Bristol Beaufort Mk.1 (ICM 1/48)
The Bristol Beaufort was a torpedo bomber developed from experience gained from the earlier Bristol Blenheim light bomber. It entered service with the RAF in 1940, but by mid-1942 Beaufort units were transferred to the Mediterranean and Asian theatres of operation, being replaced in the European theatre by the more powerful Beaufighter. Interestingly, the Beaufort flew more hours in training than on operational missions and more were lost through accidents and mechanical failures than were lost to enemy fire.
The subject of this model is an example that was lost by enemy fire - N1016 of No. 22 Squadron based at St. Eval and piloted by F/O Kenneth Campbell was shot down on 6th April 1941 after successfully torpedoing the battle cruiser Gneisenau in Brest harbour - a deed for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross.
This ICM kit was a joy to build and the parts fitted together well. It was painted with AK colours over an aluminium base to facilitate a bit of chipping around the wing leading edges and roots. Additional weathering was done using oil dot filters and pastels.
Superb result, Ken @kenboardman
Excellent work on exterior as well as interior.
Nice result on the weathering.
Thanks!
Superb result, Ken!
Excellent job all over!
Very nice, Ken (@kenboardman). I am sure this build was a little more challenging than the new Airfix kit, but your results are spectacular. Well done.
Thanks!
A very clean build of an intricate little kit, Ken. I like the weathering you did on this one, particularly the chipping on the leading edges of the wings. The camo is nicely airbrushed and decal application looks perfect. The AK colours look great. Glad to hear the kit goes together well, I have a Mark 1 waiting in my stash.
Very nice Beaufort Ken. Great job!
Great job, but it looks like mark I version with twin Vickers turret.
After revisiting my references, I can confirm that N1016 was in fact a Mk.1. Note that the primary difference between Mk.! and Mk.1a lay in the type of Taurus engine fitted. The engines used by the Mk.1 developed 1085bhp while those fitted to the Mk.1a developed 1130bhp. The type of armament fitted varied by squadron and operational needs.
Excellent build. ICM came up with a winner with this one!
Nice job and nice to see another one built. ICM rocks.
G'day Ken (@kenboardman),
This is a great build of a reasonably little known and unsung aircraft type.
I'm hoping ICM bring out an Australian built version - a broader fin and different engines - but I'm not holding my breath.
Liked!
Never give up hope!
Great work on this - the paint and weathering are nice and subtle. Well done!