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Airscale Announces Development of Bristol Blenheim Mk IV Kit

Airscale has announced the development of a Bristol Blenheim Mk IV model kit in 1/32 scale.

The Mk IV was the principal later version of the Blenheim light bomber, entering production in 1938 with a longer, redesigned glazed nose that gave the bombardier more room and visibility, plus added armor and more powerful 920-hp Bristol Mercury XV radial engines. Flown by a crew of three, it could carry roughly 1,000 lb of bombs and served widely with the RAF during WW2 in Europe, the Mediterranean, North Africa, and the Far East. Although fast by mid-1930s standards, it was increasingly vulnerable to modern fighters and anti-aircraft fire as the war progressed.

Regarding the project, Airscale states

I am still refining the options, but there will be an early one with the single VGO drum fed gun and no canopy blisters, and the later one with twin Brownings and blisters – lots of marking options to choose from too and plenty of heroic airframes I started with the nose as if I can do that, I can do the whole airframe – it was challenging and took a few weeks, but the design is done and now it is a matter of working out the best way to split the transparent parts.

Release is planned for mid 2027. Click below to check out additional renders.

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Airfix Releases New Tool Bristol Blenheim Mk.IF Model Kit

Airfix has released their new tool Bristol Blenheim Mk.IF in 1/48 scale.

As previously reported, the Blenheim serves as the first twin engine WWII aircraft type within the Airfix rage to be produced using the very latest design and manufacturing techniques. The larger scale has allowed designers to incorporate far more detail, and they reportedly left no stone unturned in their quest to produce the most accurate kit possible. The team has utilized data gathered from examinations of original Blenheim drawings as well as preserved examples of the type, including the Aircraft Restoration Company’s airworthy Bristol Blenheim Mk.I and the beautifully preserved Blenheim Mk.IV based at the Aviation Museum of Central Finland in Tikkakoski.

The kit (A09186) reportedly includes two liveries, including K7159 (YX-N) of 54 Operational Training Unit, and L6739 (YP-Q) of 23 Squadron, which is the scheme currently applied to G-BPIV operated by the Aircraft Restoration Company at Duxford.

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First Look: Airfix’s New Tool Bristol Blenheim Mk.IF

Airfix has published the first test build photos of their upcoming new tool Bristol Blenheim Mk.IF in 1/48 scale.

As previously reported, the Blenheim will serve as the first twin engine WWII aircraft type within the Airfix rage to be produced using the very latest design and manufacturing techniques. The larger scale has allowed designers to incorporate far more detail, and they reportedly left no stone unturned in their quest to produce the most accurate kit possible. The team has utilized data gathered from examinations of original Blenheim drawings as well as preserved examples of the type, including the Aircraft Restoration Company’s airworthy Bristol Blenheim Mk.I and the beautifully preserved Blenheim Mk.IV based at the Aviation Museum of Central Finland in Tikkakoski.

The kit (A09186) will include two liveries, including K7159 (YX-N) of 54 Operational Training Unit, and L6739 (YP-Q) of 23 Squadron, which is the scheme currently applied to G-BPIV operated by the Aircraft Restoration Company at Duxford.

The Blenheim is currently slated for release in October. Click below to check out additional images.

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Kent Battle of Britain Museum Acquires Cockpit For Bristol Blenheim/Bollingbroke Project

The Kent Battle of Britain Museum in Hawkinge has announced the acquisition of a cockpit section for their Bristol Blenheim / Bollingbroke project.

As previously reported, museum volunteers acquired the substantial remains of four Bristol Bolingbrokes (a Canadian Bristol Blenheim variant) in December that will be rebuilt into one original airframe. Upon completion, the machine will be displayed as a Bristol Blenheim Mk. IV.

The section was acquired in Canada on March 9 and will reportedly be shipped to the UK shortly. Click below to check out a selection of photos.

Continue reading Kent Battle of Britain Museum Acquires Cockpit For Bristol Blenheim/Bollingbroke Project