Airfix BP Defiant Mk.1 - 1/72 Scale Plastic Model Kit - Build & Review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 ธ.ค. 2019
- The Boulton Paul Defiant was born from the idea that a fighter aircraft with a single turret could successfully engage and destroy enemy bombers and fighters. Introduced in the late 1930's to RAF service, it did see very limited success in the early stages of World War 2. During the battle of Britain however, the shortcomings in it's design were realised and it was removed from daylight operations, taking up a reasonably successful role as a night fighter.
Join me in this video as I build & Review the 1/72 scale plastic model kit of this interesting aircraft from Airfix.
Get your Airfix Boulton Paul Defiant Mk.1 in 1/72 scale here:
amzn.to/2Dfjj2k
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This video is intended for adult scale model enthusiasts. - แนวปฏิบัติและการใช้ชีวิต
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This is a really good build of an interesting model. I started building models when I was a kid and I was gloriously crap at it and after about a decade of trying and failing (and getting glue all over everything!) I gave up and went on to pursue other interests. But, as I'm sure some say, once a modeller, always a modeller. I've resisted the urge to take up the hobby again, mainly because my eyes are definitely not what they were, and my sausage fingers were never that good to begin with, but TH-cam has been a godsend with channels like this one, where I get to watch the kits I *could have* attempted, being built by people who actually know what they're doing. So that's my little bio out of the way - thanks for posting this. I think I did try a Defiant once, if memory serves, but in my hands it became the Bob Semple Tank of the skies.
On a side note, though, the Defiant was never intended to be a fighter - it was a purpose-built 'bomber destroyer'. The idea was rooted in the 1930s doctrine that "the bomber will always get through". Germany had been identified as the likely enemy in a future war and the RAF wanted something that could loiter in the incoming bomber stream and pick off undefended bombers as they arrived, as it was expected they'd fly to Britain from Germany. Nobody foresaw the fall of France that allowed the Luftwaffe to operate from French bases with fighter escorts. So the Defiant's failure was an accident of history. Had things gone as planned, we'd be lauding its success the way we now laud the Spitfire.
I recommend "The Turret Fighters" by Alec Brew for a more comprehensive look at the Defiant and its genuine failure of a sister aircraft, the Blackburn Roc.
Thanks for the information! Perhaps you will find a kit that you might like to do? I know that airfix does the Defiant in 1/48 as well :D
Yes ,if you want to start again ,it might be good to start on a larger model ,as the details are larger .
I really enjoy this format of modelling video, sped up footage where appropriate with a written script as a voice-over. Very professional. Well done.
Thanks! I'm glad you liked it - more like this on my channel :D
Sept. 25th 2020e... the Brits came up and designed so many planes... I watch because I like your reviews and your work...everything you do applies to all models... great job... Chris from USA
Cool, thanks for watching!
Nice to see someone who brush paints his models...like me. Nice job.
Thank you very much!
Great video, I love the Defiant and the Whirlwind. This kit is a beauty, and the great thing about the night fighter black paint for modelling purposes, was that it was easily faded and looked patchy, to the extent of seeing the day fighter scheme showing through, so no need for silky smooth finishes. Top job sir, keep em coming.
Thanks very much!
How I wish that Airfix would reintroduce the Whirlwind in 1:72 scale!
It was one of my very favourite models back in the days of buying model kits in plastic bags at my local newsagent.
While I'm on the subject, I wish they'd also bring back the Mark IX Spitfire as flown by "Johnnie" Johnson, JE-J.
Good times!
Very good information, thank you. I’m building this kit right now, and found Airfix build instruction fairly sketchy especially around wheels struts and wheel fairing/covers etc, also the fact you described why there was 2 rear fairings, Airfix offered the choice but not the reason why. I noticed the the uneven fit of front fuselage but managed to meddle file, sand lightly and finish off with some Scotbrite to blend quite well.
Thanks for watching! I'm glad you found the video helpful!
Great build.Looks wicked in black.
