Tamiya's 1/48 Bristol Beaufighter Mk VII
This is the later version of the several night fighter variants with the thimble nose. The model represents an aircraft from 604 Squadron, RAF, based at Church Fenton in 1943. Built straight out of the box except for a little scratch building to enhance the cockpit & a change of decals. Built in 2006, this model is lucky to have a spot in my family room with permission from the Household Authorities (to be fair, she has over twenty of her paintings on our walls!).
As I picked it up to dust, I noticed that the transparencies were a bit dull & that some of the weathering had worn off...so fresh Future & Prismacolor silver pencil, a touch of colour on the panel lines & a bit of pastel here & there along with some fresh photos & here it is.
Yes I have a Mk X in RAAF colours & another in the stash to build. There's something about Beaufighters: big, pugnacious & ugly...Love 'em!
Nice build, Tony (and equally nice pics as well).
Thanks Craig. Much appreciated.
Tony you did a great job on this Bristol Brute! The SAAF used the Beaufighter in the Med with great success. A very nice rendition of an iconic aircraft. Your subtle weathering looks great! Well done!
My grandfather and father had seen the effect SAAf 16 sq bridge and close to home here during WWII and suport to Slovenia Partizan.
When they needed BAF air support to destroy the nests of domestic traitors and SS Paramilitary units.
Thanks Morne. Many years ago I actually got to sit in one as a young teenager. The stuff of dreams!
Nice work as ever Tony.
A fine Beau sir.
Thank you kindly Simon.
Like!
Thanks P.k.
I agree there's something about a Beaufighter. I remember Airfix's original 1/72 model, maybe small but not big, or, maybe, big but not small. Anyway, I like your Tamiya 1/48 version, Tony, it captures the spirit of the original very well.
Thank you George. You ought to see one posed net to a 1/48 Mosquito! Big isn' strong enough... Huge is better!t
I too share the need for permission from the authority to display! My wife is an artist too and she just shuts the door to the front bedroom when anyone comes over! Very nice work on the Beau.
Thanks Jeff. We're lucky to have understanding wives!
I wouldn't say it is ugly, not at all! Brutal is a much better description! I have a few of the High Planes offerings in 72-scale in the stash, I think a Merlin-engined one would be high on the list for the time being 🙂 !
Beautiful build, I wish we saw more of these built!
Regards
Magnus
Thanks for the comments Magnus. Yes 'Brutal' is good! I agree about the Merlin version but I'm not holding my breath.
brutally ugly...nice build
Thanks Bob.
Nice finishes on this, Tony. There's a BF at Hendon that is big and brutal. Few aircraft can match its 'in yer face' attitude.
Thanks Rob. What I'd really like to build is a Bristol Brigand In 1/48 of course! That would really be 'In yer face'.
Great work! Love the weathering - just enough to make it look real. Nice touch.
Thanks Greg. I guess I tend to go for the lighter touch on the basis that 'Less is more'. Also it's easier to add than subtract!
A flawless beauty, Tony. Congratulations ! Your builds are always a highlight.
My Tamiya Beaufighter will face a good portion of oven cleaner, it need a new look, after all the years
Thank you Bernd. Kind of you to say so. Please post your 're-do' of your Beaufighter when it's finished.
Tony,
The Beaufighter is one of my favorite airplanes. I see beauty in it and your model definitely brings out the beauty I see. Excellent job on this.
Thank you Frank. Appreciate the kind words.