁 Trevor 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shelliecool Posted September 1, 2019 Author Share Posted September 1, 2019 1 hour ago, Hamden said: Nice start, I'll follow along if you don't mind? Roger 1 hour ago, Max Headroom said: Can I bagsy a seat please? I have the night fighter release so will be looking for tips 😁 Trevor Welcome aboard guys!😀 Michelle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shelliecool Posted September 3, 2019 Author Share Posted September 3, 2019 With the interior built and dry, the time came to fix it into the fuselage. The locating lines are great and it fitted in like a glove, so whilst it dried I carefully masked up the windows. The side windows need fixing in place before the cabin halves are joined, and a little word of warning, at the front end of each window panel is a small locating pin, DON'T whatever you do mistake it for flash and chop it off (as I did!), Because without it it is hard to make the windows sit level on the fuselage. Still, with a grimace and a few stern words with myself I managed to get them lined up. The lesson for today, be more vigilant! 12 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hamden Posted September 4, 2019 Share Posted September 4, 2019 Very nice looking cockpit Roger 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CedB Posted September 4, 2019 Share Posted September 4, 2019 Seconded! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brandy Posted September 4, 2019 Share Posted September 4, 2019 3rded! Coming on very nicely indeed. Ian 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shelliecool Posted September 5, 2019 Author Share Posted September 5, 2019 With the cockpit secured in the fuselage, I masked up the nose and cockpit top (which was very fiddly) and secured it in place. Once dry the time came for the nose section to meet the rest of the fuselage, a dry fit revealed and almost perfect fit, so I added some glue and pushed it firmly into place. She's beginning to look like a Blenheim! 13 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry1954 Posted September 5, 2019 Share Posted September 5, 2019 1 hour ago, Shelliecool said: She's beginning to look like a Blenheim! She certainly is. Very neat and tidy too. Terry 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brandy Posted September 5, 2019 Share Posted September 5, 2019 The front end certainly appears to be an excellent fit, which is great news for those of us with a Blenheim in the stash! Ian 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stever219 Posted September 5, 2019 Share Posted September 5, 2019 The overall fit on this kit is generally good, but care still needs to be taken with the nose/wing/fuselage joint. One thing that Airfix don’t give you is the camera port in the WOp/Ag’s ventral escape hatch, or even the outline of the hatch itself, on the starboard side just aft of the bomb bay. If you’ve got a copy of the Valiant Wings tome on the Blenheim the scale drawings show it quite clearly. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CedB Posted September 6, 2019 Share Posted September 6, 2019 Good job Shellie - that fit has had a few of us cussing! Looking smart 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brandy Posted September 6, 2019 Share Posted September 6, 2019 18 hours ago, stever219 said: One thing that Airfix don’t give you is the camera port in the WOp/Ag’s ventral escape hatch, or even the outline of the hatch itself, on the starboard side just aft of the bomb bay. If you’ve got a copy of the Valiant Wings tome on the Blenheim the scale drawings show it quite clearly. Is that port also on the Mk.IF? Ian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stever219 Posted September 6, 2019 Share Posted September 6, 2019 It is: I believe it was standard fit on all production Blenheims but might, possibly, have been deleted or plated over on a very few airframes. Because of its location it’s often difficult or impossible to spot in period photographs but it’s certainly there on the one and only remaining airworthy Mk. If. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
72modeler Posted September 6, 2019 Share Posted September 6, 2019 Looking very good so far, Shellie! You are getting better and better with each build- can't wait to see the 'Finnished' product! (See what I did there- my favorite Mk IV scheme is one of the Blenheims flown by the Finns! And yes, I know I'm one sick puppy!) Mike 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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