It certainly does! I might paint more models black for the fun of it :P
This was a great upload. The voice over was excellent so was the on screen info about the paint and material.
Glad you enjoyed it! thanks for watching :D
I’ve build the 1:48 edition of this a month ago, I was stuck on which design to go with, so I done both with one on each side
nice!
I’m in the pub right now in Norwich where they used to build them
How interesting!
You talking about fatsos? They were built closer to kfc actually. Have you ever seen the sign that says msi? That is the exact hanger where they built and designed the defiant. Msi is not the computer brand but it is actually a defense weapon manufacturer. I live literally 5 minutes walk from it lol.
Because the heartsease was built over raf mouse-hold heath. If you go into mousehold near the prison, you can see little bunkers and all around there were firing ranges. My dad found a fully intact rifle grenade.
@@mazdarx-8rotary.97 queen of icini
@@mazdarx-8rotary.97 it just said on the wall that they were built there
Another awesome Build & Video Matt! The shark mouth is hands down the coolest nose art, pilots have ever applied to their aircraft (from world war 2 to the 1991 gulf war) . A close second would be the Pin-Up artwork common on a lot of WW2 US Aircraft. Also its cool to see a shark mouth on a Boulton Paul Defiant.
I was so close to going for this paint scheme when I made my Airfix 1/72 Defiant. However I went for the day time, Battle Of Britain paint scheme instead. Anyway I'm rambling again! Great job as always Matt :)
Thanks! Yes, I think that's part of the reason I chose this paint scheme. I thought about doing the camo version (as it would be a little more difficult to paint) but then I thought that most people tend to do that one, so chose this instead
Turnip Singularity 😂
No airbrush!!!. Maestro!!
Great build. Beautiful plane my friend
Thank you! Cheers!
Interesting model and story, enjoyed it.
Thanks for watching!
Very interesting video.I've finished the 1/48 version of the Defiant before watching your video... Picked up a few tips and in future will try the Matt varnish mix that you recommend..only my second model since retirement was forced upon me but find it very relaxing..
Thanks! I've found that if you warm the Humbrol 49 matt varnish up before using it (perhaps thinning it with some hot water too) that can help avoid the white residue
Very nice build! 😎👍
thank you very much :D
Exectly at this Moment i Build a Hawker Hurricane Battle of Brittain
Awesome! How'd it turn out? :D
Model Minutes its the First Time i use Gunmetal and Black Green
@@fsgfelix4311 Nice!
This is gonna be my next build
Awesome!
Just ordered a new kit, the Airfix 1/72 Douglas A4 Skyhawk, I will be doing it in the colours of an A4Q Skyhawk from the ARA Veinticinco de Mayo, Falklands War, may 1982
That sounds pretty cool! I've seen the Airfix Skyhawk but not yet added one to my stash
You did a really great job of building such a unique aircraft! i really like how you show all processes and i just bought a BP Defiant and this video is going to be really helpful, Thanks!
Thanks a lot!
Great job. I really loved this video. Looking forward to building my copy of this kit in the near future.
Have fun!
Really good job on this build mate. Awesome tip about mixing the varnishes - I have had a whole batch of 30 zombies from zombicide have a chaulky white powered finish from my varnish going weird!
Thanks! Yes, i noticed it the first time on my Academy Sopwith Camel, I discovered mixing it is a good way to stop it
This Is what airfix needs to put as starter sets, not complicated hand painted camos
Yes! Ironically this kit does come as a starter set, but only with the brown and green camo . . .
Model Minutes yeah hand painted camos aren’t for the beginner, I haven’t made a model yet (that I painted) but I already know that’s gonna take a lot of practice
@@getoutside9854 no better way to just have a go :)
I like your new intros where you show what you use 😛👍 it helps me build my models up to your standard 😛
Awesome! Yeah, it was something I was thinking about - it takes more time and effort to add these, but I think it's worth it
Model Minutes I completely agree!
