Classic Airframes 1/48 scale Boulton-Paul Defiant I
Produced in the Czech Republic for the American company Classic Airframes this 1/48th scale kit of the Defiant illustrates
the growth in subjects now considered for models in this popular scale.
The main airframe parts are moulded in light grey plastic with fine engraved panel lines while the cockpit detail consists of a
floor and sidewalls cast in resin which is also used for the four machine gun barrels and the control column. Small details
such as the pilot's seat, instrument panel and rudder bars are on an etched brass fret, courtesy of Eduard, which contains
some 20 items in total, the mesh for the air intake being particularly effective. A film of instruments is supplied to back the
instrument panel and the canopy, gun turret and landing light covers are vac-formed in clear plastic. Rounding off the kit is a
Prpoagteam decdal decal sheet offering a choice of two finishes, a shark mouthed nightfighter of 151 Squadron or a day
fighter from 264 Squadron.
I built the kit virtually 'straight from the box' with a couple of improvements as mentioned below, however there is scope for
more work and I recommend the two part article by David Batt in Scale Aviation Modeller International Vol 3, Issues 1 & 2.
Construction starts, as usual, with the cockpit and with careful painting the resin and photo-etched parts combine well to
produce a detailed interior. I replaced the brass seat belts with some home-made ones using brown tape and Reheat's set
RH-03. The turret is assembled next, extra detail can be incorporated as desired. All the main airframe components go
together well, with little filler required throughout the construction of the kit. I boxed in the wheel wells and added navigation
lights to the wingtips from clear toothbrush handle.
The model was finished as N1535 of 264 Squadron based at Kirton-in-Lindsey, Lincolnshire, during August 1940,
camouflaged in the Dark Green, Dark Earth and Sky scheme.I replaced the sdquadron code and aircraft letters with items
from Xtradecal sheet X022-48 for a more realistic appearance, otherwise the kit decal sheet was used throughout.
The canopy was separated into three sections, windscreen, pilot's canopy and centre section. I reduced the width of the
centre section to allow the pilot's canopy to be slid back in the open position. The undercarriage assembly requires a bit of
head scratching but looks ok if some of the photo-etch is replaced with Contrail tube.
In conclusion, an excellent kit of the Defiant in 1/48th scale, and with a little extra work a superb model can result.
Review by Mike Batten (from SIG newsletter 1/98)
© 2003 IPMS(UK) RAF WWII SIG