The Heller 80397 Bloch 210 1/72 model is an exceptional plastic kit that faithfully replicates the French medium-range bomber Bloch MB.210 from the Second World War period. The 1/72 scale allows for a realistic representation of the aircraft's silhouette while maintaining a very high level of detail, perfect for collectors and aviation history enthusiasts.

The MB.210 aircraft was designed in the mid-1930s at the Bloch company in response to the needs of the French Air Force – Armée de l’Air – for a modern bomber. It entered service in 1937 and initially formed an important part of the French bombing capability. It participated primarily in the first phase of the French campaign in May and June 1940, where it was extensively used for raids against rapidly advancing Wehrmacht units and attacks on bridges and railway lines. Its usefulness quickly diminished due to outdated performance and insufficient armament, which led to its gradual withdrawal from combat service and relocation to training or transport units just a few months into the war.

The Heller 80397 kit is made from high-quality polystyrene, ensuring good quality and ease of processing. The set includes sprues for self-assembly, including a detailed crew cabin, defensive turrets, and realistic glazed fuselage elements. The model is dedicated to intermediate-level modellers – I rate the difficulty level at 3/5. Some experience is required with small parts (e.g., turret grille or glazed noses) as well as care when painting detailed sections of the aircraft.

Why choose this model? This is a great proposal for anyone who wants to expand their collection with a less common, yet crucial for aviation history, French bomber from the early Second World War. It is important both for those building dioramas of the French campaign and for enthusiasts of unique designs from the late 1930s and early 1940s.

• Scale: 1/72 – ideal for easy storage and display of models
• User country: France (Armée de l’Air)
• Historical period: late interwar and Second World War (1937-1940)
• Material: high-quality plastic (polystyrene), clear cockpit parts
• Category: plastic model kit
• Recommendation: for intermediate modellers interested in historical aviation
• Difficulty level: 3/5