Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series AA38402
Bristol Blenheim Mk IF Diecast Model
RAF No.29 Sqn, RAF Digby, England, June 1940 | Limited Edition
1800
Pieces Worldwide |
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| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Bristol Blenheim Mk IF | | 7.25" | | 9.25" |
Although only entering RAF service in 1937 by the outbreak of WW2 very few Blenheim 1s remained in service with UK-based bomber squadrons, most having been superseded in the bomber role by the much improved Mk IV. However the Mk I continued service as conversion and crew trainers with OTUs. However of far more significance were around 200 Mk Is that were converted to night fighters carrying the brand new AI (Airborne Interception) radar. Similar in overall outline to the standard Mk I bomber, the night fighter carried an additonal under-fuselage pack housing four forward firing 0.303 machine guns. It was such equipped Mk IFs that scored the first successful AI or enemy aircraft on the night of 2-3 July 1940. Blenheim Mk IF, L1327, based at RAF Digby in June 1940, looks remarkably similar to a standard Blenheim apart from the ventral gun pack. It wasn't until December 1940 that the night fighters began to receive an overall black paint finish. 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 2003-2025 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 2003-2013 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 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc. |
