The Modeller's Blog: Classic Airframes Boulton Paul Defiant Mk.I -1/48 Scale

Continuing the Battle of Britain 70th anniversary theme in 1/48 scale here is my Boulton Paul Defiant. As a day fighter it was less than successful, only two Defiant squadrons, No.s 264 and 141, played any part in the battle before being withdrawn when its shortcomings became apparent.

This model was built using the first issue from Classic Airframes which has a number of inaccuracies, but none-the-less, with a some rectifications, builds up to look like the real thing. The main shortcomings relate to the fuselage cross-section and the shape of the nose, the latter was relatively easy to dear with by using Milliput to re-profile the area around the engine deepening the curvature on the underside and broadening the top so that it would 'contain' a Merlin engine. The rear fuselage would require far more radical surgery to correct and I decided to leave this as it is, while the result is the finished model looks a little on the plump side it isn't too much of a distraction.

Another part of the kit that has often been criticised is the turret's internal details, however once assembled little can be seen (especially as it is all black) so any extra effort would tend to be wasted in this area.

The model was finished as PS-A serial no. N1535, flown by S/Ldr P Hunter with air-gunner Sgt F. King the aircraft was shot down on 24th August 1940.

The paint was Aeromaster acrylics and the decals were from the kit, the oil bowser trolly came from the Revell ground equipment set.