Bristol Beaufighter MK VI
This model represents an Beaufighter from 30 Squadron, RAAF. I have no further info on it except that the person I built it for was on the same island base in the Pacific where this group was. He was with the USA on OY-10's. He passed away one week after I gave him the model
Building this kit was like putting some glue in the box and shaking it..
Very nice model, Frank. I have been doing some research on Aussie Beaufighters for a possible project, and have discovered something interesting: the Aussies got a whole lot of early Mk.Is (with the short flat horizontal stabs) and as far as I can tell never got any Mk.VIs (which bummed me out since I was thinking of using the same kit as you did), then moved to their domestic produced airplanes (which you can do with the Tamiya kit). Obviously no mistake on your part and it's certain the guy you built it for will never worry about this, but I pass on the info for others wanting to do Aussie Beaus.
Hi Tom, the RAAF had Mk 6C's A19-73 to A19-136, the only reference so far to LY-V has it as a Mk 10, I can't make out the serial on Franks model, regards Allan.
Beaufighter LY-V, serial number A19-179. acquired by 30 squad 8/Feb/44, destroyed in an air raid at Morotai 24/Nov/44.
Great job on a handsome Beaufighter, Frank. One of my favorite schemes worn by them- very nice!
Quite nice, Frank. Beau's are a favorite of mine.
Nice model Frank. Being an Aussie it's nice to see an RAAF subject gracing the site. If anyone wants a good read about the RAAF and their involvement in the Pacific, I can recommend a book called "Whispering Death" by Mark Johnston.
Another nice Bristol Beaufighter, I think that's two this month! Did Bristol ever produce anything that didn't begin with a "B" I wonder?