Simon Posted June 29, 2020 Share Posted June 29, 2020 Hello everyone It's been a two year build, off and on (mostly off), but at last I've finished my Airfix Blenheim. I started it in April 2018, got distracted, returned in March 2019, got completely fed up with it, then finally steeled myself into completing it this April. It's been a frustrating exercise, partly down to the way Airfix designed it, partly down to me not thinking it through properly or understanding fully what needed doing to overcome the kit's idiosyncrasies, and partly through Blenheims of 226 Sqn being a bit of an enigma, reference-wise, but hopefully worth it. W.i.P. thread here: Anyway, it's all done. The back story to begin with: Blenheim IV Z7271 MQ-K of 226 Squadron as flown by Sgt. Jack Onions D.F.M. and Bar, from Middlesbrough, who won his Bar for his actions on on July 19th 1941. From the ORB Form 541: Wattisham July 19th 1941 Blenheim IV Z7271 K Up: 13.30 Down: 17.56 to 18.10 Sgt. John Onions - Pilot F/Sgt Philip Warmington - Observer F/Sgt J F L Morton – A/G Convoy N.W. of NORDERNEY, 7 M/v’s escorted by flak ships were bombed at 15.32. Vessel of 8000 tons, grey, unladen, bombed and machine gunned, hits scored. Large column of white smoke seen. Aircraft hit by cannon shells, through nose and starboard wing trailing edge. A.G. wounded in foot. Hydraulics U/S. pilot made belly landing. 4 x 250 lb bombs, 480 rounds rear gun. And the pics. Aftermarket props, intakes, wheels and Eduard etch for the interior and exterior, new turret interior plus a base done in Photoshop: I'm pretty happy with the way it came out (eventually!), and I reckon that if/when Airfix bring out a 1/48 version of their Blenheim IV it'll be a cracker. Now, time to crack on with the Airfix Beau... Cheers Simon 32 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slufdriver Posted June 29, 2020 Share Posted June 29, 2020 Lovely build and a nice tribute. Richard Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SAT69 Posted June 29, 2020 Share Posted June 29, 2020 Wow! That looks awesome! I can appreciate working kits on and off (mostly off) 'cause I do that .... too much! Thanks for the commentary regarding the kits buildability. Always appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vinnie Posted June 29, 2020 Share Posted June 29, 2020 Worth the wait, Simon. Good looking Blenheim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbudde Posted June 29, 2020 Share Posted June 29, 2020 Love it. Great looking one. Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TonyOD Posted June 29, 2020 Share Posted June 29, 2020 That's stunning.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IanC Posted June 29, 2020 Share Posted June 29, 2020 Superb model. And a fitting tribute to all those poor devils in No. 2 Group forced to go to war in the thing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rob85 Posted June 29, 2020 Share Posted June 29, 2020 She’s a beaut, some really nice work in the WIP. well done on getting it finished! Rob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riksbar Posted June 29, 2020 Share Posted June 29, 2020 Simon, This build had been an inspiration (literally, Classic Airframes Blenheim arrived a couple of weeks ago, several books are on the way) and is a fine tribute to a fine man. I was privileged to grow up next door to Jack as well as having close connections to Tees-side Airport which he managed at the time, so I will raise a glass to him and to you tonight and say "Cheers for Beers!". Erik. 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackroadkill Posted June 29, 2020 Share Posted June 29, 2020 That’s a cracking Blenheim. She’s turned out really well and I wish I could do justice to one. I also really like it when a builder goes to the trouble of presenting the backstory of the aircraft in such detail. It’s a privilege to learn about what happened to the aircraft and their crews. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F-32 Posted June 30, 2020 Share Posted June 30, 2020 Very nicely done, really looks the part Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2996 Victor Posted June 30, 2020 Share Posted June 30, 2020 Fabulous job, and the finished Blenheim is a tribute to all your hard work! Kind regards, Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wulfman Posted June 30, 2020 Share Posted June 30, 2020 You aced it, great build ! Wulfman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meatbox8 Posted July 1, 2020 Share Posted July 1, 2020 A terrfic looking Blenheim and a fine tribute. Having had all sorts of fun and games with the Mk1 kit I will be approaching my MkIV with a degree of trepidation. Gluing the individual cockpit sides to their corresponding fuselage halves, rather than creating a separate nose 'pod' will be my number one priority. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mig88 Posted July 1, 2020 Share Posted July 1, 2020 The final result was worth it. Very nicely finished indeed! Miguel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now