@@sergeantfloffy1248 :D
I have this exact kit. I've been debating which scheme to build it in. I don't have your skill level but seeing your results I'm definatly going to do the night fighter version. Looks fanatastic. Soon as I get my Heinkel He51 finished.
Nice! I black spray paint could help get a nice finish for the overall scheme
Like the nightfighter camo
Thanks! I thought it would be boring, but it's quite good to look at actually
This is definitely the new model because i restarted model building with the old airfix model of and it was frustrating to the extreme
yeah, its a more recent tooling
Looks great. I’m just building my one now and was going to paint in camo but will go for the black look now.
I’ve also had exactly the same issue with the nose misalignment so it’s probably moulding
yeah, maybe. thanks for watching!
Thanks for the video. Nice model. Always thought the defiant should have had wing mounted 303s as well. There is a nice one in the raf museum at cosford very similar to this kit
Thanks for watching! Yes, I thought it should have forward facing guns too, makes more sense to me . . .
Great video thank you. Look forward to more of the same. Would love to see what you can do with an Airfix 1/72 Beaufighter!
Thanks! I've got a 90's vintage beaufighter in the stash that i've been meaning to make a start on at some point . . .
I’m just going to say it straight up.. THIS IS AMAZING!!! So professional, keep up the brilliant work mate :)
Thanks!
Have you ever tried sanding the fuselage join lines down (when the glue has dried) with some fine sandpaper or sanding sticks? It'll improve the appearance of your models no end.
Thanks! Yes, i have done sometimes - I didn't really notice this seam until after I'd painted it - i think the paint must have emphasised it
Good video. 👍
Thanks! :D
I will most likely get this after the p38 I'm doing kinda sad that this came out during 4th period in school today. Great build
Thanks for watching! Unfortunately I release my videos at 1730 GMT (as it's when everyone in the UK pretty much gets home from work and things) so it means that other countries may end up having the videos at a funny time :(
Very enjoyable Video. I built this some time ago… it cost me 2/- with 6d for a tube of polystyrene cement. 😂🤣 really enjoyed it
I think you’ll find that this is a completely different version from the one you remember 😊
@@ModelMinutes oh absolutely. But fun to remember anyway. Every week was an Airfix, or Frog , model. And a tube of “glue”. Birthday and Christmas would be a series 4 or Six. By 1968. I had done all the 1/72d range.
😀😃
I’ve just ordered an airfix 1/72 defiant but I’ve decided I’m going to do the underneath black and the top camo like the Lancaster theme
sounds fun!
Yeh just something unique
this Defiant looks great i thought that could be a simple paint scheme but no¡ looks great with the shark mouth ¡¡
My Spitfire is almost finish but i think im going to try this technique with the exhaust¡¡
Thanks! I'm pretty happy with this one! Yes, dry brushing the bronze gives an interesting effect :D
Hermoso!!
Thanks!
I’m currently making thus kit, and can confirm it is misaligned. Mine is exactly the same. Took a bit of work to sand it all.
Ah, glad it wasnt just me
Ah, You posted this answering to my 1/48 scale on Reddit!
Did i? :P
muy bien
Merci!
The model looks great Matt! I am very impressed with your brush painting skills as I could not see any brush strokes. I have read about the early issue of the Defiant by Airfix and the biggest issue is the nose area is incorrect. You could by a conversion kit at one time to correct it or simply cut off a nose from another Airfix kit and graft it onto the Defiant fuselage but unfortunately I cannot remember which kit to use at this time. Thanks for sharing this and I was wondering if you would consider doing the new Airfix AV-8B Harrier in 1/72.
John Kelley thanks for the kind comments! Yes, the old tooling is quite inaccurate 😂. I’ll certainly look at getting the harrier if I have time and can afford it
I was the 45th like 🤣 amazing work your models r getting better every time
Thanks! I really appreciate you watching :D
Another great build out of the box! Where do you get your kits from? We have a shortage of hobby shops here in Texas.
im quite fortunate that I have a number of model shops within about a 30 mile radius of my home, but sometimes they can be a little more expensive. I have bought a few off ebay, but amazon tends to have some good deals on as well. I've used a few other websites over the years too :D
Wow you have certainly improved in your builds. Went from building using the stock poly cement and not thinning paints to using tamiya cement and thinning the paints. Also went from visible brush strokes to none. Great Job!!
