Bristol Beaufort mk.I Airfix 1/72

This build was one of my fav, togeather with Airfix Wellington. All fits with only minor issues (main gear flaps need a little sanding in montage pins)! Very Fun Build! As usual I used aftermarket decals to make 489 RNZAF squadron, by Tasman Brand from Australian Hobby Shop. I was surprised that in general the amount of work was not much less than in the construction of the much bigger Vickers Wellington from Airfix.

No. 489 Squadron was formed on 12 August 1941 at RAF Leuchars, equipped with Bristol Beaufort aircraft to operate as a torpedo bomber unit of Coastal Command. Its motto in Māori, the indigenous language of New Zealand, was Whakatanagata kia kaha, which can be translated as "Acquit ye like men, be strong". At the time the squadron was formed, there were few New Zealanders with experience operating torpedo bombers. Some personnel were from other countries. After training on Beauforts squadron was reequipped with Bristol Beaufighters and Handley Page Hampdens, but it is theme for another story...

To build I used Brass Vickers MG to improve look of left side hatch. Rest of the build was from the box. Of course I used set of masks to save time. All paints was MR Color - Very good! For weathering - Weathering Master set from tamiya, and Modelers World Medium Brown Wash.

PS. Today not to much photos 🙂

Capt R. will return...

28 additional images. Click to enlarge.