Breaking records and advancing technology is a lot of what interwar aviation was about. Whether it was civilians risking it all for fame and fortune, or military test pilots pushing new frontiers for the glory of their homelands, going higher, farther and faster was a frenetic, and dangerous, game.
While post-war X-planes from many nations are decently catered for by model companies, the same can’t really be said, especially nowadays, for these interwar pioneers. Thankfully, FROG had a whole series of “Trailblazers” kits that paid plastic homage to some of these aeronautical achievements.
One that I’ve managed to get my hands on is the Bristol 138/A, a high-altitude research aircraft of clearly British origin. A very pedestrian-looking plane to today’s eyes, it must have been quite a sight back in its day, with its closed-in canopy, huge wings and spindly, tall undercarriage!
Check out my review of this seemingly forgotten classic at the link below, and get ready to “get high” in a way that doesn’t (necessarily) involve inhaling model cement fumes!