Airfix Beaufighter Now Due End Of September 2015

[rossm]

There is also a Magna conversion, though I can't vouch for its quality and I don't know for sure which of the previous kits it was designed for (possibly even the old, slightly sub-scale Airfix one).

This is how it goes on the Neolithic Airfix kit - http://hrmtech.com/SIG/articles/Magna_BeauII_72_build.asp - sorry about the photo quality, I loaded this to the web in the days of dial-up!

Can't see that it would work with the new Airfix kit.

Edited September 2, 2015 by rossm

[Michael louey]

And here's the High Planes kit -

http://z15.invisionfree.com/72nd_Aircraft/index.php?showtopic=6637&st=15

I've meant to post a 'completed models' version but haven't found time to take more pictures.

Be warned, this is not a 'shake and bake' kit.

Cheers

Michael

Edited September 3, 2015 by Michael louey

[The wooksta V2.0]

You're not wrong! I've given up on the Mk I early that I've got where the cockpit simply wont fit and I'm not over fond of the fit of the rest either. I'll wrestle it together at some point or butcher it for a Beaumont.

[Work In Progress]

digressing slightly on that thought, does anyone actually know what the Beaumont project would have looked like?

[Dave Fleming]

There are also hardly any shrink marks on this kit, something that sveral of the new Airfix kits have suffered from (low pressure moulding?).

Rubbish too soft plastic!

[Vanroon]

Picked up one from the Hobbymania stall at the Western Australian Model Expo this Saturday morning.

Is it the only one in Oz?

edit: There were 3.

G

[gruffy]

digressing slightly on that thought, does anyone actually know what the Beaumont project would have looked like?

http://bispro.deviantart.com/art/Bristol-162H-Beaumort-Mk-1-184480164

Here you go!

[Dave Batt]

http://bispro.deviantart.com/art/Bristol-162H-Beaumort-Mk-1-184480164

Here you go!

Whiffery? The difference in line between the engine nacelles (judging by the exhaust stacks) and the fuselage does spoil it a bit - brilliant idea though. (As I finish writing I realise I've dropped into the middle of a running gag - sorry.)

Edited September 5, 2015 by Dave Batt

[gruffy]

Whiffery? The difference in line between the engine nacelles (judging by the exhaust stacks) and the fuselage does spoil it a bit - brilliant idea though. (As I finish writing I realise I've dropped into the middle of a running gag - sorry.)

Don't worry I fell For it too!

[mike romeo]

Hi,

I ripped apart the plastic bag on one of my Beaus for the first time last night and had a good look at what's provided. There are more alternative bits than I was expecting. As I haven't seen anyone mention these to date (or just haven't noticed), I thought I'd mention them here:

- Both types of observer's cupola (clear and reinforced for a rear-facing machine gun). You obviously get the gun with the kit,

- Plexiglass 'bubble' cover for DF loops + aforementioned DF loops to put underneath it,

- Long and short type carburettor intakes,

- Rain clearance venturi in front of the windscreen,

- Nose mounted strike camera housing,

- Underwing outlets for machine gun outlets (4+2) that sit under the rocket mounting plates.

- Both types of Mk X elevator shapes (been mentioned before).

So, that's a pretty comprehensive parts list for a Mk X. As has been pointed out previously, you don't get ASV nose radome, Yagi aerial, extended fin fillet or prop spinners, but I'm confident that the AM will provide in due course.

It seems to me that most Mk Xs can be build, and a late Mk VI(?). A bulge for the Sperry autopilot should sort out a Mk XXI. A flat, short tailplane, early spinners, canopy and early prop spinners should also sort out a reasonably compelling Mk I and an early Mk VI as well, I would have thought.

If I'm wrong on any of the above, please let me know, but I'm impressed with the alternative bits included in the kit. Well done, Airfix!

regards,

Martin

[Solar Panel Phil]

On 8/14/2015 at 1:42 PM, Wonderland Models said:

Following up from our post yesterday, the basic Beaufighter kit A04019 has just arrived in stock here today.

The kit has 2 options,

1. NE829/PL-J of 144 Sqn at Banff in October 1944 for which Airfix suggest using the torpedo.

2. RD367/H of 27 Sqn in Burma June 1945 for which Airfix suggest using the 8 x rocket armament

I've just bought this kit and after some research I think NE829 with a torpedo is right for the date and action - the detailed citation for the DFC awarded to FO Maurice Exton mentions a torpedo attack by him on a ship after being hit by flak. 144 at the time was part of the Banff Strike Wing but subsequently moved over to form part of the Dallachy Strike Wing until the end of the war. Regarding RD367/H however, I'm not so sure rockets are appropriate for June to August 1945. From Wiki is the mention that from April 1945 the squadron was tasked with the jungle search & rescue of downed aircraft crew, not strike missions. I would have thought carrying the unnecessary weight of rockets and rocket pylons would have led to their removal (except the plate, perhaps) and retention of the cannon/mg armament. Does that gel with anybody, or other thoughts/info?

[rossm]

3 hours ago, Solar Panel Phil said:

I've just bought this kit and after some research I think NE829 with a torpedo is right for the date and action - the detailed citation for the DFC awarded to FO Maurice Exton mentions a torpedo attack by him on a ship after being hit by flak. 144 at the time was part of the Banff Strike Wing but subsequently moved over to form part of the Dallachy Strike Wing until the end of the war. Regarding RD367/H however, I'm not so sure rockets are appropriate for June to August 1945. From Wiki is the mention that from April 1945 the squadron was tasked with the jungle search & rescue of downed aircraft crew, not strike missions. I would have thought carrying the unnecessary weight of rockets and rocket pylons would have led to their removal (except the plate, perhaps) and retention of the cannon/mg armament. Does that gel with anybody, or other thoughts/info?

 

The ORB for27 Sqdn for June 1945 mentions that some Beaufighters were used to escort the rescue missions. Carriage of rockets is not mentioned and does seem unlikely.