Corgi Bristol Blenheim IV RAF 83 Squadron 1942 AA38401 Limited Edition- Duxford For Sale

Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series AA38401

Bristol Blenheim Mk IV Diecast Model

RAF 82 Squadron, 1942

Limited Edition of 2150 Pieces Worldwide

This is number 0603

1:72 Scale Length Width

Bristol Blenheim Mk IV 7.25" 9.25"

This Corgi model depicts the only airworthy Blenheim in the world which is with The Aircraft Restoration Company at Duxford. It is actually a Fairchild-built Bolingbroke IV T. The Bolingbroke was the Canadian name for the Blenheim. This machine is the second 'Blenheim' that has been restored to airworthy status, following an untimely accident with the first one. Plans were immediately put in place to restore a second Blenheim and using the skills learned in the first restoration the Duxford team set about putting another into the air. Bolingbroke 10201 was acquired and the whole process started again. At Duxford on May 18 1993 the late 'Hoof' Proudfoot flew the team's second Blenheim bearing the serial Z5722 and civil registration G-BPIV. The aircraft has worn several RAF colour schemes, the last one being depicted by this model being 'R3821' coded 'UX-N' of 82 Squadron, RAF. Sadly on 18th August 2003, this aircraft suffered a landing accident at Duxford, where it was severely damaged. Undaunted, another rebuild commenced, but this time the team are converting it to a Blenheim Mk.I with a short nose and it will shortly take to the air once more in this new guise.

Bristol Blenheim Mk IV

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.

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.

Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series

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.