The Bloch 220 was a French airliner in the same class as the Douglas DC-2/3.

Only 17 were produced and they flew in Air France service before and after World War II. During the war they flew in French and German colours.

Development of a modern all-metal airliner that could serve on France’s European network began in the early 1930s.

The prototype first flew in December 1935 and a further 16 were manufactured.

They flew on Air France’s European routes, the first service by the type on the Paris-London route occurred on 27 March 1938, cutting flight time to 1 hour 15 minutes.

During World War II most Bloch 220s flew under Vichy and Free French and German colours.

After the war they were re-engined with Wright Cyclone R-1820 engines and again flew on Air France’s European routes.

The last one flew in about 1950.

This model represents F-AOHJ flying with Air France in 1938.

F-RSIN 1/144 kit completed by Leigh Edmonds in June 2006.