Bristol Beaufighter Dihedral Tailplanes (late)

Model Monkey, 1/32 scale

HyperScale is proudly supported by Squadron.com

Following its spectacular 1/32 scale Beaufighter Mk.VI and TF.Mk.X cockpit reviewed here on HyperScale in May, Model Monkey has now added a logical accessory - late version dihedral horizontal tailplanes.

These represents the late-type, long-span, dihedral tailplanes fit to Bristol Beaufighters, Mk.IIf, Mk.VIc, Mk.VIf, Mk.X, TF Mk.X, and TT Mk.X, etc., and retrofit to some Mk.I aircraft. Compared to the early-type, the late-type dihedral tailplanes had larger elevators (the leading edge inboard of the hinge was moved forward).

In service, Beaufighters were found to have some lateral instability during take-off and landing. To help correct this problem, the configuration of the original flat tailplanes was changed, increasing their span to 20 feet 5 inches, and giving them a dihedral of 12.5 degrees.

Please note that this set appears to be a different approach to either conventional resin casting or traditional 3D printing. It is in fact 3D printed resin, not the usual nylon material usually associated with printed parts.

Although this is a simpler subject than the cockpit, its execution and presentation is no less spectacular than its cockpit predecessor.

Revell's 1/32 scale Beaufighter dates back to 1974. It is a basic kit in the extreme, although I haven't heard anyone complain about the overall shapes.

In co-operation with a company called Lodella, Revell released a Limited Edition Beaufighter TF.X with vacform dihedral tailplanes, thimble nose and torpedo plus some photo-etched parts and new decals, but this is long out of production and the detail of the kit was still very basic. Model Monkey's cockpit goes a long way to bringing the old kit up to date, but these tailplanes are another essential piece of the puzzle if you want to build a late model Mk.VI or a TF.Mk.X.

The Model Monkey printed resin tailplanes comprises just six parts - two fixed horizontal stabilisers, two elevator and two trim tabs.

Surface textures are by way of finely recessed panel lines and some raised rivet heads on the stabilisers, and lovely restrained fabric tape texture on the elevators.

All the parts are attached to a myriad of resin supporting sprues. These are quite fine where they actually attach to the parts, but there are a lot of them.

Model Monkey wisely points out that "slow and steady wins the race". With a good set of sharp sprue cutters, a new blade in your hobby knife to trim any resid from the parts, and the right attitude, you'll be freeing your resin parts in reasonable time.

With only six parts, assembly will be fast and easy once cleanup is complete. Take note though - Model Monkey advises when assembling your tailplanes, ensure that the tabs' control horns are on the upper surface.

Model Monkey's late-model dihedral tailplanes is another essential part in the puzzle for anyone wanting to build a late model 1/32 scale Beaufighter Mk.VI or TF.Mk.X. They are beautifully executed and presented too.

Now all we need is an Observer's position and framed rear canopy!

Thanks to Model Monkey for the sample

Text and Images Copyright © 2019 by Brett Green
This Page Created on 15 August, 2019
Last updated 23 September, 2019

Back to HyperScale Main Page