LRDG 3 crew figure set 1:35 Thunder Models F35004

Plastic figure to assemble and paint: LRDG Crew Figures Set 3 1:35 Thunder Models F35004

The LRDG Crew Figures Set 3 in 1:35 scale from Thunder Models is an excellent proposition for model-making enthusiasts and World War II history buffs. This set includes two intricately crafted resin figures, depicting a driver and a co-driver, which are part of the TM35309 set. 

Product features:

• Scale: 1:35
• Material: Resin
• Contents: 2 figures (driver and co-driver)

Long Range Desert Group (LRDG) – historical background:

The Long Range Desert Group, originally known as the Long Range Patrol (LRP), was established in Egypt in June 1940 by Major Ralph Alger Bagnold, operating under General Archibald Wavell. This unit was primarily composed of volunteers from New Zealand, as well as several volunteers from Southern Rhodesia and Great Britain. The LRDG never numbered more than 350 men, and its members were known for their excellent navigational skills in difficult desert conditions.

The LRDG was formed with the intention of conducting deep reconnaissance patrols and intelligence missions behind enemy lines, although it sometimes engaged in combat operations as well. Due to their skills, the LRDG often acted as guides for other units, including the Special Air Service (SAS) and secret agents, assisting them in navigating through the desert.

During the Desert Campaign, from December 1940 to April 1943, LRDG vehicles operated continuously behind enemy lines, leaving only 15 days during this entire period. One of the most famous offensive actions of the LRDG was Operation Caravan, an attack on the town of Barce and its airfield on the night of September 13, 1942. However, the most important role of the LRDG was conducting what was known as "Road Watch," during which they secretly monitored traffic on the main road from Tripoli to Benghazi, relaying the gathered information to the British army command.

After the surrender of Axis forces in Tunisia in May 1943, the LRDG changed its tasks and moved operations to the eastern Mediterranean, conducting missions on the Greek islands, in Italy, and in the Balkans. After the war in Europe ended, LRDG commanders submitted a request to the War Office to transfer the unit to the Far East to conduct operations against the Japanese Empire. However, this request was denied, and the LRDG was disbanded in August 1945.

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