HKM01F007. Avro Lancaster "Grand Slam". Hong Kong Models. 1:48 Scale
Avro Lancaster, 1:48 Scale
HKM01F007 - Hong Kong Models
After the success of the Ruhr dams raid in May 1943, 617 Squadron was retained by RAF Bomber Command for specialist precision bombing operations. It experimented with new bomb sights, target marking techniques and colossal new 'earthquake' bombs developed by Barnes Wallis, the inventor of the 'bouncing bomb'.
An unsuccessful attempt to bomb the Dortmund-Ems Canal from low level in September 1943 resulted in the loss of five aircraft and the death of the Squadron's new commanding officer. Such missions were not repeated, and henceforth 617 Squadron concentrated on high-altitude precision bombing.
In the run-up to D-Day, the Squadron attacked factories, V-weapon sites and communication targets in France. Its commander, Wing Commander Leonard Cheshire, pioneered a controversial new low-level target-marking technique. The improved accuracy minimised civilian casualties when attacking targets in occupied territory.
In the autumn of 1944, 617 Squadron joined 9 Squadron in attacks with 12,000 lb 'Tallboy' bombs on the German battleship Tirpitz, moored in Norwegian waters. The first two attempts were inconclusive owing to cloud and smokescreens, but on 12 November they found Tirpitz with no protection. Sustaining two direct hits, the ship was shattered by an internal explosion and capsized.
In early 1945 the Lancaster was the only aircraft capable of carrying the 22,400lb "Grand Slam" earthquake bomb designed by Barnes Wallis, the largest conventional bomb of WWII. Lancaster type B.I (Spec) had the bomb bay doors removed to assist loading the massive bomb, and the front and upper turrets were removed and faired over to save as much weight as possible. Air defence was by four 0.303in Browning machine guns in the rear turret, later changed to two 0.5in Brownings.
Kit features include:
- Full colour gloss instruction manual
- Included A3 sized poster
- Photo Etch parts
- Markings for YZ-J, No. 617 Squadron , RA, Woodhall Spa UK April 1945
Suitable for ages 14 and up. Scale 1:48. The completed model has a wing span of 648mm, is 443mm long and has 344 parts.
Glue and paint are required for this model. (Not included).