Bristol-Fairchild Bolingbroke Mk IVT by realworkingsailor - Kitbashed from Airfix Blenheim Mk IV - 1/72

[realworkingsailor]

For my next build, I've decided to take on a bit of a challenge (although, one starting with a reasonably simple kit).

 

The Bristol-Fairchild Bolingbroke was a Canadian licence built version of the Bristol Blenheim light bomber by Fairchild Aviation Canada. Originally conceived as a maritime reconnaissance and patrol aircraft, it went on to fulfill other roles, most notably in the Commonwealth Air Training Plan. Of the 626 built, over 450 were built as Bombing/Gunnery/Navigation trainers.

 

The Bolingbroke (or "Bolly") had numerous subtle features that set it apart from its nearly identical stablemate. As it was conceived as a maritime patrol airplane, provision was made for a 4th crew member, fulfilling the duties of the Radio Operator. To provide some light for his workstation, a window was added on the starboard side of the fuselage, just forward of the dorsal turret. As it was designed to operate in colder climates, it could be equipped with anti-icing boots on the wings, it also featured enlarged engine oil heaters. This last feature is only noticeable the starboard side engine nacelle as a beetle-backed hump. The port engine nacelle was enlarged in its entirety to accommodate a dingy, giving the Bolly a distinctly asymmetrical look when viewed from astern. On the Blenheim, the dingy had been stowed in a valise inside the fuselage, requiring the crew to wrestle it out, in the event of ditching. Most other changes were found inside the airplane, such as the instrumentation, although one Bolly was converted to a float plane.

 

Numerous Bolingbrokes survive in museums around the world. Many were sold to farmers after the war. Shorn of their wings, they found new purpose as storage sheds or chicken coops. Many would later find their way into salvage yards, where they remained for many years until local civics groups and enthusiasts "rediscovered" them.

 

Some basic history of the airplane can be found here, and some nice prototype photos can be found in this discussion thread here.

 

The Airfix 1/72 Bristol Blenheim IVF will serve as the basis for my build. 

 

 

Keeping it short and sweet, this kit comes in the usual packaging from Airfix. 

 

 

The plastic is the typical blue-grey fare from Airfix. As this is the Mk IVF variant of the Blenheim, there is an extra sprue with parts specific to that variant, in addition to the basic components for building a Mk IV bomber variant.

 

 

Pretty much bog-standard instructions and Cartograph decals are included in the kit.

 

As for extras, I've picked up a few odds and ends to help me with this build.

 

 

The Xtradecal set features lettering for Bolly 10103, in brilliant trainer yellow. I plan to build this version! I've also picked up the Eduard PE Blenheim interior set, as well as the Yahu models instrument panel. While it may seem odd that I've duplicated some things here, the Bolingbroke had duplicate instruments across the entire front of the cockpit. The extra parts should come in useful to model this feature. Finally, a necessary masking set, as this airplane features a ton of glazing, and I don't fancy masking that all by hand.

 

I've begun work on the external modifications, and I will be posting a build update soon. 

 

Andy

 

[Old Collingwood]

Airfix new molds  are very very good  - even down to the research  the company now does  before  releasing a kit.

 

OC.