Thanks! It's been quite the journey over the last 3 years - who knows where i'll be in 3 years time!
I live literally where these were designed and built.
cool!
@@ModelMinutes what is the best beginner airfix kit?
@@mazdarx-8rotary.97 that's quite a broad subject. Each person would define what they consider to be the best depending on various criteria like - decals, number of parts, paint schemes, scale, subject matter. To that end I couldn't give you a specific answer.
If you wanted something that I think is great for a beginner then take a look at my recent video on the Mary Rose, but if you're not into ships you might not enjoy it . . .
@@ModelMinutes ok thank you.
@@ModelMinutes because i have the 1:24 spitfire vb and im having a bit of difficulty and i need to learn to paint an airfix kit for the first time and i would prefer not to do it to my spitfire!
cool
Cheers :D
I didn’t realise the defiant didn’t have frontal armaments, nice history of the plane Matt 😛
Thanks! Yeah, it didn't have any forward facing guns, but I did read somewhere that there was the intention that the turret could point forwards (with the barrels of the guns resting either side of the cockpit) and then fire through the propeller under the control of the pilot, but they could never get the system to work or something . .
Model Minutes that’s a shame it could have been a lot more effective if that worked
@@sergeantfloffy1248 yeah, but I think there were other issues with its performance which pretty much limited it's use as a frontline fighter
Model Minutes interesting I’m gonna look into the plane a bit more.
@@sergeantfloffy1248 it's got an interesting history
A most enjoyable build to watch. I noticed that you painted the wheel housing bays in green (01:54) and then cemented the wing halves together. After this you painted the housing with the same black you used for the wings etc. (06:52). I don't understand why the initial green paint is required here - could you explain please? Many thanks.
It's very common for RAF aircraft internal areas to be painted in that green colour. I guess I initially painted them that colour out of habit, but when I got to the black paint and looked at the instructions they were indicated to be painted in black, so I then went over the top. There was not specific or special reason for it
@@ModelMinutes Many thanks for taking the time to explain what took place. I was mystified!
while handling small parts already painted the paint coms off and i have to repaint most of them, like when putting together the landing gear, how you guys deal with that ?
perhaps your paint isn't sticking to the plastic properly? If so, has the plastic been cleaned before painting, has the paint been properly mixed, has the paint been allowed enough time to cure?
hey, I want to start a model channel, but I am young, and don't have a clue on making videos, also I'm not the best at painting the models, any tips? ( I do airfix and warhammer at the moment) also great job this build looks very good
Thanks for watching! My best tip would be to take your time and practice (if you watch my early videos from three years ago you might notice a bit of an improvement). You could start recording with a simple camera, but make sure you position it well, just play around and see what works for you. If you've got any specific questions, feel free to ask
Could you skip the washing if you prime with a spray can?
The point of washing is to give the plastic a clean surface for paints. The primer is a paint so you run the risk of it not sticking correctly if there is any mould release on the plastic
Nice. Why do pppl dislike it....
Who knows . . . maybe because i'm not Quick kits or Plasmo - but i'm ok with that. I'm something completely different :D
Great finish. I saw this kit box in a store. It said ken mcrichie 151 squadron RAAF . But i cannot find any reference to ken and 151 was not a RAAF squadron?
I'm not sure what you saw, but this kit represents an aircraft from 151 Sqn RAF based at RAF Wittering in 1941
I really want to find Humbrol because I love the finish on it, but I can’t find it anywhere
humbrol isn't exactly the best brand of paint. Don't get me wrong, they do the job but stuff like tamiya and vallejo (in my opinion) have better pigment and flow
Model Minutes can I use the tamiya with a brush?
