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Airfix Beaufighter TFX.10 1/72 SEAC

Started by Bigkev, August 14, 2021, 07:06:48 PM

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Bigkev

Thanks Chris,
A bit further on now.
Have masked the Brown off with a some MIG masking putty, Tamiya tape and paper. Love the masking putty, excellent to use.
Painted upper surfaces in a disruptive pattern of green.
Once dry, masking removed to reveal a paint job I am happy with. There are a couple of small touch ups needed on the fin, and wing root fillet.
The white SEAC bands turned out okay, again a couple of minor bleeds on tailplane which I'll touch up with a fine brush.
Next up, the engine fronts and exhaust area.
some pictures follow:-
Bigkev 
I hope my next is always better

zak

Grumpy by name and nature

Biggles

Hi Kevin,
I've got three 1/48 scale Beaufighters 'on the go' (as well as the Whirlwinds... it's like a WWII British Aircraft Factory in my model room at the moment!)
I've been researching Coastal Strike Beaufighters and depending upon what period and/or Squadron you're finishing your Beaufighter in, you may have to fit Mk III rocket rails (the later 'straight' rail type) with AP Mk II solid-shot warheads on your RPs.
Apparently the solid shot warheads were better at penetrating ships' sides under water...
(Tony – don't read that last bit as it'll only upset you, you being a ship modeller!)

The camouflage schemes were pretty tatty too with LOTS of weathered finishes, overpanting and different shades of paint!
You can paint the upper surfaces virtually ANY shade of dark and medium grey you want to!!!
Tally Ho!
Neil
 

Biggles

Oooops sorry,
I didn't get to p2 and 3 and now see that you're doing your Beaufighters as a SEAC machine.

Ignore everything I said about Coastal Command Beaufighters!!!

That'll teach me to read everything before I make comments, eh............

Neil



Bigkev

Hi,
Thanks for the comments and the info. When I have a go at a Coastal Command version then I'll bear the advice in mind.
Moving onto this SEAC version, it was time to paint up the engine nacelles.
To protect the already painted airframe, I used three food/sandwich bags held in place with a few rubber bands an some strips of masking tape. Then a more attention to mask off the fronts of the engines.
The instructions say Matt Black, but looking at pictures/photo's they seem to have a metallic sheen to them, though heat affected. So, I decided to use Alclad II metallic to get the result I wanted. First up a coat of Tamiya Gloss Black as a base, once dry I then airbrushed a light coat of Copper, followed by a misting of Jet Exhaust. This left a subtle copper hue to the engine fronts.
Once dry removed all the masking, ready to start to do some weathering/chipping of the paintwork prior to decaling.
some pictures:-
Bigkev   
I hope my next is always better

chriswil42

#35
Very nice Kevin. The panel lines stand out nicely.
Chris

Bob C

I hope my one looks half as good when its finished.

Bob c

kiwichappers

I'm very impressed with this build Kev. The precision of your build and finishing is definitely bringing out the best of this kit. Really looking forward to seeing this on display at the club.

cph64

The collector rings must only come off the assembly line shiny as I once read an article by someone who said he'd never seen them that colour, they were always grey. Probably due to heat etc. as you're aiming for.

Bigkev

Hi Chris,
Your comments are appreciated, and I somewhat agree.
I had a good look at the real Blenheim 1 at East Kirkby Air show, a couple of years back, and yes, the collector rings were not shiny, but they had a definite metallic hue.
So, at the moment on my 'Beau' they look shiny, but fear not. After I have done some 'weathering' on the model, they will be toned down and appear more matt in appearance.
Cheers,
Bigkev
 
I hope my next is always better

Bigkev

Okay, moving on.
The whole airframe got a gloss coat of 'Kleer' after I had added some scratches on the airframe with a 'silver coloured pencil'. I added the most to the forward facing areas of the aircraft, leading edges, wing roots, engine cowlings, etc.
Once this had dried I began applying the decals. These are super, good density, and conform very well, with a little softening soloution. However there are about 100 individual items to apply, so it is not a quick task. One criticism is that the instructions do not show exactly the orientation some decals should be, so some research is needed. They are superbly printed though!!
Over the next few nights, I will complete the rest.
Some pictures follow:-
Bigkev
I hope my next is always better

zak

This is a really informative and excellent build, well done.
Grumpy by name and nature

chriswil42

Chris

Bob C


Bigkev

Hi All,
Thanks for your kind comments.
Well now all the decals are in place, and the airframe given a quick wash to remove any decal softening soloution.
Then, once properly dry I then gave the model a coat of Flory Dark Dirt wash to pick out the panel lines, fastenings, hinges, etc.
To be honest, it looks a real mess now, and you think have I done the right thing....?
Some pictures follow:-
Bigkev
I hope my next is always better