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A04017 Bristol Blenheim MkIV


Heather Kavanagh

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Hello! Long time, no Airfix builds! I have been busy with building planes, but they have all been from other manufacturers, so I'm afraid you've not had the pleasure of following along with the fun and games here.

 

Having finished the last French single-seat fighter of my collection, I felt it was time to pull a red box from the stash, and settled on the Blenheim MkIV. My 1940 obsession means I must have at least one example of every type that was operational during that year, and with the display cabinet already containing a MkIF and MkIVF, it needed a straightforward MkIV bomber. (The MkI bombers were mainly superseded by 1940, though they were still operational in North Africa, the Middle East and beyond. Those theatres are currently not being considered for my obsession!)

 

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Because of the way Airfix make and sell their kits these days, and because I'm old school enough to believe a kit will hang around the market a long time, I missed the original release of the Blenheim MkIV in bomber form. Actually, I'm not sure I did, but never mind. I did the same with the MkIF: I missed it entirely, and by the time I bought a box it was branded as a bomber.

 

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Happily, all the parts needed for fighter and bomber versions are in the box, whichever version purchased. So, this rather convoluted introduction is by way of explaining why I'm building a MkIV as a bomber, but using a MkIVF boxing. Oh, and the instructions from the MkI. It'll probably become clear later.

 

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My inspiration for this build is a photo of a MkIVF getting some (posed) TLC from its ground crew. I'm not sure how to embed the photo, but you can see it here on the Imperial War Museum web site. The aircraft is in the standard mid- to late-1940 Temperate Land Scheme camouflage and markings for daylight operations. It has the early "emergency" style of perspex Frazer Nash under-nose turret, and a terrier on the starboard cowling! Apart from the dog and ground crew, I have sufficient bits of set decoration in the form of vehicles and ordnance that I could have a stab at recreating something like this scene at 1/72nd scale.

 

By the way, the aircraft is from No 40 Squadron, Bomber Command. This fact will come back to bite me somewhat later.

 

I don't intend this thread to be a blow-by-blow account of building this kit. In most of its variants, build threads have done this kit to death by now. Being the third Blenheim I've tackled, most of the obvious problems are already noted, such as issues fitting the nose assembly to the fuselage and so on. Instead, I shall cover things of interest, and anything that crops up along the way. Apart from choosing aftermarket transfers - if I can find suitable ones - this will be a straightforward build to add a Bomber Command Blenheim MkIV to my collection. 

 

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The fuselage went together without fuss. The joint seams needed a little tidying, down to my own fault, but the only filler was a smear of Perfect Plastic Putty along the upper wing roots. I spent a bit of time fiddling about with the cockpit parts, but aside from random PE seat belts from the spares box and some masking tape, it is as the designers intended.

 

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Of course, when you're busy working with bits, and with an Ashes test match burbling away in the background, you tend to forget to take the progress photos. Suddenly, the transparencies are fitted and we're about ready to start masking. The nose section isn't fitted in this photo, just posed in place. Being distracted by the cricket, I forgot to retouch some of interior paint damage before the glazing went on. It won't show. *innocent whistle*

 

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On the other forum, where I am also documenting this build, I was asked whether there were problems fitting the nose to the fuselage, and whether it makes sense to assemble the various parts to the fuselage as you go. I posed these two photos to show the fit is actually pretty good overall, with only slight finger pressure to hold everything tightly in place. Underneath, however, due to the way three pieces come together to form the bomb bay, things can be a bit gappy. Nothing some styrene shims or filler can't solve.

 

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I was more or less following the instructions step by step, but occasionally jumped ahead where I felt it was helpful. The main undercarriage was installed, and the horizontal stabilisers and rudder fitted.

 

I tried to work out a sensible method of masking everything, as I intended the bomb bay to be posed open. Inevitably, having detail painted parts as they were fitted, some were going to get primed again, but I wanted to minimise the damage as it were. I opted for some sponge packing material, cut to fit into the bomb bay and filling the main undercarriage wells. Masking the cockpit glazing, though, was another matter entirely. At this stage, I was still in two minds about airbrushing or paint brushing this model.

 

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While England desperately tried to retain any credibility in the third Ashes test, I spent a happy hour or two masking the nose. I had looked at buying in pre-cut masking. The only one I could find was a vinyl set, and I am not convinced about them. My one experience with such a set proved they were completely defeated by curved surfaces, and curves are definitely a Blenheim signature. Using a sharp No15 curved scalpel blade, cocktail stick and plenty of Tamiya tape, I think it turned out okay. Of course, the proof will be once it is taken off after painting!

 

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With glazing done, the schnozz was fitted to the fuselage. I pushed it into place, and while applying finger pressure to minimise the gaps all round, dropped some liquid cement into the joins. The radio antenna mast was pinned with some fine brass wire. I surprises me that Airfix don't provide a much more positive location point for such vulnerable items. Butt joints, I'm afraid, don't cut it.

