Profile artwork of Whitley Mk.V Z9226 of RAF No.10 Squadron
The Airfix Roadshow attended a number of enthusiast events over the summer months, which allowed us the valuable opportunity to speak to modellers and listen to their comments. As we displayed a number of the newly announced future models on our stand for modellers to view, it was interesting to see which ones seemed to be attracting the majority of the attention. Proving to be particularly popular was the impressive 1/72nd scale Armstrong Whitworth Whitley Mk.V bomber – this much anticipated model has now been released and is an extremely welcome addition to our 1/72nd scale WWII bomber kits.
Perhaps not the most famous RAF aircraft of WWII, the Whitley was one of three British medium bombers in service at the outbreak of the Second World War and although it was withdrawn from front line bombing duties following the introduction of heavier, four-engined bombers, it was to see service right through to the end of the war. Certainly displaying design characteristics of aeroplanes from a previous era, many enthusiasts would probably describe the Whitley as being an ungainly, somewhat ugly aircraft, but it certainly is a case of beauty being in the eye of the beholder. The new Airfix kit is a magnificent scale representation of this important RAF aircraft and seems certain to bring the Whitley to the attention of many more enthusiasts.
New Whitley Tooling Updates Announced
Computer rendered 3D image of the Coastal Command Mk.VII Whitley
As modellers are now building the first Airfix Whitley models, we are pleased to announce the future release of a modified tooling version of this fantastic kit, which will allow the modeller to produce some of the later incarnations of the Whitley. The Mk. VII version of the aircraft proved to be a highly successful, dedicated patrol aircraft for Coastal Command, in their battle against the U-boat menace. The aircraft was adapted to carry significantly more fuel for longer-ranging patrols to be undertaken, but also included the installation of the ASV Mk.II radar (Air to Surface Vessel), which greatly increased the ability of the Whitley to detect U-boats.
Computer rendered 3D image of the Coastal Command Mk.VII Whitley
Computer rendered 3D image of the Coastal Command Mk.VII Whitley
Externally, the MK.VII Whitleys were quite different from their predecessors. The rather slab-sided construction of the Whitley made it an ideal recipient of the array of side mounted radar antenna aerials, which were augmented by four distinctive ‘stickleback’ dorsal radar masts – the Coastal Command Whitleys were certainly rather distinctive aircraft. In November 1941, a Coastal Command Whitley sank U-206 in the Bay of Biscay, which proved to be the first success for the ASV Mk.II radar.
Test sprue image, showing the alternative parts for the Whitley Mk.VII
This new Whitley upgrade will not only allow the modeller to build the distinctive Coastal Command version of the aircraft, but also includes additional parts to finish the Whitley as a troop transport, or freight carrying version of the aircraft.
Rendered 3D Image showing the unusual transport version of the Armstrong Whitworth Whitley Mk.VII
Rendered 3D Image showing the unusual transport version of the Armstrong Whitworth Whitley Mk.VII
Rendered 3D Image showing the unusual transport version of the Armstrong Whitworth Whitley Mk.VII
As you can see from the computer rendered 3D image above, this version has faired over front and rear turret positions and is a really unusual version of the rather unusual looking Armstrong Whitworth Whitley. This additional tool will certainly appeal to many modellers and we look forward to bringing you further details of this project as it progresses towards release, which is scheduled for August 2016.
