RAAF Beaufighter Mk.21
No. 30 and No. 31 Squadrons

Ventura Decals, 1/72 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

The Bristol Beaufighter Mk.21 was the ultimate Australian-customised version of the famous British twin-engine strike fighter. Built in Australia by the Department of Aircraft Production (DAP), the Mk.21 incorporated a number of local modifications, most notably more powerful armament of four 20mm cannon and four .50 calibre machine guns in the wings, replacing the six .303 machine guns of earlier variants.

A total of 365 Beaufighter Mk.21s were produced between 1944 and 1946.

The type served extensively with the Royal Australian Air Force in the South West Pacific, where its long range, heavy firepower and rugged construction made it highly effective in anti-shipping and ground attack roles.

No. 30 and No. 31 Squadrons operated the Beaufighter Mk.21 during the final year of the war, flying strikes against Japanese shipping, airfields and coastal installations from bases including Morotai. Their operations helped isolate Japanese forces and support Allied advances through the Netherlands East Indies during 1945.

Ventura Decals adds to its 1/72 scale range with Item No. V72106 - RAAF Bristol Beaufighter Mk.21 No. 30 and No. 31 Squadrons.

This release offers markings for aircraft serving with No. 30 Squadron and No. 31 Squadron, both units heavily involved in anti-shipping and ground attack operations in the Netherlands East Indies and surrounding areas.

The set is made up from one decal sheet and a double sided A4 folded instruction sheet on glossy paper.

The instructions are a real highlight with 13 reference photos, side profiles and an upper view and detailed captions along with descriptive text.

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Thumbnail panels:

The decals and instructions are packed in a clear zip-lock plastic bag.

The decal sheet is printed by BOA Decals in the Czech Republic. The colour and saturation look great, and carrier film is thin. These should settle down nicely on your model.

Five subjects are covered in 1/72 scale. All are finished in overall RAAF Foliage Green.

Specific subjects are as follows:

• A8-23 "Lion nose",

• A8-116 "Pistol Packin Gremlin",

• A8-184 "Ye Old Bumble Bee",

• A8-120 "Barren-Joey",

• A8-96 "Set in the guts".

There is a full set of RAAF national markings.

The sheet is intended for 1:72 scale Australian Beaufighter Mk.21 kits.

In my opinion, your best option right now is the Airfix 1/72 scale Beaufighter TF. Mk.X combined with the CMK Mk.21 conversion set (Item No. 7446). High Planes Models also offered a conversion too (Item No. HPL072014), but they have sadly since closed their doors.

The 1998-vintage Hasegawa 1/72 scale Beaufighter isn't a bad kit either (Item No. 51274).

Ventura Decals' V72106 sheet offers two well-researched and visually attractive RAAF Beaufighter Mk.21 subjects from the last year of the Pacific War.

Excellent printing, clear instructions and a focus on a uniquely Australian aircraft combine to make this an attractive addition to the Beaufighter modeller's decal collection.

Highly recommended for anyone planning to build a 1/72 scale RAAF Beaufighter.

Thanks to Ventura Publications for the sample.

Text and Images Copyright 2026 by Brett Green
Page Created 18 June, 2026
Last updated 18 June, 2026

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