 

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The pitot and gun blister - suitably masked with tape and Maskol - were fitted under the nose, and work began on the bomb bay.

 

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I also fitted the engine pods, though I have left off the exhaust collector rings until later. That will let me paint them off the model.

 

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Bomb load and turret got some paint. I masked the turret transparency with Maskol. I hope it works, as I have yet to take it off again after painting the camo colour! A coat of Hu78 interior green was painted over the cockpit frames. Time for some primer!

 

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I decided to brush paint the model after priming. I'll be honest and say I really don't like airbrushing at the moment. I think it's because I find masking the model a trial, and with bits sticking out that are very likely to end up broken, I just feel happier daubing paint about with a brush. 

 

I have recently discovered the new range of Humbrol acrylics, and I like them very much. However, I don't have just the right colours in stock at present, so I fell back on my Xtracrylix pots for the main colours. Now, these are designed for airbrushing, but I have had good results brushing by hand. The technique is not to expect full coverage in one hit, and to thin the paint as you work with the manufacturer's thinners. In warm conditions, I find by the time I've completed the first coat the first areas are already dry enough for a second, without dragging the previous coat. The Sky undersurfaces took about four coats or so to get decent coverage, over the course of about half an hour or so. It has a slightly patchy effect, which I'm content with as it looks a bit like a working finish for a working aeroplane. You'll also note the finish is semi-gloss, which will hopefully avoid the need for a gloss coat prior to transfers going on. My experience is that an airbrushed satin varnish coat after transfers will eliminate any minor brush marks.

 

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The top surfaces were treated to three or four coats of Xtracrylix Dark Earth.

 

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I had to stop part way through painting the Green camo pattern as incredible things were occurring at the test match in Headingley. They say test cricket is boring...

 

My problem now is to find suitable markings to represent R3600 in the photo I linked to earlier. The problem is No 40 Squadron decided that the boring official edicts for squadron codes was terribly dull, and painted aircraft ID letters in white. While the national markings can be made up from my stocks of decals, I need to be careful to ensure the colours used in printing match each other. I need to do some digging around to see if anyone can provide suitable lettering or marking sets for Blenheims. 

 

So, pending decals, this is where this Blenheim rests. More soon, hopefully!

 

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Quick progress on the Blenheim Heather and am sure it will be finished well. I was going to suggest you use the 1 piece bomb bay doors to mask the bomb bay as I did on my Mk. 1b but not necessary now your using a hairy stick. 

 

I've just bought a book on the Blenheims but the moderator must have taken Friday off as well as its not loaded yet but I'm sure it will inspire me to do another 1 of my Blenheim kits? 

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I used some sponge packing material to bung up holes for the aerosol primer coat. It always seems odd to me that I spend time detail painting parts that later get primed anyway. I really ought to give more thought to the painting process and construction order sometimes!

 

I have also realised I have muddled my squadrons, with my reference and inspiration photo being of a 110 Squadron plane. While I work out what is possible with transfers, I might well end up opting for a more orthodox set of markings from a squadron that followed the rules!

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Does your mix up take your intended aircraft out of your 1940 sphere? Or is it simply just a case of sourcing the correct decals? But at least the aircraft pictured had the correct rearward facing Frazer Nash nose turret. The other turret type is only featured in the last release of the Mk.IVb kit! 

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Heather as I've mentioned I now have a reference book on the Blenheim which largely deals with the actions of aircraft and crews. If you let me know the serial number and squadron of the aircraft you decide upon I'll check and see if there is an action report pertaining to your chosen aircraft? 

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Heather as I've mentioned I now have a reference book on the Blenheim which largely deals with the actions of aircraft and crews. If you let me know the serial number and squadron of the aircraft you decide upon I'll check and see if there is an action report pertaining to your chosen aircraft? 

Heather, T2B, forgive me for jumping in on this thread, but I can't seem to find a way of PMing on this forum.

.  T2B, you mention your Blenheim book and I get the sense that you may be able to discern the code letters for a given aircraft.

My interest is in MkIVf, T2112 serving with 203 Sqn when lost on 20 Oct 40.  My research so far shows that it would have worn the allocated sqn code NT, but as for the individual letter...?

T2B, can you help?

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Yes I'll have a look. So far the appendix indicates that 203 Sqn served in the RAF Middle East Command with codes CJ and NT between May 1940 and Nov 1942 operating the Blenheim IV, IVF and V. 

 

Most accounts in the text refer to the aircraft serial numbers and I haven't come across T2112 yet, but if I do I will post any further info! 

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@ Paws

 

As per my previous post initial indications are that 203 Sqn served in the Middle East between 1940 and 1942, and if Dominic has info that the aircraft T2112 crashed into a mosque then that would also indicate the Middle East / North African theatre? 

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This is coming together very nicely Heather. I really ought to do a Blenheim and Beaufighter (and maybe a Bulldog but I have a love-hate relationship with Biplanes) as I worked at Filton 30 years ago on the design software for Airbuses and 146s.

