WOW677 Bristol Blenheim

Description

WOW677 Bristol Blenheim;

In the annals of aviation history, few aircraft have captured the daring spirit of early WWII like the Blenheim. Sleek, fast (for its time), and groundbreaking in design, the Blenheim became a key component of the Royal Air Force’s early wartime strategy. While it was quickly outclassed by advancing enemy technology as the war progressed, its legacy remains as a symbol of British innovation and bravery.

Origins and Development

The story of the Blenheim begins in the 1930’s, when Lord Rothermere, owner of the Daily Mail, commissioned a fast civil aircraft from the Bristol Aeroplane Company. The result was the Type 142, a high-speed, twin-engine light aircraft that caught the attention of the Air Ministry. Recognizing its military potential, it was adapted into the Type 142M, which became the Bristol Blenheim Mk.1

• First Flight: April 1935 (Type 142) / June 1936 (Blenheim Mk I)

• Entered Service: 1937

• Manufacturer: Bristol Aeroplane Company

• Total Built: Approx. 4,422 (all variants)

Design and Performance

At its debut, the Blenheim was one of the fastest aircraft in the RAF, capable of outrunning many contemporary fighters. It featured:

• Engines: 2 × Bristol Mercury VIII radial engines (860 hp each)

• Speed: ~266 mph (Mk I)

• Range: ~1,460 km (907 mi)

• Armament (initial): 1 × .303 Browning machine gun (forward), 1 × Vickers K (dorsal turret) and up to 1,000 lb of bombs

The Mk IV introduced a longer nose, improved defensive armament, and enhanced performance. Variants were used in roles including:

• Light bomber

• Long-range reconnaissance

• Night fighter (equipped with radar)

• Ground support

Operational History

The Blenheim was the first British aircraft to cross into German airspace during WWII, conducting reconnaissance and bombing raids within hours of Britain’s declaration of war on Germany in September 1939. Though initially effective, it was soon found to be vulnerable against faster and better-armed enemy fighters like the Messerschmitt Bf 109.

Key Theatres of Operation:

• Europe: Battle of France, Battle of Britain (limited), raids over Germany

• North Africa & the Mediterranean

• Burma and the Pacific: Used by British and Commonwealth forces

International Operators:

• Finland (used successfully during the Winter War)

• Canada, Australia, South Africa, Yugoslavia, and others

Legacy and Lessons

Despite heavy losses in later years, the Blenheim taught crucial lessons about aircraft survivability, armament, and the importance of speed and altitude. Its service paved the way for more advanced bombers like the Mosquito and Beaufighter.

We have 4 x 1/30 scale Blenheim’s available in the markings of Flying Officer Reg Peacock, the only Ace of WW2 flying the Bristol Blenheim.
Here is the history behind Reg Peacock:

At the outbreak of war, Peacock was serving with ‘A’ Flight of 2 AACU Gosport and he was appointed ‘B’ Flight Commander there on 7th September 1939.

He joined 235 Squadron at Manston on 22nd January 1940 flying Bristol Blenheim’s.

On 12th May he destroyed a Me109 in the Hague-Hook of Holland area, on 27th June he destroyed a Me109 and damaged another over the Zuider Zee, on 3rd August he shared in the destruction of a He115 and on the 11th he shared a Me109.

On the 18th, flying Blenheim IV L9446 (below), he destroyed a Ju88 over Thorney Island.

He was awarded the DFC (gazetted 13th September 1940).

Peacock is the only Coastal Command pilot to achieve ‘ace’ status while flying the Blenheim. He was appointed Squadron Commander and whilst based in Malta had the misfortune to be killed as a passenger in a Lockheed Hudson that crashed on take off from an airfield in Libya in 1942.

The TG/K&C figures are shown for scale comparison purposes only and are not included.
Each 1/30 scale model is priced at $1199 plus postage and packing. 

The total price including postage is shown in the banner price, there is no free postage on Warbirds due to their size.