Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series AA38406
Bristol Blenheim Mk I Diecast Model
RAF No.62 Sqn, Arthur Scarf, RAF Butterworth, Singapore, 1941 | Limited Edition
1000
Pieces Worldwide |
|
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Bristol Blenheim Mk I | | 7.25" | | 9.25" |
The Bristol Blenheim was one of the most important as well as one of the most numerous RAF bombers at the outbreak of the Second World War. It suffered heavy losses over Europe, being neither fast enough nor manoeuvrable enough to escape enemy fighter attacks and its single rear gun was not sufficiently effective. However, the Blenheim soldiered on, most notably in the Middle and Far East and it was the main attack aircraft available to the RAF in theatre when the Japanese attacked Singapore in the autumn of 1941.
62 Squadron was heavily involved in the actions and on the 9th December was tasked with attacking the invading Japanese forces at Singora. Squadron Leader Scarf had just taken off when Japanese aircraft struck, destroying the rest of the force. Deciding to continue alone and despite being mauled by fighters both on his outward and return trips, Scarf nevertheless attacked his target. Unfortunately, he was severely injured, with his left arm shattered and serious wounds to his back, he was drifting in and out of consciousness. He crash landed the Blenheim near the hospital at Alor Star, but doctors were unable to save him and he died two hours later. Due to the chaotic nature of the campaign Squadron Leader Scarf was only gazetted for his VC in June 1946 after details of the raid took a long time to come to light.
Designed in response to a challenge by media mogul Lord Rothermere, who wanted the British to recapture the title of "fastest European civilian aircraft," the Bristol Blenheim first flew as "Britain First" on April 12, 1935. Faster than any fighter then in service with the RAF, the aircraft captured the attention of the Air Ministry, which issued a specification for a bomber version. The Blenheim was used extensively during the early part of WWII and was later adapted as a night fighter. It was one of the first British aircraft to use flaps, retractable landing gear and variable pitch propellers. © Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Corgi's 1:72 scale Blenheim series highlights its many roles as a light bomber, a night-fighter and a ground attack aircraft. The most notable difference between the Blenheim's variants was the Mk IV's longer asymmetric nose, with the area in front of the pilot "scooped out," which provided maximum visibility. Night fighter releases of this model feature a special gun pack under the fuselage armed with four machine guns. The 360 degree rotating dorsal mounted gunner's station includes a nicely detailed pivoting Lewis machine gun. The robust metal landing gear is quick and easy to install for ground display.
© Copyright 2003-2015 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Corgi "Aviation Archive" range presents highly-detailed, ready-made diecast models of military and civilian aircraft. The vast Aviation Archive range has become the standard by which all other diecast airplane ranges are judged. Each Corgi model is based on a specific aircraft from an important historical or modern era of flight, and has been authentically detailed from original documents and archival library material. Famous airplanes and aviators from both military and commercial airline aviation are all honored.
Corgi "Aviation Archive" diecast airplanes feature:
- Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear with rotating wheels.
- Poseable presention stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Many limited editions with numbered certificate of authenticity.
- Detailed, hand-painted pilot and crew member figures.
- Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
- Selected interchangeable features such as speed-brakes, opened canopies and access panels.
- Selected moving parts such as gun turrets, control surfaces and swing-wings.
© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
