1/48 Tamiya Beaufighter Mk I

by Cyril Worley

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The Tamiya Beaufighter is a one of the best kits available on the market with easy to assemble parts, which fit perfectly. Only minor alterations to the design were undertaken. 

 My model is of a Mk1 belonging to No. 272 Squadron which was stationed in Malta, as it first came over in September 1941. It is wearing standard RAF camouflage of grey and green, as it first appeared on the Island.

Construction begins by converting Tamiya’s Beaufighter Mk VI, into a MK I, with alterations being done to the tail end, engine carb intakes, gun bay doors and horizontal stabilizer trim tab actuators.

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The cockpit is lavishly detailed with a brass etch set from PART, with extra wiring and tubing added. The engine, a Hercules 14 cyl radial comes from ENGINES AND THINGS, which was also wired accordingly. Weighted wheels from PARAGON DESIGNES, and finally the six Browning machine guns on the wings, as well as the Vickers K machine gun fitted to the dorsal hatch, all come from AEROCLUB.

Finally the aircraft was painted using TESTORS and HUMBROL paints.

Cyril

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Special thanks go to Darran Cowd of RAF Museum Hendon for his help.

Photos and text © by Cyril Worley