ArmouredSprue Posted September 25, 2018 Share Posted September 25, 2018 R.A.A.F. BRISTOL BEAUFORT MK VIII No. 6 Squadron, Goodenough Island, circa 1943/44 Flight Lieutenant William "Bill" McRae Wood, DFC (Special Hobby 1/72) Hi all! Fresh from the oven! I usually don't build models under commission, but in this case it was a especial request and a favor to a fellow member of my modelling club (SAPMA). Dudley Hokings is a senior member of the club and due his age he no longer is able to build a model. It doesn't mean he is present in our meetings and he loves a good chat. Anyway! One day he approached me and asked if Ifould do hem a favor. He was a very close friend with a veteran who used to fly the Beaufort during the world war 2. He has now passed away, but Dudley is still friend with his wife Trish. He said he had a kit and decals do make the exactly version flew by his friend Bill Wood. Of course I said Yes! Here are some reference photos: Dudley gave me some valuable information that he had been gathering along the years for this dreamed project. It has precious war photos from the pilot private collection and also the pilot's accounting regarding the correct serial number for his aircraft. The nose art consists of a representation of Diana "The Goddess of Hunt", some bombs representing the missions and "Trish" Bill Wood's wife name. The kit The kit he had available was not the RAAF version but another British original version of the Beaufort. However, it has most of the parts necessary to convert to Australian built Beaufort (Pratt Whitney engines, antennas etc), but not the essential part to convert the dorsal turret (I had to scratchbuilt it). The kit was airbrushed using Gunze acrylics: Sky Blue underside: H323 Light Green camouflage: (H302) Light Earth camouflage: (10% H47 + 90% H72) Weathered using a combination of techniques like oils, pigments and water colours. A final coat of Gunze H20 Flat Clear was sprayed overall. The antenna wire is made of EZLine. The model: Comments? 58 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkSH Posted September 25, 2018 Share Posted September 25, 2018 A great build and presentation also a wonderful backstory. Very nice work. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dazey Posted September 25, 2018 Share Posted September 25, 2018 Hi Paolo, Fantastic build, especially considering the conversion needed. I also enjoyed the historical images and background. Kind regards, David 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevej60 Posted September 25, 2018 Share Posted September 25, 2018 Beautiful build and finish. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeR Posted September 25, 2018 Share Posted September 25, 2018 Excellent! Mike. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pdsvidioman Posted September 25, 2018 Share Posted September 25, 2018 Great build and the back story brings in the human element of the men who flew these aircraft Paul. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neil.C Posted September 25, 2018 Share Posted September 25, 2018 What a lovely story and a fitting tribute to people like Bill and their ilk. I bet Dudley loved it! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve27752 Posted September 25, 2018 Share Posted September 25, 2018 Nice work. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meatbox8 Posted September 25, 2018 Share Posted September 25, 2018 A terrific looking Beaufort. Great conversion work and paint finish. For me, half the fun of modelling (particularly wartime subjects) is researching the pilot, crew and unit histories, so I can really relate to all the research materials you've presented here. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beard Posted September 25, 2018 Share Posted September 25, 2018 That's a splendid story and finished kit. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jean Posted September 25, 2018 Share Posted September 25, 2018 Hi Paolo, outstanding build! Your Beaufort looks close to perfect as far as I am concerned. I have often wondered why there has not yet been a 1/72 Beaufort kit that could be built OOB and still give a close to perfect result! Possibly why I have abstained to date... Coward, I hear shout!!! And you would be right! Congrats on a great build! JR 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ColinChipmunkfan Posted September 25, 2018 Share Posted September 25, 2018 Great job on the Beaufort. It takes modelling to another level when are making a kit with so much meaning for someone. I am sure it was much appreciated. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corsairfoxfouruncle Posted September 25, 2018 Share Posted September 25, 2018 Excellent Job Great history, great resources, how could any of us turn down a Request like that ? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMCS Posted September 25, 2018 Share Posted September 25, 2018 Cracking job 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArmouredSprue Posted September 25, 2018 Author Share Posted September 25, 2018 3 hours ago, ColinChipmunkfan said: Great job on the Beaufort. It takes modelling to another level when are making a kit with so much meaning for someone. I am sure it was much appreciated. 8 hours ago, Neil.C said: What a lovely story and a fitting tribute to people like Bill and their ilk. I bet Dudley loved it! Hi all Thanks for your kind words. This kit is indeed a challenge, and there was times I wanted to throw it on the wall (ask my wife). But I kept my faith and finished it. I still haven't delivered it to Dudley, it will be a surprise for him on our next meeting on the 3rd October. Cheers Paulo 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graeme H Posted September 25, 2018 Share Posted September 25, 2018 A fantastic rendition, and worthy tribute 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hairtrigger Posted September 25, 2018 Share Posted September 25, 2018 Stunning piece of work and the backstory is the icing on the cake.. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greg Law Posted September 26, 2018 Share Posted September 26, 2018 What a nice model of one of the missing aircraft in the modelling world. If only the would do a 1/48 scale which is even more missing in action. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArmouredSprue Posted September 26, 2018 Author Share Posted September 26, 2018 Thanks guys for the kind words. Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael-S Posted September 26, 2018 Share Posted September 26, 2018 Superb! Best regards. Michael. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robgizlu Posted September 26, 2018 Share Posted September 26, 2018 Fine project and excellent end result. Having just finished a Special Hobby Firefly, I know what you mean about the wall throwing! Rob 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muddyf Posted September 26, 2018 Share Posted September 26, 2018 Great looking Beaufort. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JWM Posted September 26, 2018 Share Posted September 26, 2018 Excellent results indeed! Regards J-W 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArmouredSprue Posted September 26, 2018 Author Share Posted September 26, 2018 Thanks all Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pbaudru Posted September 27, 2018 Share Posted September 27, 2018 Great job Paulo ! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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