Airfix 1/72 Beaufort.

Started by John Healy · 60 · 3 years ago
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    John Healy said 3 years, 4 months ago:

    I added this to my last Xtracolor order from Kitlinx when I saw it in stock. This kit seems pretty thin on the ground here in the US and I was glad to grab it.
    I started basic assembly and dry fitting the other day. It’s very impressive all around. Extraordinary fit and incredible detail packed in. I really like the engineering and detail on these 1/72 Airfix multi-engine kits. A lot of fun in a small package for a decent price.

    7 attached images. Click to enlarge.

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    Harvey R. said 3 years, 4 months ago:

    Seems like a good kit, I'm hoping they'll eventually build a 1/48 version, definitely seems like a lot of detail for 1/72 which is always good.

    The weirdest thing I find about the kit is the box art, strange angle to show off an aircraft.

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    John Healy said 3 years, 4 months ago:

    It’s definitely different boxart, but it certainly does tell the story of the attack on Gneisenau. A lot of these new Airfix kits have a note on the box describing the action. I think it’s a great way to spark interest in younger modelers. FYI, ICM is doing a Beaufort in 1/48 this year.
    The detail is really something, much like the new 1/72 Wellington kits. They got me dabbling in 1/72 again after 30 years of a solid 1/48 diet.

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    John vd Biggelaar said 3 years, 4 months ago:

    That will be a great build, John @j-healy
    After restarting this hobby I did a couple of those new Airfix kits and they a great, fitting and detailing is very good.
    Looking forward to yours.

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    Spiros Pendedekas said 3 years, 4 months ago:

    What a great entry, my friend @j-healy!
    As much as I love EVERY scale, isn't it nice that Airfix contributes so significantly in 1/72 scale revival? Kind of like the past times! The kit and your progress, both look great!
    Looking forward to it!

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    John Healy said 3 years, 4 months ago:

    A little more progress today. Tape seatbelts and a little dry brushing to liven it up.

    3 attached images. Click to enlarge.

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    capt. R said 3 years, 4 months ago:

    kit look very nice!

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    Spiros Pendedekas said 3 years, 4 months ago:

    Looking great, my friend @j-healy!
    Love your interior! My usual boring statement follows: "hope a lot can be seen under the transparencies...".
    Looking forward to your progress on this so nice subject!

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    John vd Biggelaar said 3 years, 4 months ago:

    Very nice, John @j-healy
    Nice addition from Airfix is the presence of those struts to make the wing junction more stirdy.
    Looking forward to your next steps.

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    John Healy said 3 years, 4 months ago:

    After painting the interior, the Beaufort assembled quickly. Unfortunately, I think I committed an unforced error with the small round windows on either side of the fuselage. I can almost swear that they were pretty close to flush with the fuselage when I installed them. As you can see, they’re not now. I must’ve pushed them in when I joined the fuselage halves. I think my only option now is to pop them out and make new ones from white glue after the model is painted.

    6 attached images. Click to enlarge.

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    John vd Biggelaar said 3 years, 4 months ago:

    Great steps, John @j-healy
    Great looking interior.
    Are you not able to push the windows back using a long thin stick from the frontside of the fuselage?

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    Spiros Pendedekas said 3 years, 4 months ago:

    Nice progress, my friend @j-healy!

    Pity about the windows. If you are not able to re-push them at their original position, as our friend @johnb suggested, you may push the windows in, smooth the circular opening and apply a good portion of Clearfix or similar product at finishing stages. The result will be great!

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    John Healy said 3 years, 4 months ago:

    I already tried pushing them in. They must have set at odd angles. They’re small enough to be replicated with Clearfix. I just hate to pop them!

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    George R Blair Jr said 3 years, 4 months ago:

    Looks awesome, John (@j-healy). I have been looking for one of these in the States for a long time, but nothing so far. I have been tempted to order one from overseas, but the postage is a killer. On the windows, could you fill them with white glue or similar to bring them level with the fuselage?

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    John Healy said 3 years, 4 months ago:

    Thanks, George. I’ll use Testors clear part cement or Elmers clear school glue. I just successfully popped the offending bits out. Check out Hannants. I buy decals and flat stuff like PE from them a few times a year. Their decal selection is massive. I occasionally throw a smaller kit (usually Airfix) in too. The postage is higher, but not atrocious. They’re service is excellent too. Gets here quick.