This 1:48 scale model kit of the Avro Anson Mk.I offers a detailed representation of one of Britain's key yet often overlooked wartime aircraft, featuring 175 components. With a skill level of 3, this model, boasting a wingspan of 359mm, recreates the historic aircraft that marked the RAF's transition to monoplane squadron service and was the first to include a retractable undercarriage upon its induction with No.48 Squadron in March 1936.

Key Features

• 1:48 scale model kit with 175 components for intricate assembly
• Skill level 3 build, suitable for ages 8 and older
• 359mm wingspan accurately reflects the original aircraft's dimensions
• Three authentic paint schemes depicting various service eras
• Detailed cockpit and dorsal turret featuring a manually operated gun position
• Retractable undercarriage accurately modelled
• Forward firing .303 machine gun and Lewis gun armament options
• Configurable bomb load for Coastal Command versions

History

While not celebrated as one of the most stylish British aircraft of WWII, the Avro Anson played a crucial role during the inter-war period and WWII, meriting greater acclaim. Originating in 1933 as a swift, long-distance mail aircraft, the Avro 652 was still under development when the British Air Ministry sought a twin-engine, multi-role reconnaissance aircraft for the RAF and Royal Navy.

Avro proposed their aircraft for the role, competing against the de Havilland DH89M, the military variant of the Dragon Rapide. The Avro design offered superior range and endurance, and despite requiring some adjustments, an initial order for 174 military versions was placed. Named Anson after an 18th-century British Admiral, the name was fitting for its maritime patrol duties.

Upon entering service with No.48 Squadron at RAF Manston in March 1936, the Anson became the first monoplane to serve in squadrons and the first RAF aircraft to feature a retractable undercarriage. Its advanced features attracted international interest, prompting Avro to establish new production facilities in North West England. The RAF Anson Mk.I was equipped with a fixed forward firing .303 machine gun operated by the pilot and a single Lewis gun in a manually traversed dorsal turret. It could carry a limited bomb load for Coastal Command's anti-submarine missions. Although no Anson successfully sank a U-Boat, their presence kept submarines submerged.

During the Dunkirk evacuations, Ansons providing cover were attacked by Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighters, which found it difficult to target the slow-moving British aircraft. The fighters frequently overshot, falling into the Ansons' forward gun sights. Two Luftwaffe fighters were downed and a third was heavily damaged, with all Ansons emerging unscathed.

Although the RAF began WWII with 26 squadrons equipped with Ansons, they were outdated as combat aircraft and were swiftly reassigned to training roles, where the 'Faithfull Annie' excelled. Under the Empire Air Training Scheme, thousands of aircrew destined for Bomber Command trained on Ansons in the UK and abroad, including those who later piloted the Avro Lancaster, manufactured in some of the same facilities. Nearly 11,000 Ansons were built, with the last RAF unit retired as a station communications aircraft in 1968.