@@getoutside9854 yes, but you will have to thin it - i would suggest tamiya X20A thinner
Try online
Nice built!. The Defiant, the fighter without forward firing guns, who thought it could be successful? Nice plane.
I know! Apparently there was an idea to make the turret face forward and fire through the propeller - but it never got past the idea stage
AW CMON I MISSED IT NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
ah! maybe you'll be there next week :D
Model Minutes I hope so 🤞 😖
this is amazing! i do have a question though. i have revell paints and im not sure if i should use them on this build. i looked at humbrol paints but they are expensive! what should i do?
From my experience Humbrol and Revell paints are usually to a similar quality. Don't feel as though you have to use a specific brand of paint, there are conversion charts out there which will help you identify like for like paints across a variety of different ranges :)
@@ModelMinutes thanks!
I have build the exact plane you depicted in 1/48 scale, but the yellow square on the wings isnt on mine. I dont know what is correct, but seeing as mine didnt have the decal in the box maybe you accidentally put it on while it should have only been on the day version.
Apparently (following a quick google) the yellow squares are gas detection papers, which change colour and alert the crew to toxic gas - meaning they have to wear their masks. Not all aircraft had them, especially as the war progressed and the threat reduced. If you check my unboxing video from the 4 minute mark th-cam.com/video/Sy1Tkbk3_ss/w-d-xo.html you'll see that it clearly indicates that the yellow square is meant to be included on this particular scheme. I did look for the 1/48 version as well, and it is not included in that one. It would seem that it is a simple matter of Airfix deciding that the 1/72 version has it, and the 1/48 doesn't
@@ModelMinutes wow. Strange decision on airfix part then seeing as its exactly the same plane.
@@maxomans perhaps there was evidence that this plane both had the yellow patch, then had it removed, with airfix choosing to do both versions . . .
Can someone please tell me weather this comes with its paints
LIL ETH the version I built in this video did not come with paints, all of the paints I used were obtained separately. This kit has been available with paints included as part of a starter set (but only comes with paints and decals for the camo version I believe)
Ive got 6 of these in my stash!!😂😂
Wow! What are you going to do with them all?
It almost looks like vanta black
And also thank you for the help!
it's not quite that dark lol
glad you found it useful!
Did you know it was almost impossible to bail out of the turret
That's insane! That would never have got past the Health & Safety of today!
Did you know that the tail gunners on the Avro Lancasters removed their armour plating from their turrets for that exact reason. Because when it was in place it was near impossible for them to bail out when they turned the turret exit hatch outward as the plating partially blocked the exit hatch between fuselage.
@@harrymarwick2529 I think the same with B17 ball turret gunners too owing to a small space
@@harrymarwick2529 :o
Like any turret it certainly was a problem. This is of course assuming you are thinking that any bail out for a gunner was by rotating the turret and attempting to exit as they got in. That is why there is a kick panel right beneath to gunner in the Defiant and the gunner wore a body style parachute unique to Defiant crews. The exit was beneath the gunner and exited under the aircraft. Oh and the correct designation of the Defiant was as a bomber interceptor and not a fighter. The concept was for it to join attacking bomber streams which had over extended their fighter cover and shoot the bombers down from within the stream. The flaws of the idea were pointed out by the chief designer at BP at the time and ignored by the air ministry.
You're seriously telling me this was a real plane?! Omg
yup
A much maligned aircraft, the BP Defiant was NEVER designed to operate against ESCORTED bombers. Although originally designated as a "turreted fighter" the role it was designed for was as a bomber destroyer, and NOT an air superiority fighter in the classic sense. At the time the British air ministry issued its original specification for a "turreted fighter" in 1935, the luftwaffe was operating from airbases within mainland Germany, and even from the closest bases to Britain the luftwaffe fighters did not possess the range to escort the bombers that far. This being the case the BP Defiant was designed to operate against unescorted bombers attacking Britain from across the North sea, a role that it would have handled admirably.
