Airfix 1:72 Boulton Paul Defiant (A02069) In-Box Review

Box Cover Art 

Introduction and Background:

My first review is for Airfix's newly tooled Boulton Paul Defiant. It came out back in January 2015 however this is the newest model I currently have on me to write about!

First of all some history on the aircraft itself. The Defiant, or 'Daffy' as it was known to aircrews, was a two seat turret interceptor. It's birth came in 1935 when the RAF ordered for a defensive turret fighter with the belief that the UK would need defence against large bomber formations. The first squadron to receive the Defiant was No. 264 Squadron in October 1939, with several others being equipped thereafter. No.264 Squadron were responsible for downing Dornier Do17z 5K+AR that ended up crashing on the Goodwin Sands in the Summer of 1940 and got raised in May 2013. Its first operational sortie occurred on May 12th, 1940, with the machine facing success against the German bomber hoardes but was highly vulnerable and suffered considerable losses at the hands of the more agile formations of 109s. The Defiant found itself better suited to a night fighter role where it's weaknesses weren't so heavily exposed.

Decal Options:

No. 264 Squadron, Martlesham Heath, Suffolk, July 1940, PS-U

No. 151 Squadron, RAF Wittering, Cambridgeshire, Feb 1941, DZ-Z

Sprues:

Sprue A

This sprue contains the two fuselage halves, as well as the turret, pilots, propeller as well as various other small parts.The panel lines on the two fuselage halves are at a nice depth where they are highlighted, however aren't so deep to ruin the authenticity of the model. The two pilots also are a break away from the Airfix pilots of old - no more flash or indistinguishable facial features, these two are finely moulded and are done in the specific position of pilot and gunner. Some of the smaller parts are very thin and look like they could bring some sweaty forehead moments whilst trying to pry away from the plastic, however if suitable care is taken there should be no problems.

Sprue B

Sprue B doesn't contain many parts; the main parts being the top halves of both the wings, with the rear and vertical stabilisers and parts of the undercarriage. There is some nice wiring detail on the inside of the undercarriage bay, which isn't visible in the picture to the right but is on the other side of the part to the bottom right. Everything else is finely moulded with once again some very nicely accentuated panel lines.

Sprue C

Sprue C contains the underside of the wings, as well as several fiddly small parts which go into the cockpit and undercarriage. Again care is going to be needed when trying to take off some of the smaller parts as recent Airfix kits have very soft plastic and these tend to break very easily. However even the smallest parts have a nice amount of detail on them for the size they are, with the bottom half of the wing also having nice panel detail which will show up nicely at the end of painting and decals.

Decals:

Decal options for 264 and 151 Sqn.

The decals are up to the usual standard that we expect to see from Airfix these days. Strong, clear and with a large range of small detailed transfers to add authenticity to the completed model.

Thoughts and Opinions:

Overall I am very impressed with this kit. The detailing is fantastic on the parts, the instructions are amazingly clear and the decal options are fantastic. I was unsure for a while whether to purchase this model, with the winning factor being I wanted it to go with the newly released Dornier Do17z from Airfix. However I am very glad I did so and I can't wait at some point to launch into this model and build it (a build review will be posted as and when!). 

Another plus point is that with the range of decals out on the market, there is a view to build 4 Defiants carrying the same 264 Squadron code; which might seem insignificant to others, but there's something I like about having lots of the same aircraft but having them as part of the same Squadron. This model I shall be doing as PS-U from 264 Sqn., however I shall also look to be purchasing the Defiant-Dornier Dogfight Doubles Kit as well as hopefully two more in the future so that I can put Xtradecal's X72217 Defiant decal options on them. This would give me Squadron codes for PS-U, PS-B, PS-T and PS-Z and as a diorama would look fantastic. However this is me thinking way ahead as I simply don't have the time to build so many in one go! 

If anyone is in two minds as to whether to get this or not, then stop thinking and go and purchase one, especially those that are interested in the Battle of Britain and the aircraft that took part in the battle! Hopefully I will be able to do this kit some justice when I finally get round to making it up!!

Scott