Commonwealth Aircraft/Bristol "Beaudacious" FC.Mk.1.

[CSMO]

This one started life as a 1/72 FROG Beaufighter Mk.21(produced by DAP in Australia). It is labelelled an FC.Mk.1(Fighter, Contra-rotating propeller) or FC because a fine Aussie named Fred Coulson, donated to me another pile of FROG Shackelton propellers.

The Beaudacious was the result of the Australian government's failure to procure a number of Bristol Brigands. The RAAF wanted these to replace their old Mk.21s, as the Brigand was a "hotter" airplane. So the RAAF contracted with CAC to modify and upgrade a number of Mk.21s.
Modifications included: 1) replacement of the engines with zero-time P&W R-2800s, with 2-stage superchargers.2) Installation of high-performance contra-rotating propeller systems. 3) Removal of two of the four 20mm cannons to help with weight and balance of the new power units. 4) installation of two 40mm. Vickers cannons surplussed from scrapped Hurricane Mk.IIDs(with additional magazines that could be loaded by the rear gunner), rear mounted for weight and balance, as well.

I cleaned up the Hercules cowlings, added new exhausts, and added two 40mm. cannons from an Airfix Hurricane Mk.IIb kit. Decals are the Kit serial # and national insignia from an old Modeldecal sheet. I painted it Xtracolor Medium Sea Grey over Testors Black, like the Brigand, because if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. I am really pleased with the look of the model.

Adios, Larry.

[Cobra]

Superb Work Almost has a 'Crimson Skies' Feel to it! Hope to see More Awesome Creations from You Dan

[Captain Canada]

Nice one Larry ! Always loved the Beau and those props look wicked on her....the paint scheme is pretty wicked too ! My only complaint ? With a name like 'Beaudacious', there has to be a pin-up girl on the nose 

[crudebuteffective]

that would be one quick bird

nice one

[CSMO]

Nice one Larry ! Always loved the Beau and those props look wicked on her....the paint scheme is pretty wicked too ! My only complaint ? With a name like 'Beaudacious', there has to be a pin-up girl on the nose 

With a name like Beaudacious, I didn't have a pin-up decal in the box that was hot enough to do this beast or any woman sufficient justice. Adios, Larry

[NARSES2]

I like that.  Always liked that colour scheme and the engine/prop changes just make it look more modern.

Beaufighter's were tested with 2 x 40mm guns, 1 a Vickers gun and the other a Rolls Royce gun so as to test the two options. They were buried in the lower fuselage and trials went well but was never adopted. There was also considerable work undertaken to adapt the 2pdr AT gun for the Beaufighter.

[Army of One]

I really like this.....love the scheme and the props.....great work...

[TallEng]

Very nice
You're just missing the white serials underneath the wings (if we were to be picky) which we're not
And a side shot would be nice.
Regards
Keith

[buzzbomb]

Works for me.
Nice job.. the props just look right

[kerick]

Awesome, My only suggestion would be stronger plating for the cockpit floor. I can just see the floor pushed upward from the blast of those two 40mms.

[McColm]

Well done, given me some ideas for my builds .

[Ed S]

Great beefed up Beau. Looks good.

Ed

[Father Ennis]

    

[wuzak]

I think it looks awesome.

Perhaps Abbott in his desire to save money could buy 100 of these instead of F-35s   

[pyro-manic]

Ooo-er, what a beast!


Fantastic stuff!