1:72 Blenheim IV

The asymmetrical nose of a British bomber

The Bristol Blenheim Mk.IV came about by lengthening the nose of the earlier Mk.I so that a navigator's station would fit in front of the pilot. The view forward and downward suffered so much, however, that the designers had to cut back the left side of the front and add a stepped bulge. The result is an asymmetrical nose that cannot be mistaken for anything else. In service the aircraft paid a high price: in 1940 it flew daylight raids without fighter escort against superior numbers, and the loss of whole flights was nothing exceptional. Even so, it remained the backbone of the British daylight strike squadrons to the end of 1941.

Contents and purpose

The glazing of the Blenheim is divided into dozens of small panels, and masking it by hand tends to be the most time-consuming part of the build. Pre-cut outlines shorten this step to a few minutes, because every part seats in its own panel and only needs pressing down. The target kit is the product of Special Hobby in 1:72 scale. The shapes are prepared for the outer surface of the glazing; anyone who wants the frames to look clean from within as well must close off the inside with means of their own.

Recommended procedure

First check that the clear part is free of fingerprints, then apply the panels from the edges toward the center and run a rounded toothpick over them. Lay the paint on perpendicular to the edge so that it does not get blown underneath, and let the model rest between coats. Take the shapes off before the paint has fully cured, otherwise the edge of the finish may lift with them. The kit, glue and paints are not enclosed; the item is purely an aid for painting.