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These pics have been sitting in my 'to be edited' folder for a while now... it's been a slow process, as cleaning them up to get them online has been a little depressing.

I picked up this model kit (High Planes 1/72 Beaufighter MK1C RAAF) a couple of years back as a Christmas present for my Grandfather, who served with the RAAF's 31 Squadron in World War II.

He never got a chance to put it together as cancer caught up with him late last year, so I assembled it for his funeral.



The base, in case anyone's wondering, is a map of the territory that the squadron covered during the war, with the two bases at which my Grandfather was stationed (Coomalie Creek in the Northern Territory, and Morotai in Indonesia) marked on there.



It was a bit of a rush job, made worse by the absolutely horrendous quality of this kit... In a way, I'm glad he never tried to put it together himself, as I would have felt rather guilty for inflicting that on him.

This mould clearly should have been retired years ago, as there was more plastic wasted on flash than on actual sprue and bits. One of the wheels had a hole melted through it (looked like someone had held a match against it), the wings were completely the wrong shape where they were supposed to join the fuselage so I had to cut them down to something that would go together, and the cockpit interior was about 5mm too wide to actually fit in, requiring more cutting and reshaping.



The radar dome was just a hollow blister sitting directly on the fuselage, and there was no radio antenna... I added that with a bit of excess sprue and some cotton, although when I have time I need to go back and fix it, as it's a little loose.



The colours are probably not quite right, as I had to make a few guesses and approximations using the paints I had on hand, and it's not the best kit in the world... but I think he would have been happy with it.

Its a very nice model, with a very sad story.

i think it's a beautiful tribute and i'm sure your grandfather is
looking down with a big smile. you did him proud.
i also think the base was a great idea and looks awesome.

I think it turned out very nicely.

Very nice. A good idea well carried out, I especially like the base idea. Sorry about your Grandfather though.

Ahhh. The good 'ol Bristol. Solid bird, she was. Looks good Insaniak! The base is a brilliant tribute. Good on ya!
(you should weather those wings and engine cowlings little though...)


Ghidorah

Class all the way, as I assume your grandfather was.

What a wonderful tribute to your grandfather. Looks great and what a great idea for the base.

Sad story, beautiful paint job. Sorry about your loss.

Nice one mate!
Mick

dude nice job, sorry bout your grandpa!

my grandma worked for the company who made them.
she helped in the designing of the beaufighters!

Fantastic job and thanks for sharing the story.

I second Kid kyoto

Great job. My grandfather also served, albeit in the American Army during the Battle of the Bulge (Ardennes Forest). A lucky 106th Golden Lion who made it in one piece. Unfortunately, he passed when I was 7. Still an inspiration, though, even at 30.

grandfathers rock.
nice job!

phill

That map base is great. I'm sure your pep pep would have been proud.

Truly a noble tribute, saluting your Grandfather's service to his country, as well his unit and the aircraft itself, whilst in no way glorifying warfare and the horrors so often committed in those dark times for that part of the world.

The work you have obviously put into this, from the planning to the struggle with the eccentricities of the kit itself, show just how deep your feelings for this gentleman were and that, in itself, is more of a demonstration of respect than most are willing too show these days.

Your Grandfather must have been quite a man to inspire such feelings in you, and you in turn must have similar qualities to show your respect in such a thoughtful manner.

I salute you both, sir, and thank you for sharing your work and story with us

Sorry about your grandfather

I thought i would write this.

The air allows us to breath
as Those who fly are free
The land holds many bonds
But not for you and me
Take my hand dear friend
as in my iron bird we shall see the land

A tribute to you and your grandfather

Rhidian.H