Now fast forward to 1940. After the Wehrmacht had crushed the French they now possessed airbases a LOT closer to Britain than in 1935, meaning that German bombers WOULD now be escorted in the skies over Britain... and THAT was were the mistake was made, as it was decided to operate the Defiant against the now escorted bomber formations, though it was quickly withdrawn from the role after resultant heavy losses. It did later operate successfully as a night fighter then as a pioneering ECM aircraft and finally as a target tug for training air gunners.
thanks for the info!
The original Defiant from Airfix... well to save you the bother it's a pain in the arse... the shape of the fuselage resembles more a banana than a body and the wings are a real fit issue and the perspex canopy is very thick with no paint lines to follow and the cockpit is literally just a seat and a pilot and you have to use 2 pins either side to line it up, even then it ends up lopsided. My intention was to buy the original but use the decals on the new tool to do the schemes justice.
However I would like to see how you cope with the iconic mess that is the original. Beautiful work on your Defiant NF.1 though, I too have this model and plan to do it in Battle of Britain colours. :)
Thanks! Yeah, I did buy the old one many years ago, I think it is part started somewhere, but parts might be missing so might have to come up with an alternative destiny for it
@@ModelMinutes The bin perhaps? 😂 As that's where mine ended up once I saw the new tool..
@@BlackAce-zr2ms I think it’s around somewhere…. 😂
I am interested in the shark teeth decoration , i usually associate this with US Airforce , seeing how this plane saw service before the Americans got involved I was thinking does anybody know the story behind that.
I found this article online: www.airspacemag.com/military-aviation/when-shark-bites-180974484/
It tells of the origin of the idea to paint faces on planes from WW1, supposedly a German idea originally, but then replicated by many including the RAF. The AVG then copied the mouth for their P40s from the RAF
@@ModelMinutes Hello thank you responding . The article was amazing.
@@nocomment2944 glad I could help 😊
It is called the most failed fighter of all time but I bet if they put some mgs on the front it would be the most successful
It might have made a good ground attack aircraft too - but perhaps adding the machine guns would have meant a costly redesign - and seeing as there were other aircraft already in production that could do the job better there wasn't much point
@@ModelMinutes ye i think was also used as a dive bomber as well but I’m not sure
@@ModelMinutes I just bought this yesterday I saw it and remembered it had the night fighter paint scheme and remember ur vid on it so I got it it is also one of my fave aircraft
@@ModelMinutes I’m painting it as a night fighter
@@TUIflyfan_123 Awesome!
I built this kit myself and it has to have been the most irritating, frustrating and fiddly kit I can ever remember making. Parts so fragile that they broke just trying to get them out of the spruh, even with a fine craft knife. Parts so tiny that it was extremely difficult putting them together, along with parts that simply did not fit. I wanted to do the open cockpit version, but the parts simply did not fit properly, so I had no choice but to use the one piece glass. It will be a very long time before I buy another kit from Airfix.
im sorry to hear that you had some trouble with this model - not all kits from airfix are as fiddly as this one. Personally I cant say that I had the same problems that you have indicated
@@ModelMinutes I appreciate you taking the time to reply. I would not rule out the possibility that not all kits are equal and mine might have a sub standard one. That said though, it came exceedingly close to going in the bin, a number of times. It was probably the fact that it was a gift that saved it. I did finally finish it and it looks okay, but it isn't exactly how I wanted it and not worth the amount of time it took to build.
@@calibrazxr750 sometimes when i face a particularly challenging build I will put the parts back in the box and attempt it again in the future, picking up form where I left off. I never throw a kit in the bin because there is always something i could use it for in the future, spare parts, paint mule or even as part of a diorama
Do you still need images of Airfix trains?
Yes please, if you've got any? :D
Model Minutes I’ll have to send them on either Saturday or Monday because I bought it off eBay, how should I send them to you?
@@repeatedaction4273 email to modelminutes@hotmail.com would be best (don't forget to include a little text about what they are and any links for your channel etc so i can credit you)
Model Minutes ok 👍 😀
Model Minutes did you need information about the model as well or just the history of the real life train?