Airfix Bristol Beaufighter TF.X

[Bob C]

One of my daughters got me this 1/72 scale Airfix Beaufighter back in January. started yesterday, also got some Xtradecals for it.

[Bigkev]

Hi Bob,

Got the initial issue in the stash, so I will be watching how you work on this.
Treat me.....
Cheers,
Bigkev

[chriswil42]

Looking forward to this Bob. Maybe I should build a tank?

[Bob C]

maybe I should stick to armour, this is a bit small.
this is where I'm at everything is out of the box except for the seat belts which are Tamiya tape. some bits a bit tight but ok.

[MSea]

looking great Bob - just think of the transferable skills you will learn making this and then use on your next tank

[zak]

looking great Bob - just think of the transferable skills you will learn making this and then use on your next tank

I think, Bill said that everything in the new Airfix kits fits so well that even a layer of paint is a problem.

[MSea]

That sounds like the Zvezda kits I have made - they are so precise that as you say a coat of paint stops them joining up.
See quality engineering at its best - hohoho

[chriswil42]

A good start Bob.

[Bob C]

Done some more, airframe built only problem was getting the engines to mate with the wings, colour next.

[councilman]

Tidy job so fare Bob. 

[Wizzel]

Good work Bob,

although I am trying to cut my collection down, I also picked this up the other day from my local hardware shop - purely in the name of supporting local businesses you understand.  It'll be a while before I start it but I do find the instructions are not entirely clear on whether you put rockets on in addition to or instead of the torpedo.  What do you think? 

[Red Lancer]

Lovely looking aircraft!
Will look good when done

[Bigkev]

Good work Bob,

although I am trying to cut my collection down, I also picked this up the other day from my local hardware shop - purely in the name of supporting local businesses you understand.  It'll be a while before I start it but I do find the instructions are not entirely clear on whether you put rockets on in addition to or instead of the torpedo.  What do you think?

Hi Wizzel,

in answer to your question is one or the other not both.

Torpedo armed Beaufighter's were known as 'Torbeau's' and were dedicated to torpedo shipping, they were normally accompanied on missions by 'Flak-Beau's' the rocket armed version, though not necessarily on all missions. Sometimes only gun equipped Beaufighter's acted as escort.

I have noticed that on the latest boxing of the Airfix Beaufighter, as per Bob's here, the box art does show both the torpedo and rocket in one of the marking options.

On all my references, the Beaufighter, did not have both on operational missions, though some may have been photographed with both in situ, for propaganda purposes.

I too, have this kit in the 'to build' pile, but I am also contemplating building all 3 Bristol Twins, Blenheim, Beaufort, and Beaufighter. Question is when I have time to do so.

It is a lovely kit, and as Bob has done here builds well, though as Bob has pointed out you need to be ultra careful in your gluing surfaces as any paint throws things out.

Cheers,
Bigkev

[Wizzel]

Thanks Kev - excellent info as always.  OUr club has always been very good at sharing and helping out.

[Bob C]

Great minds must think alike Kevin.

Bob c