Looking forward to seeing the final results.

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The fnished job may be a while yet. I've got a lot of paying work to get out of the way, although I'd much rather be playing with aeroplanes right now.

 

I need to seek out a suitable squadron for the plane, and then work out if I have enough transfers around to make it. I've found several "sets" of transfers for various Blenheims, but it usually entails a sheet that will end up never being used because they are later than my 1940 period. I do dislike spending money to waste it like that.

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In response to P4t and T2B while Heather continues work, my sources place the mosque at Kamaran while the squadron would appear to be based at Khormaksar, Aden for Red Sea patrols amongst other things.

Hope this helps and apologies for the tardy reply.

Thanks for that; the very mention of "mosque" suggested "not in the UK", at which point the exact dates of the transfer become relevant as to whether this machine was ever in the Battle of Britain rather than just of the period.

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Sorry about this Heather .....

My research into T2112 indicates it was destroyed on 20.10.1940 by hitting a mosque. There is a disagreement about this happening on take-off or landing. I have yet to determine the individual code letter.

The fact of the matter is that they lost an engine during take off and crashed whilst attempting to land back at the airfield.  My uncle was the Observer (navigator); he died the following day of injuries sustained.  203 Sqn were based at Khomaksar (Aden) and the accident happened on Kamaran Island in the Red Sea.  I am attempting to build a model of all types associated with my uncle; hence why I would like to know the individual code letter.

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For what it's worth I built exactly the same kit as yours as a bomber too! (and a very nice build it was too) Not hard to work out how the bomb bay works even without instructions. It strikes me as utterly crazy to give the modeller all the parts for fighter and bomber versions but not provide decals and instructions for both. Apart from the nose glass you've got all the parts for the Mk1 bomber AND fighter in that box too. Why Airfix doesn't include the glass too and let you build mk 1 or 4 rather than release the same kit 4 times beats me.......... 

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As a final comment to KB666, I have exhausted my sources, with no joy on the code. Although I did find a fairly comprehensive write-up on the crash on the Aircrew Remembered website. 

If the code does come to light, I would be keen to know the source. Best of luck ....

 

Apologies to Heather for hijacking the post.

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As a final comment to KB666, I have exhausted my sources, with no joy on the code. Although I did find a fairly comprehensive write-up on the crash on the Aircrew Remembered website. 

If the code does come to light, I would be keen to know the source. Best of luck ....

 

Apologies to Heather for hijacking the post.

Many thanks to all and apologies to Heather for piggy-backing on her thread.  KB666 butting out!

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KitBasher666: have you tried writing to the RAF museum at Hendon? My great-uncle was a bomb aimer in 4 engine bombers during the war and flew on some of the great raids. When he died we found his log books and donated them to Hendon. They've got a huge archive of historic sources and if you got a good contact there they might go above and beyond for you.

I researched my great-grandfathers WW1 records (to try and confirm an old family myth) and the staff at the Royal Artillery museum and at the current incarnation of his old unit were amazing. They found old officers diaries that mentioned him etc... loads of stuff you'd never find online. My only advice would be to provide as much info as you possibly can. Service number, dates etc. Some of these archives are a bit of a mess.

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Peter S, thanks for the advice, but I have already tried that.  I even spoke to the RAF Air Historical Branch and have seen the original hand written records of the crash and all combat reports written by my uncle.  Whilst they can tell me the serial numbers of the engines (!) nothing records the individual aircraft letter.  I've drawn a blank.  I may have to resort to making a model of the aircraft he flew the day before, for which I have a photo.

Thanks to all for helping.

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Peter S, thanks for the advice, but I have already tried that.  I even spoke to the RAF Air Historical Branch and have seen the original hand written records of the crash and all combat reports written by my uncle.  Whilst they can tell me the serial numbers of the engines (!) nothing records the individual aircraft letter.  I've drawn a blank.  I may have to resort to making a model of the aircraft he flew the day before, for which I have a photo.

Thanks to all for helping.

If you know the name of your uncle's regular pilot, you could try asking which machine he normally flew on $squadron.

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  • 3 weeks later...

After what seems like for ever, due to concentrating on clearing a couple of railway commissions through the workbench, I've found some time to track down a particular MkIV for this build.

 

I searched for suitable transfer sets that might fit the bill, but to no obvious avail. In the end, I selected an aircraft from my copy of On Target Battle of Britain 70th anniversary special: R3744 BL-K, 40 Squadron, RAF Wyton, Huntingdonshire, summer 1940. This plane fits the A scheme camo pattern I chose, and appears to have the "emergency" clear nose gun fitting. Using a mixture of the kit transfers and my stock of code letters and markings, I think I can make this aircraft up. The only annoyance is the aircraft ID letter K being outlined in white, but that should be fairly readily sorted.

 

With luck, I'll be able to get the decals on soon, get some flat varnish on, the masking off, and final details fitted.

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