[jim]

Originally Posted by Cruver Collecter

And how about a rear gun position?

Good question, I have a video of Beaufighters in action using rockets attacking shipping and they are MKX with the rear gun position glazed over.

I will have to do a little more research because I think many of the early fighter versions were pilot only and no Nav/ gunner, maybe?

[no4mkit]

Originally Posted by PZL24G

Some interesting choices will be :

Bristol Beaufighter Mk. IF 604 Squadron, Royal Air Force Ser. no. R2101 Middle Wallop, Hampshire December 1940

Excellent - this is Cunningham's - the black one with NG-R codes. He's the second top scoring Beau ace and first to use the Beau radar to achieve a night kill.

Originally Posted by PZL24G

Bristol Beaufighter Mk. VIF 415th Night Fighter Squadron, 12th U.S. Army Air Force Ser. no. KW147La Vailon, Southern France September 1944

Cool for two reasons - the USAAF markings and the thimble radar nose.

Two must have's in my book!!

[Cruver Collecter]

Originally Posted by jim

Good question, I have a video of Beaufighters in action using rockets attacking shipping and they are MKX with the rear gun position glazed over.

I will have to do a little more research because I think many of the early fighter versions were pilot only and no Nav/ gunner, maybe?

Pretty sure all had two man crew, but not all sported the rear facing armament. I kind of like the look of the variant with the rear armament better. Looked good on the old Airfix Bristol Beaufighter.

[no4mkit]

Originally Posted by Cruver Collecter

Now this is an odd looking Beaufighter. Rolls-Royce Merlin version just does not look right compared to the Bristol Hercules powered version.



Images from Squadron publications Beaufighter in action.

Hey - nothing wrong with the Merlin powered Mk.II. Question for HM is - will they consider it? Some high scoring night fighter aces like RCAF F/O Jack Turnbull DFC & bar flew it.

[Cruver Collecter]

Originally Posted by no4mkit

Hey - nothing wrong with the Merlin powered Mk.II. Question for HM is - will they consider it? Some high scoring night fighter aces like RCAF F/O Jack Turnbull DFC & bar flew it.

That could be a real tricky modification. Upper portion of the engine nacelle on the Hercules powered variant extends much further back, almost to the flaps. I would not mind seeing the Merlin powered night fighter though. I think at one time there was an aftermarket resin conversion kit for this variant, but that is about it.

[jim]

Originally Posted by Cruver Collecter

Pretty sure all had two man crew, but not all sported the rear facing armament. I kind of like the look of the variant with the rear armament better. Looked good on the old Airfix Bristol Beaufighter.

I have no time at the moment to have a good delve into this, Just packing my bag ready to go down to Spitfire County, (Kent ) for a week.

Lots to see down there and many old airfields to visit plus more castles than you could shake a stick at.

No doubt by the time I return you gentlemen will have this all sorted and have a nice shortlist of schemes, I look forward to reading what the preferences are.

BTW It will take a week to catch up with all the posts when I return !!!

[smartd]

Whichever version(s) are produced I am sure we will be all over them.

[1250ships]

One thing for sure- I'm glad I didn't pick up that IXO version.

I'd probably buy a South Pacific version- Battle of the Bismarck Sea for instance.

[no4mkit]

Originally Posted by Cruver Collecter

That could be a real tricky modification. Upper portion of the engine nacelle on the Hercules powered variant extends much further back, almost to the flaps. I would not mind seeing the Merlin powered night fighter though. I think at one time there was an aftermarket resin conversion kit for this variant, but that is about it.

Shhh... now don't discourage them! It's nothing they can't resolve with modular components! Corgi could do it, so I know HM is up to the task.

[Epapazian]

Here's an excellent TFX from 404 Sq. ( RCAF ), RAF Coastal Command, Scotland, June '44.