Red Roo Models Beaufighter Updates (for Tamiya 1:48)

[Mike]

Beaufighter Updates (for Tamiya)
1:48 Red Roo Models

Red Roo have a number of useful resin additions for the ageing but still top notch Tamiya Beaufighter, to improve on the base kit. They are all pretty much drop-in replacements, although they do require the usual clean-up of mould blocks associated with resin casting. Each set arrives in a ziplok style bag, with a small sheet of instructions/name card, depending on complexity. Remember the usual cautions with resin, including wearing a mask when sanding, and washing the parts in warm soapy water to remove the mould-release residue that could affect paint adherence. Super Glue (CA) or epoxy glue will need to be used, and removing the mould-release residue will assist in creating a strong bond.


Open Engine Cooling Gills (RRR48147)
This set of cooling flaps for around the twin Bristol engines gives the modeller the option of showing them open to allow airflow to cool a running engine. After you have nipped off the small casting block it's just a case of swapping out the kit parts for the new resin ones. Two sets are included, one for each engine as you'd expect.

Oil Cooler Detail Set (RRR48161)
These super-detailed parts are a drop-in replacement for the leading-edge oil coolers, but they require a little preparation beforehand. Firstly, you need to drill a hole from top to bottom down the centre of the unit, into which you add a piece of wire that is enclosed, making good the hole in the top of the cooler cowling afterwards. A small brass mesh disc is placed behind the louvers with a backing disc of styrene also supplied for each one. The instructions advise you to mask up the mesh, as this is the correct colour for the area. The ultimate in authenticity!

Flat Tailplane Set (RRR48154)
A six part set that provides replacement elevators for a Mk.I, Ic, II or V Beau that had no dihedral on those surfaces. The hinged elevators are separate parts, as are the trim tabs, and you are advised to make up your own actuator rods with short sections of wire. The parts fit into the original slots on the kit, so no adjustment should be necessary, other than ensuring no droop occurs during the gluing process.

Review sample courtesy of