Airfix – A04059 – Bristol Blenheim Mk.IF

Description:

Unassembled plastic model kit of a British Bristol Blenheim, a twin-engine light bomber and fighter developed in the 1930s and used extensively during World War II. Designed as a fast, all-metal monoplane, it was one of the most advanced aircraft of its time when it entered service, but by the early years of the war, it was already becoming outdated against faster enemy fighters. The Blenheim came in multiple variants, including the Mk.I bomber, the Mk.IV with an extended nose for better navigation, and the Mk.IF, which was modified for night-fighter duties. Despite its vulnerabilities, the aircraft served in multiple roles across various theaters, from Europe to North Africa and Asia, where it was used for reconnaissance, ground attack, and even coastal patrol. Though it suffered heavy losses in early wartime operations, the Blenheim played a crucial role in the RAF’s efforts during the early years of the conflict and laid the groundwork for the development of more advanced British bombers.

The Airfix 1/72 scale Bristol Blenheim, first tooled in 2014, is one of the best modern kits of this iconic British twin-engine bomber. Airfix designed it with high levels of detail, featuring recessed panel lines, a well-detailed cockpit, and an accurately shaped fuselage. The kit represents a significant improvement over older Blenheim kits, providing a more precise and refined molding with modern engineering techniques.

The kit allows modelers to build either the Blenheim Mk.I or Mk.IV, depending on the specific boxing. It includes options for open or closed bomb bay doors, a detailed interior with crew positions, and well-molded landing gear. Clear parts for the greenhouse-style cockpit canopy and nose section are crisp, though some modelers prefer to use aftermarket masks for ease of painting. The kit builds up nicely with minimal fit issues, though careful dry-fitting is recommended, particularly around the fuselage and canopy sections. Overall, this 2014 tooling of the Blenheim is one of the best representations of the aircraft in 1/72 scale, praised for its accuracy and buildability.

Kit consists of 157 parts an originally was tooled in 2014. This specific variant and decal sheet was issued in 2016 and then reissued in 2025.

Markings

• Bristol Blenheim Mk.IF, No. 600 (City of London) Squadron, Royal Auxiliary Air Force, Royal Air Force, Manston, Kent, England, August 1940
• Bristol Blenheim Mk.IF, No.54 Operational Training Unit, Royal Air Force Church Fenton, North Yorkshire, England, December 1940.