Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series AA38405
Bristol Blenheim Mk IV Diecast Model
RAF Coastal Command No.254 Sqn, RAF Aldergrove, Northern Ireland, Autumn 1941 | Limited Edition
1100
Pieces Worldwide |
|
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Bristol Blenheim Mk IV | | 7.25" | | 9.25" |
Bristol Blenheim IVs entered service with Coastal Command in late 1939 and by 1940 was the most important version having replaced the Blenheim I in the majority of front-line duties. The Blenheim was used in a variety of roles including shipping protection, coastal patrols, reconnaissance, and as an attack aircraft but losses were high due mainly to the type's vulnerability against enemy fighters. However, Coastal Command Blenheims were also used in the long-range fighter role and a number of aircraft were fitted with a four gun pack mounted beneath the fuselage. Designated as Blenheim IVF, this variant offered other improvements, most notably the fitting of an additional machine gun in the mid-upper turret and operating with a dedicated three man crew. 254 Squadron was based at Aldergrove, Northern Ireland from May to December 1941, and continued to fly the type until June 1942.
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 2003-2013 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 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
