**** DONE: 1/48 Beaufighter Mk.21 - Heavy Hitters II GB

[Vic Balshaw]

Username: Vic Balshaw
First name: Vic
Category: Judge – Non competing
Scale: 1/48
Manufacturer: Tamiya – 61053-2800

Extras: Eduard ED48 215 etched detail set. Ventura VA4872 decal for Aussie aircraft. Plastic Model Club MM48 010 canopy mask. Minimal scratch building and a lot of TLC.

For this build I'm turning to Australia and it's Pacific War. Beaufighter Mk.21'as were manufactured in both Britain and Australia and it is an Australian manufactured aircraft that I will duplicate. The aircraft is serial number A8-23, squadron code EHC from 31 Squadron RAAF. The aircraft was brought on charge in August 1944 and delivered to the squadron inventory in October 1944 where it served until being placed in storage on October 1945 and finally scrapped in August 1949.

The only information I have relating directly to this airframe is that it was normally piloted by Flg. Off. A.A Burton, the Nav Plt. Off. R.W. Lyons. (Pentland Vol 2, Profile p.94, photo p 95)

 

[N4521U]

Another biggun my man. Did you add on to your unit, or build a room in the back yard??????

 

[Lucky13]

Aaah....A8-23, then there must be a A8-13!

Looking forward to this one Vic!

 

[Crimea_River]

At 1/48, not all that big Bill.

Nice one Vic. No lights this time I assume!

 

[woody]

Another good one Vic.

 

[Vic Balshaw]

At 1/48, not all that big Bill.

Nice one Vic. No lights this time I assume!

Did look at the instructions and think 'fibre optic!'

Aaah....A8-23, then there must be a A8-13!

Looking forward to this one Vic!

Here you go Jan:

A8-13 – Mk 21 to 31 Sqn 20 Sep 1944. 16 Sep - first operation flight. 27 Nov – hit strong down-draught when landing, damaged undercarriage, Coomalie airstrip NT. 29 Nov - to Repair and Salvage Unit (RSU). 5 Apr 1945 - return to 31 Sqn. 14 Apr - back to RSU. 8 Jun – with 22 Sqn and tailwheel collapsed on landing, Wama airstrip. 11 Sep – allocated Sqn code SK-G. 8 Nov – into store. 8 Aug 1949 – Struck off.

 

[meatloaf109]

Ah, a couple of lights wouldn't hurt, me thinks!

 

[Airframes]

Good one Vic. Maybe nav lights, and an illuminated instrument panel - oh, and the orange or blue lamp in the mid fuselage ......... just kidding!
Got some detail shots, cutaways and side elevation drawing showing equipment fit, if you need them Vic.

 

[Vic Balshaw]

Good one Vic. Maybe nav lights, and an illuminated instrument panel - oh, and the orange or blue lamp in the mid fuselage ......... just kidding!
Got some detail shots, cutaways and side elevation drawing showing equipment fit, if you need them Vic.

Many thanks for the offer Terry but I think I'll be okay with this one, I've stacks of reference material on the Mk.21.

 

[Lucky13]

Cheers Vic! A bit of a bumpy road, for the poor lass!

 

[Wurger]

I'm looking forward to the build. Go, go Vic..

 

[rochie]

nice one Vic, as you know Peter's thread from an earlier GB is a mine of info !

 

[Wayne Little]

Look forward to this one Vic, goota do one myself one day...

 

[T Bolt]

Cool one Vic. I did the Airfix one when I was a kid and think about doing it in 1/48th every time I see it in a hobby shop. Maybe some day....

 

[Vic Balshaw]

Thanks guys, could be a few days before I get started on this one.

 

[N4521U]

At 1/48, not all that big Bill. Nice one Vic. No lights this time I assume!

Old eyes, I looked at it like it was a two engined craft....... Doh

 

[ozhawk40]

Marvellous choice Vic!

The two crew were Alexander Stewart Burton and Ralph Walker Lyons. Looking at the ORB they joined ops late in the war after graduating Beaufighter Course 24 from 5 OTU in February 1945. They got in a couple of missions before the end of hostilities flying 23 and other Beau's.

Cheers

Peter

 

[Airframes]

Good stuff Peter, and look, in Oz, they print things upside down !

 

[ozhawk40]

Good stuff Peter, and look, in Oz, they print things upside down !

Yes of course we do, and back to front.

Another snippet of info is that Burton and Lyons were involved in a mid air collision with another Beau whilst in training. Fatal for the other crew involved at the time, unfortunately. Balls of steel in those days for sure.

 

[Vic Balshaw]

This good stuff Peter, my thanks. Where did you find such snippets!

Good stuff Peter, and look, in Oz, they print things upside down !

Terry, you have to remember that a good many of the Aussies are of Irish decent………………………………………..