HP.52 Hampden TB.Mk.I 1:48 ICM 48353

Plastic aircraft model kit: HP.52 Hampden TB.Mk.I 1:48 ICM 48353

The Handley Page HP.52 Hampden was a British all-metal mid-wing monoplane medium bomber that played a significant role in the early phase of World War II. The aircraft was characterized by a very narrow but tall fuselage, which provided the crew with excellent visibility but at the same time limited freedom of movement inside the machine. Due to its specific appearance, it earned the nickname "The Flying Pan".

The TB.Mk.I version was developed at the end of 1941 in response to the demand for effective torpedo aircraft for naval aviation. The designers managed to adapt the standard bomber to carry a single Mk.XII torpedo in the lower part of the fuselage. The conversion required modifications to the bomb bay and the lower gunner's position. A total of 144 units were adapted for this role, serving in five RAF Coastal Command squadrons, operating mainly over the North Sea and the Arctic.

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:48
• Number of parts: 271
• Model length: 341 mm
• Wingspan: 442 mm

Markings:

• HP.52 Hampden TB.Mk.I AT147, No. 489 Squadron, 1942
• HP.52 Hampden TB.Mk.I AJ991, No. 32 Operational Training Unit, Patricia Bay, Canada, April 1943
• HP.52 Hampden TB.Mk.I AE261, No. 489 Squadron, RAF Leuchars, 1943
• HP.52 Hampden TB.Mk.I AE386, No. 455 Squadron, RAF Leuchars, 1943

Kit for self-assembly and painting. Does not include paints or glue. Assembly requires separately sold modeling tools (including nippers, files, tweezers), paints, brushes and plastic model glue (e.g., Tamiya Extra Thin Cement). The photo shows a professionally assembled and painted model.