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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images below to see larger images
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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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images below to see larger images
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Special
thanks go to Darran Cowd of RAF Museum Hendon for his help.
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