Bristol Beaufighter
Mk.VI/TF Mk.X

Xtradecal, 1/72 scale

Reviewed by Mark Davies

Xtradecal's 1/72 scale Junkers Ju 87 B/K/R Stuka decals
are available online from Squadron.com

This sheet is intended to compliment the forthcoming second version of their new-tool Airfix Beaufighter TF Mk.X, this being labelled TF 10 (Late), which is  due for release around about now (time of writing being 1/08/16). As this will essentially be the same as their earlier new-tool TF X this should be a very good kit indeed. The kit markings are advised as both being for RAF aircraft, Mk.X (Late) of 45 Squadron in Negombo, Ceylon, 1948; and a TF X (Late) of 489 (RNZAF) Squadron in Dallachy, 1945.

Of course, these decals are equally well suited to equivalent issues of the Hasegawa Beaufighter, but would I think be wasted on the old 1974 Matchbox kit that Revell has also re-boxed. (The 1963 Airfix and 1969 Frog kits both lack the radar nose and fin fillet required by the marking options reviewed here, and the decals deserve better anyway).

The Decals

The decals are supplied in Xtradecal’s usual polythene zip-lock bag. The instructions are very nicely produced in colour, and clearly indicate markings placement. A brief note regarding the aircraft and its station location is given for each subject. A list of Xtracolor and Xtracrylix paint codes is also provided for the colours, which are identified by their RAF names. A modeler’s note accompanying three of the schemes advises of things like a lack of an intake behind the cockpit, radar nose, or fin fillet as applicable.

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Thumbnail panels:

The sheet covers six schemes, all of which interesting in my opinion. This because some options feature the thimble-nose radome but lack the late-model fin-fillet, and vice-versa; whilst a post-war example that saw operational service in Malaya (now Malaysia) is overall high-speed silver. Another plus is that only two of the six options have the same basic colour scheme. The specific subjects covered are:

• TF Mk.X, RD816/OB-D, 45 Sqn, RAF Tengah, Op. Firedog, Malaya, 1949;

• TF Mk.X, RD351/QM-F, 254 Sqn, Coastal Command, RAF North Coates, Lincolnshire, England, 1944;

• TF Mk.X, RD776/OB-B, 45 Sqn, RAF Tengah, Op. Firedog, Malaya, 1949;

• TF Mk.X, RD427/EO-O, 404 (RCAF) Sqn, Coastal Command, RAF Dallachy, Moray, Scotland, 1945;

• TF Mk.X, RD515/Q, 22 Sqn, RAF, Burma, 1944;

• Mk.VIF, No 308, Dominican AF, 1948;

The decals appear superbly well printed by Microscale Decals, with excellent colour density and registration.

These are superbly produced decals. They provide some interesting and colourful options for a variety of current RAF subjects, I highly recommend them.

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to Hannants for this sample.

Text and Images Copyright © 2016 by Mark Davies
This Page Created on 2 August, 2016
Last updated 2 August, 2016

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