How to Build Tamiya's Bristol
Beaufighter

by Steve A. Evans

ADH Publishing

Reviewed by Rodger Kelly

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ADH Publishing is the same team that brings us the Model Airplane International, Model Military International , Military illustrated International and Tamiya Model Magazine International magazines that we see on our news stands. 

Of late however they have branched out from magazines into books, releasing two titles so far in a new series titled “How to Build….”  The first title in this series was How to Build Tamiya’s Fairey Swordfish and it was authored by Geoff Coughlin.   The second in the series is this one, How to Build Tamiya’s Bristol Beaufighter by Steve A. Evans.

“How to” modelling books have been around for a long time now and, as far as I am concerned, are welcome additions to an enthusiast’s bookshelf.  Generally, they concentrate on modelling a particular type of machine and the authors build that machine in several scales and versions.  This series of titles from ADH Publishing though focus not only on a particular type, but also on a particular kit.  Hence the title – How to Build Tamiya’s Bristol Beaufighter.

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The book is 60 pages in all comprising of eight chapters and two appendices.  Following an introduction in which you are advised on what is in each of the three different 1/48 scale kits currently on offer from Tamiya and which versions of the Beaufighter you can build from them you are treated to six chapters in which a different version of the Beaufighter is constructed. 

Each of the chapters includes a sidebar too, titled "Model Info" in which you are advised of the kit’s number, its scale, and the amount of parts contained in the kit.  “What’s in The Box” which shows an image of the kit parts and the decal sheet, and “What you Will Need” which lists the tools and materials, and paint shades you will need to complete the kit as described in the particular chapter.  The paints listed are confined to Halfords, Humbrol. Lifecolour and Tamiya.

The individual chapters and builds are:

• From-the-Box – NF Mk VI in which the author builds an overall “Night” camouflaged, radar equipped night fighter using just what is in the box including the decals.  There is also a further sidebar in this chapter advising on how to achieve perfect decals.  Advice is also offered on how to liven up a monochromatic finish.

• From-the-Box – FB Mk VI.  A desert camouflaged fighter bomber version of the Beau equipped with 60 pound high explosive air-to-ground rockets.  This chapter will also teach you techniques on how to apply multi-coloured camouflage schemes.

• From-the-Box – TF MK X.  Producing a torpedo armed Beau with its thimble nose and ventral strake.

• Simple Update – Mk 21.  Producing an overall Foliage Green Aussie Beau using aftermarket Eagle Strike decals and adding Eduard photo etched metal details as well as using an Eduard masking set for its transparencies.

• More Details – Post War TF Mk X.  Building a spinner equipped operation FIRE DOG Beau in its striking Medium Grey over Night paint scheme.  The author ups the ante with this one and includes Aires Resin cockpit interior, wheel bay and wheel sets for this build as well as a pair of Cutting Edge Modelworks hedgehog exhausts.  You are also taught how to produce your own masking sets from tape to reproduce the serial too.

• Conversion – MK IIf.  More razor saw work with this one with the author using a Czech Masters Kit resin conversion to produce a Merlin engined version of the Beau.  A brave man!

• The final chapter is titled Confession & Thanks and the author relates a little of the mishaps that he encountered on his six-build marathon.

The two appendices deal with available 1/48 scale aftermarket accessories and decals as well as a list of useful references for the Beaufighter.

The book is A-4 in size, soft bound and printed on good quality glossy paper.  Given the nature of the book, images abound.  They are all pertinent to the text’s dialogue, sharp and clear and in full colour.

I found the book to be both entertaining and informative throughout and well and truly worth the £11.95 (plus shipping) that ADH Publishing is asking for it.  It is well written in an informative yet humorous approach by someone who obviously enjoys his modelling but does not take it too seriously. 

Recommended.

Thanks to ADH Publishing for the review sample