DAP Beaufighter 21
by
David Charles
![](images/beaufightermk21dc_4.jpg) |
DAP Beaufighter 21 |
![](images/squadronbannernewbg_6.JPG)
Tamiya's
1/48 scale Beaufighter Mk.VI is available online from Squadron.com
Here is David Charles' 1/48 scale model of an Australian
built DAP (Department of Aircraft Construction) Beaufighter 21.
The Beaufighter 21 was a unique Australian variant that
operated in Australia and the Pacific theatre during the Second World
War; and well into the post-war era. It was originally based on the
Beaufighter Mk.X, but more than 140 modifications and improvements made
this the hardest hitting of all Beaufighter variants.
David modified Tamiya's 1/48 scale Beaufighter Mk.VI to
represent the RAAF's "Whispering Death".
Fuselage Modifications and
Conversion
![](images/beaufightermk21dc_notes1.jpg)
-
All header pipes added
from cylinders to collector rings. Cowl braces added. Magnetos and
plumbing added. Long supercharger filter added.
-
New Sperry auto-pilot
housing made for nose.
-
Air intakes added to
nose
-
Front cockpit, including
instrument panels and controls, completely rebuilt (except for
control wheel and seatbelts) to Mk.21 standards. Seat is folded
back, ready for pilot entry.
-
New DF loop made. Bolts
added to housing.
-
About 60 new items made
for addition to fuselage interior.
-
New accurate H.F. aerial
mast made.
-
Brace added to top of
fuselage.
-
Hatch cut open, modified
and detailed. Rear cockpit completely rebuilt (except for seats and
belts)
-
Cover added to dinghy
release.
-
Tail surfaces separated
and reshaped. Detail added.
-
Incorrect trim actuators
removed from top of tailplanes and new actuators built below
tailplanes.
-
Sratchbuilt Mk.21 tail
wheel strut
-
Tail wheel bay
scratchbuilt
-
Identification lights
added (3)
-
Flare chute added (port
side). Trailing aerial fairlead added (starboard side).
-
Air scoops/vents added
to fuselage in five places.
-
Blast tubes added for
cannon
-
All the usual control
wires added, holes drilled, aerials fitted, details added and so on.
Mainplane Modifications and
Conversion
![](images/beaufightermk21dc_notes2.jpg)
-
Forward lights rebuilt.
Rear lights painted over (both sides)
-
Rocket rails rebuilt
(both sides)
-
Rockets scratchbuilt
(both sides)
-
Flame dampening exhausts
scratchbuilt (both sides)
-
Inside of undercarriage
doors totally rebuilt to Australian pressed style. Actuators and
plumbing added. Undercarriage detailed (both sides)
-
Braces added to oil
cooler inlets (both sides)
-
Black tape to doped
joints
-
Resin lights added to
trailing edges
-
Landing lights and cover
made
-
Gun ports removed (both
sides)
-
All the usual detailing
-vents drilled, cowl flaps thinned, ports opened and so on.
The model was painted in an overall well worn and
stained coat of RAAF Foliage Green.
![](images/beaufightermk21dc_decals.jpg)
Markings were from Aussie Decals sheet A48019, which has
recently been re-released. The markings on this sheet include:
-
Bristol Beaufighter
Mk.21 A8-159 E.SK "Ginger Meggs" Tail Art. Nose Name "Nancy"
-
Bristol Beaufighter
Mk.21 A8-116 N.SK "Gremlin" Tail Art. Nose Name "Babs"
-
Bristol Beaufighter
Mk.21 A8-120 P.SK "Barren Joey" Tail Art. Nose Name "Pattie"
![](images/beaufightermk21dc_2.jpg)
David chose the second option.
Click on the thumbnails
below to view larger images:
Model, Images and Text Copyright ©
2004 by David Charles
Page Created 05 May, 2004
Last Updated
05 May, 2004
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