Airfix 1/72 Bristol Beaufighter TFX

AIRFIX 1:72 BRISTOL BEAUFIGHTER TFX

Reviewer: Steve Papworth (rec.models.scale)
Kit Review submitted: 25 January 2003

Aircraft History:

Built as a company-funded long-range fighter (using major components from the earlier Beaufort torpedo-bomber), the prototype Beaufighter first flew on July 17, 1939, with Captain Uwins at the controls. This was little more than eight months after the design had been initiated. Exactly two weeks earlier, before the first flight, a production contract for 300 machines had been placed to specification F. 17/39. This seemingly desperate measure by the Air Ministry was, by 1938 to 1939, not uncommon, as it helped speed up the production of much-needed combat planes. This kit is the TF.X version, powered by two Bristol Hercules XVII, 14 cylinder radial engines and armed with four 20mm Hispanio Cannon in the fuselage nose, six 0.303 inch machine guns in the wings and a 0.303inch dorsal gun. The kit builds into two versions, the first being from 236 Squadron RAF, stationed at North Coates in June 1944 or No. 404(RCAF) Squadron, Wick 1944. (Source www.aviation-history.com)

The Kit:

The kit consists of 90 light grey injection moulded parts and two clear plastic canopies. Having mainly been involved in building Revell (Germany) and Hasegawa kits lately the Airfix kit is certainly a step down in detail and fittings. The pilot and rear gunner sit on plastic tabs with cockpit detail non-existent, the wheel wells are similarly blank with the attachments for the undercarriage taking precedence over any accuracy and detail. The kit is labelled skill level 2 which I guess indicates beginners as the target market for the kit. However Airfix must have lifted their quality control somewhat as there was a general absence of flash and the parts fitted together well with minimal sanding and filling required.

Instructions:

The instructions are an eight A4 page document giving 9 construction steps and two paint schemes. The instructions are not detailed but the kit is basic in its construction.

Construction:

I suppose ‘skill level 2’ is a step above basic and this kit is certainly that. The parts fit together well and there is nothing difficult or challenging in the assembly. Any seasoned modeller will have no trouble assembling this kit in a couple of hours. It was easy to paint and gave no problems, which is a change from the old Airfix I remember. Even the dihedral on the elevators, a Beaufighter trait is accommodated by the moulding of each elevator and fitted first time.

Painting/Decals:

The decals provided for both versions are good, with the exception of the ‘invasion stripes’ which are a huge decal which bends around and under the entire wing, these take some concentration to get on straight without tearing. Being Humbrol the paints are readily obtainable but having been unable to find a colour photo of this machine I cannot comment on the accuracy. As previously stated the kit builds into two versions;

1.) No. 263 Squadron RAF. No.236 Squadron RAF was re-formed in October 1939 and flew Bristol Blenheim fighters on shipping patrols. In 1940 the squadron was re-equipped with Bristol Beauforts until August 1941 when it received the first of its Beaufighters. These aircraft remained with the squadron until it was disbanded in May 1945. (source www.rafcommands.currantbun.com)

2.) No. 404 Squadron RCAF. No 404 Squadron RCAF was known as the ‘Buffalo’ squadron. It was formed in 1940 at Thorney Island in England flying Blenheims, then Beaufighters from September 1942 until March 1945 when they were replaced with Mosquitos. The squadron was disbanded on 25 May 1945. (source www.rcaf.com)

Overall:

I like the look of the Beaufighter and wanted to add one to my collection. The main thing the Airfix kit of this aircraft has going for it is availability. It is apparent the kit is designed for the younger modeller and if you’re looking for a detailed kit of the aircraft you’re better off looking somewhere else. Having said that, the kit builds up into an acceptable representation of the aircraft, leaving it up to the modeller to add more detail.

Note: the following related reviews links have not been updated since early 2000's - more kit reviews of this aircraft may now be on SMAKR, not reflected below. Refer to the Index for other kits of this type.

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