Tamiya Fairey Swordfish Mk.II 1:48 – build review

Full Review with Geoff Coughlin

Before we get going with my full build of this model (just one of 4 that I have been lucky enough to build over the years), I thought you might like to see how it all turned out. Here are a couple of photos and at the end of the build you’ll be able to see many more as usual.

I just love this kit, one of Tamiya’s best in my opinion with so much modelling in the box – loads of parts and options in terms of stores, just love it!

A little bit of background to the Fairey Swordfish

The Fairey Swordfish was a biplane torpedo bomber designed by the Fairey Aviation Company. Originating in the early 1930s, the Swordfish, nicknamed “Stringbag”, was operated by the Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy, in addition to having been equipped by the Royal Air Force (RAF) alongside multiple overseas operators, including the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and the Royal Netherlands Navy. It was initially operated primarily as a fleet attack aircraft; during its later years, the Swordfish became increasingly used as an anti-submarine and training platform. The type was in frontline service throughout the Second World War, but it was already considered obsolete at the outbreak of the conflict in 1939.

Nonetheless, the Swordfish achieved some spectacular successes during the war; notable events included sinking one battleship and damaging two others of the Regia Marina (the Italian Navy) during the Battle of Taranto, and the famous attack on the Bismarck, which contributed to her eventual demise. By the end of the war, the Swordfish held the distinction of having caused the destruction of a greater tonnage of Axis shipping than any other Allied aircraft. The Swordfish remained in front-line service until V-E Day, having outlived multiple aircraft that had been intended to replace it in service. (Source: Wikipedia)

>Mk.II
The Mk.II was different from the Mk.I in having metal lower wings that enabled it to carry rocket projectiles. In addition, the option for a fuel tank behind the pilot in the Observer’s position and oil cooler radiator.

References for this project…

This build…