ICM 1:48 Bristol Beaufort Torpedo Bomber

[Fran]

 

ICM

1:48 Bristol Beaufort Mk. Ia

Torpedo Bomber

ICM 48315

 

 

Available at Art Scale Model

€ 54,60 – in Art Scale Kit

 

ICM, the Ukrainian model manufacturer, has once again impressed the scale modeling community as this release continues ICM’s tradition of delivering well-engineered models of lesser-known yet historically significant aircraft or variants of well-knowed aircraft.

The Bristol Beaufort was a twin-engine torpedo bomber designed by the Bristol Aeroplane Company, drawing heavily on the design of the earlier Blenheim light bomber. Entering service with RAF Coastal Command in late 1939, it played a vital role during World War II, particularly in maritime operations. The Mk. Ia variant, the focus of this kit, featured improvements over the initial Mk. I, including a new machine gun turret (similar to that of the Blenheim), ASV (Air-to-Surface Vessel) radar for detecting surface targets, and tropical filters for operations in hot climates like the Mediterranean and North Africa. The Beaufort saw extensive use against Axis shipping convoys and warships, with notable service from bases such as Malta. Its versatility allowed it to perform torpedo strikes, conventional bombing, and minelaying duties until it was phased out of frontline service in 1942, succeeded by the Beaufighter.

 

         It`s the second Beaufort that I have the pleasure to review.

So, let´s crack the box.

 

The kit arrives in ICM’s standard sturdy packaging: a strong cardboard box with a glossy slipcover featuring an action painting of a Beaufort in flight, delivering a torpedo.

Inside, the parts are well-protected in a single resealable plastic bag, with the clear parts packaged separately to prevent scratching.

The sprues are eight in medium-grey plastic, one clear sprue and an extra sprue (of the other Beaufort review made) containing a torpedo and its trolley.

 The surface detail is quite good with the recessed panels very good. There`s no rivets details on it, but it`s 1:48 scale. I can leave without them.

The fuselage halves have location pins so a easy and fine fit will be easy to get.

 

The interior straight from the box offers a decent level of detail for the four crew stations (pilot, navigator, wireless operator, and gunner) as the cockpit includes molded instrument panels, seats, and control yokes. If you want more detail, AM will come from the rescue and there`s already several sets available as the large greenhouse canopy makes the interior highly visible, so aftermarket 3D decals (e.g., from Kelik) are in fact, an option.

 

 

 

The turret, a very defining feature of the Mk. Ia, is very well-executed with a multi-part assembly that allows for posing. as for the radar antennas.

 

 

 

The wings does have separate control surfaces (ailerons, flaps, and stabilizers).

 

 

 

 The engine Taurus radial is quite good actually straight from the box and you can display it open. Just leave the cowlings out. The engine detail is quite good but no enough to left it wide open. For that I would add some wires at least.

 

 

 

The clear parts, once again, are fantastic as it has been usual in ICM. Also as usual, ICM provides a template in the instructions that is quite good if you don’t want to get some AM masks.

 

 

The new part from the other Beaufort that we review is the Torpedo and Trolley, as it comes in a bonus sprue.

 

 

 The torpedo is detailed and can be displayed in the open bomb bay, while the trolley adds a ground-handling dimension that complements the aircraft beautifully.

 

The decal are thin, well-printed, and opaque, with good color registration.

 

 

 

 

 As for the Markings Options, three schemes are provided:

1.    Bristol Beaufort Mk. IA DX 135, n.º 5 (Coastal) Operation Training Unit, Long Kash, 1943

 

2.    Bristol Beaufort Mk. IA LR906, n.º 2 Torpedo Training Unit, Castle Kannedy, September 1943

 

 

3.    Bristol Beaufort Mk. IA DW816, 22 Squadron, Ceylon, April 1944;

 

As for the instruction booklet, the frist two pgaces (and the last two) are in glossy paper. The instructions are clear and easy to follow as usual in all ICM new models.

 

 

Conclusion

This is a great kit. I already tested the dryfit of the previous model release and it is excellent.

You can get a great Beaufort straight from the box or just indulge yourself and get a lot of AM already available and make a top end model.

So, just go and get one and built it! You will enjoy.

 

My sincere thanks to ICM for making this beaufort variant.

 

**Rating: 8.5/10**

Just get one yourself at Art Scale Model

 

[KevinM]

I have the the 1/72 SH(?) about 80% exact same camo but in there ole kit they supplied what looks like hand rails of some type along the mid section of the fuselage above the wings and pictured on the box?must be this is a different version?

 

excellent looking clear parts!!