The Little World

The receipt of Mk I Beauforts by the RCAF in the early 40’s must have been a sort of a mixed blessing.

They had been used on North Sea and Norwegian strikes, and then later in the Mediterranean by specially-trained squadrons of the RAF…often with Canadian crew members aboard. They had their share of successes in a dangerous game. Yet the type was seen as only partly successful and could be thought of as ready for replacement. Older examples could go for second-theatre and training work.

Well, that was the west coast of Canada – even in the face of Japanese naval units that may have been based in the Aleutians. There was only one operational squadron for a while and then the planes were sent to operational training units. There is a Google image on one dropping a practise torpedo but I’d be willing to bet that was the only time they ever did it.

Thus I’ve elected to model the Beaufort N with the doors open and the gear to be seen…but not holding the precious weapon. The characteristic chin gun firing to the rear ( a hopeful mounting if ever there was one ) did not appear on the Canadian examples. The rear turret on this kit is complete and complex and a right pain to assemble. If they issue a DAP Australian Beaufort I hope to avoid this part.

The scheme is Sky/Slate Grey/Extra Dark Sea Grey and in keeping with an OTU and plane that is not being shot at, I’ve painted it clean and fresh. The joy of RCAF markings of the time is that they were very plain.

Altogether a delightful model, and one that Airfix can be proud of. Now if they would make a new-mould Halifax or a Manchester…