Tamiya Bristol Beaufighter TF.Mk.X 1:48 – build review

Feature Article by Dave Coward

References used:
Internet

Aftermarket Extras:
• Model Alliance Coastal Command Part 1 Decals
• Aviaeology Beaufighter Airframe stencils
• Quickboost Exhaust Stacks

Background

Sometimes you need a quick, hassle-free build to restore your confidence in modelling after a problematic build and in these situations I can always rely on a Tamiya kit to do this. In this case I spied Tamiya’s Beaufighter in the stash along with a set of Model Alliance decals for an RAF Dallachy 486 (NZ) Sqn aircraft, so on with what I hope will be a simple project.

Before construction started a quick internet search resulted in a fantastic in-flight reference picture of the subject I wanted to model – you really can’t get better than this. There were also other photos that gave more detail on the areas that were a bit ‘sketchy’ in the main shot such as the Yagi aerial, nose camera and the torpedo tail detail.

So even with the above ‘extras’ I wanted to build the kit from the box as much as I could; any of the extras would firstly be sourced from the unused kit parts and then the spares box if necessary.

Construction…