FROG Green Series F190 Bristol Blenheim Mk.1, 1969
NEW AND IN VIEW. NEW AIRCRAFT KITS
FROG. Bristol Blenheim I. 1/72 scale. Price: 4/- (U.K.)
This is yet another very welcome addition to the range of kits covering aircraft types of the earlier period of W.W.I I.
The parts are cleanly moulded in grey plastic, surface detail is very neat and assembly is quite straightforward. The accuracy of the kit leaves nothing to be desired. We particularly liked the engine cowlings, which are moulded in two halves, as this method of production enables such small features as the cylinder head fairings and exhausts and cooling gills to be accurately positioned and of the correct shapes with no need for any filling or filing. The engines themselves are also neatly detailed. The undercarriage is an example of what can be done in this scale, while the propeller hubs and blades are among the finest and most accurate we have yet seen. Optional parts include the belly gunpack for the fighter version, external 250lb bomb load and Ski undercarriage.
We are delighted to say that the canopy, which, owing to its size, is of particular importance on this aircraft, is superb. It is made in two separate pieces, the main nose and top/side cockpit glazing, with a separate bomb aimer's panel. The turret is also well done, but perhaps slightly undersize. The cockpit interior consists of a floor, with pilot's bucket seat and a secondary 'jump seat' alongside, as on the real aircraft.
The box art features a dramatic drawing of a Mk.1 fighter of 248 Sqdn R.A.F., while the back of the box shows schemes for a Finnish ski-equipped fighter and a Rumanian Air Force Bomber. Decals are included for all these variants, and in common with all the current Frog kits the standards of printing and colour reproduction are excellent.
This is an excellent kit which we recommend highly.
The IPMS magazine, JANUARY 1969 VOL.6 No.1
Modelling world
by JAMES GOULDING
New Frog 1/72nd kits
Bristol Blenheim I
"When news spread that Frog were going to produce a Blenheim I there was hope that we might now have a more accurate model of this famous bomber than the Mk IV already available from Airfix. Happily, hopes have been fulfilled, and Frog's Mk I or IF is a much better model. The general outline is very accurate and the appearance has the true Blenheim look. None of the Mk IV errors have been repeated. The nacelles terminate at the correct place on the upper surface of the wing, the fin shape is correct, the fin post is upright and the fuselage sections have been well-shaped. Another feature reproduced on this model is the flattened fuselage top section immediately aft of the turret. The turret, however, is the worst part of the kit. The shape is not correct and it looks rather too small. It is also moulded in very thick plastic, which looks very ugly, and is not up to the usual Frog standard. I do not think the moulding is as clean and sharp as it could be. and on my sample the undercarriage radius rods were faulty—but I hope that this was restricted to this particular kit. The wing' fuselage joint requires filling.
Parts and transfers are provided for three versions — standard bomber (Rumanian), ski-equipped bomber (Finnish) and long-range fighter (No 248 Squadron, RAF). In the latter case, the colour chart on the box and the transfers are incorrect. This aircraft was black and white underneath, not all black. It is almost certain that the upper wing roundels were blue and red. The code and machine letters should be grey, but were probably produced in white on the transfers to reduce cost.
This is a simpler model than the Airfix Blenheim IV, being without rivet detail and retractable undercarriage. As the real aircraft was flush-rivetted for the most part, the lack of rivet detail is no loss.
Speaking for myself, what I require from any kit is a very accurate basic model, with good accurate details. I am not bothered about gimmicks. Moveable control surfaces are nice additions, as are retractable undercarriages. But such items are valueless if the basic model does not look like the aeroplane it is intended to portray. To me, Frog's Blenheim is a sensible model. It is an accurate, straightforward model without frills and gimmickry. Price of the kit is 6s."
AIRCRAFT ILLUSTRATED, March 1969
Scale Models 1970 FEBRUARY
NEW to YOU?
MONTHLY REVIEW OF NEW PRODUCTS CONDUCTED BY BOB JONES OF I.P.M.S
We are still receiving for review new items obviously designed to fall in with the Battle of Britain film and its attendant publicity.
FROG have introduced some of their kits in two-some boxed sets: These being the Spitfire/Ju 88, Blenheim Mk. l/Bf.lO9F and Hurricane IIC/Ju 87D, each set retailing at 10/6d.
For the extra value over the combined price of the two kits, one receives a most attractive box, the front of which features an excellent action painting featuring the aeroplanes provided. One is given a plastic picture frame into which this box top illustration is placed and two display stands which also fit on to the frame. The models may then be mounted on these and the whole hung on the wall of one's den or office etc. The frame is a sturdy unit moulded in polystyrene with a faked wooden 'grain' and colouring, which from a distance looks like an expensive picture surround. The kits for the aircraft are, of course, identical to those which one may buy separately. Taking into account the value of the kits plus the very high quality of the decals, together with the frame and stand mounts at 10/6d. this is good value for money and provides a new and unique method of display.
Scale Models No.5 1970 FEBRUARY Vol.1 No.5
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