EARLY BRISTOLS

BEAUFIGHTER BUFFS are fairly well catered when it comes to late-configuration kits, courtesy of Airfix and Tamiya, but early airframes remain at a premium. Thankfully, Alley Cat Models has come to the rescue with resin 1/72 (AC72041C) and 1/48 (AC48055C) conversion sets to produce either Mk.I or Mk.VI machines. The basic components are the same (horizontal stabilisers, non shrouded exhausts and provision for spoked-hub wheels), with other parts specific to the 1/48 and 1/72 offerings. Airfix’s kit receives replacement engine cowlings, while Tamiya’s gains new spinners, trim actuators and under fuselage ‘towel rail’ antennas. Assembly should be quick, as the items are designed to be direct replacements for the styrene, but markings will need to be sourced elsewhere. If one is looking to build an early Beaufighter, these are good value packages, and are priced at £5.50 and £10 for the 1/72 and 1/48 offerings respectively. More details are available at: www.alleycatmodels.co.uk