BUNDLEA49 Bomber Command Bundle

Avro Lancaster B.III (SPECIAL) 'THE DAMBUSTERS'

Product code: A09007A

This remarkable 1:72 scale replica of the Avro Lancaster B.III (SPECIAL) 'THE DAMBUSTERS' embodies one of the most renowned aircraft from the Second World War. Comprising 267 components and boasting a wingspan of 432mm, this skill level 3 model kit provides an engaging project for modellers aged 8 and above, celebrating the legendary aircraft from Operation Chastise. With the choice of two distinct paint schemes, this plastic model kit enables you to recreate the specially adapted Lancaster bombers that participated in the daring assault on Germany's dams.

Key Features

• 1:72 scale model with 267 components for a captivating building experience
• Impressive 432mm wingspan showcases the Lancaster's formidable presence
• Skill level 3 model kit designed for modellers aged 8 years and older
• Two authentic paint schemes depicting aircraft from the renowned Dambusters mission
• Specially adapted Lancaster B.III variant featuring bomb bay details
• High-quality plastic construction with intricate surface textures
• World War Two era RAF aircraft representing a pivotal moment in aviation history

History

After a brief yet intense training period, the volunteer group of elite airmen forming the new RAF No.617 Squadron departed from RAF Scampton on the night of 16th/17th May 1943, marking the beginning of one of the most daring bombing raids ever.

Under the leadership of their charismatic and inspiring commanding officer Guy Gibson, he is known to have remarked, 'This squadron will either make history, or it will be completely wiped out', yet every man was resolute in playing his role in this historic mission. Nineteen 'Special' Lancasters and their crews delivered a message to the German nation that could not be concealed by their propaganda ministers.

The Lancaster B.III (SPECIAL) was uniquely modified for Operation Chastise, with its bomb bay doors removed to fit Barnes Wallis's innovative bouncing bomb. These alterations turned standard Lancasters into the precise tools needed for one of the war's most audacious raids, securing the aircraft's place in military aviation history.

BAE SYSTEMS is a registered trade mark of BAE Systems plc.

Individual price: £49.99

Vickers Wellington Mk.IA/C

Product code: A08019A

This remarkable 1:72 scale model of the Vickers Wellington Mk.IA/C captures the essence of one of the most sophisticated medium bombers of its time. Comprising 141 parts, it assembles into a detailed replica with a wingspan of 364mm. The twin-engine Wellington took its maiden flight in 1936 and joined the RAF with No.99 Squadron at Mildenhall in October 1938, marking a considerable advancement in bomber technology with its streamlined monoplane structure and substantial defensive weaponry. Designed for modellers aged 8 and up, this skill level 3 kit allows you to construct one of two genuine World War Two liveries.

Key Features

• 141 components depicting the unique geodetic framework and streamlined monoplane form
• 1:72 scale model with a 364mm wingspan
• Includes two genuine World War Two liveries
• Skill level 3 kit suitable for modellers aged 8 and above
• Detailed portrayal of the twin-engine medium bomber layout
• Plastic model showcasing the Wellington's advanced characteristics

History

The Vickers Wellington was the leading medium bomber of its era, first taking flight in 1936 and joining the RAF with No.99 Squadron at Mildenhall in October 1938. The production model differed significantly from its prototype, and when compared to other medium bombers of the time, the Wellington was seen as more advanced and a formidable opponent. Its streamlined monoplane design and robust defensive armament established the Wellington as one of the most sophisticated and capable medium bombers globally.

A notable aspect of the Wellington's design was its use of a geodetic construction technique, pioneered by renowned British engineer and inventor Barnes Wallis. This involved using Duralumin W-beams to create a metal lattice structure, onto which wooden battens were affixed, allowing the doped fabric outer skin to be attached.

The resulting fuselage was both lightweight and exceptionally strong. Although this construction method posed challenges for manufacturers, the inherent strength was vital when the aircraft faced combat situations.

Able to endure substantial battle damage, many RAF Wellingtons successfully returned their crews home, when other bombers might not have managed.

BAE SYSTEMS is a registered trade mark of BAE Systems plc.

Individual price: £41.99

Armstrong Whitworth Whitley Mk.V

Product code: A08016

This intricately detailed 1:72 scale model of the Armstrong Whitworth Whitley Mk.V features 152 precisely moulded plastic components, spanning a wingspan of 356mm. It captures one of the RAF's significant bombers from the early stages of World War II. With a Skill Level 3 classification, this kit is designed for modellers aged 8 and older, offering two genuine paint schemes from the wartime period. The Armstrong Whitworth Whitley was active from the outset of the Second World War, initially distributing leaflets over Germany. It subsequently participated in the inaugural bombing missions over German and Italian regions, establishing itself as a crucial element of the RAF's bombing campaign during the conflict.

Key Features

• 152 precisely crafted plastic components for detailed assembly
• 1:72 scale with a notable 356mm wingspan
• Includes two genuine World War II paint schemes
• Skill Level 3 model suitable for modellers aged 8 and up
• Depicts a key RAF bomber from the early war years

History

The Armstrong Whitworth Whitley became one of the RAF's pivotal bombers during the early years of the Second World War, engaging in operations from the very first night of the conflict. As war commenced, Whitleys embarked on missions over Germany to drop leaflets, providing crews with experience in night navigation and operations over hostile territory.

The Whitley quickly moved from these leaflet missions to active bombing operations, becoming one of the first RAF aircraft to target locations in both Germany and Italy. This early operational role was crucial for Bomber Command as it refined the strategies and tactics that would define the strategic bombing efforts.

During the initial years of the war, the Whitley was a vital component of the RAF's bombing operations, conducting night raids over enemy areas when Britain largely stood alone against Axis forces. The aircraft's service during this pivotal time solidified its role as a significant contributor to the RAF's efforts during the challenging period of 1939-1942.

Individual price: £41.99

WWII RAF Bomber - Re-Supply Set

Product code: A05330

This detailed 1:72 scale model set vividly depicts the crucial ground support activities of RAF Bomber Command during WWII. Comprising 197 pieces, this skill level 2 kit illustrates the mechanisation of airfield operations with an array of specialised vehicles such as trucks, tractors, and vans, along with the personnel who operated them. Highlighting the indispensable yet often overlooked role in bomber missions, this set showcases the equipment used for delivering arms, ammunition, and maintenance support to aircraft stationed across occupied Europe.

Key Features

• 197 pieces depicting various RAF ground support vehicles in 1:72 scale
• Features trucks, tractors, and vans for arms delivery and maintenance tasks
• Skill level 2 kit designed for modellers aged 8 years and older
• Genuine World War II RAF Bomber Command equipment and insignia
• Includes crew figures to animate airfield operations
• Part of the Royal Air Force collection

History

As the air campaign over occupied Europe intensified, RAF Bomber Command encountered the significant logistical task of maintaining its bomber fleet. The introduction of specialised ground vehicles revolutionised airfield operations, replacing manual labour with efficient mechanised processes.

These support vehicles were essential to the function of bomber stations across Britain. Austin trucks moved bombs and ammunition from storage to dispersal points, while Morris tractors transported aircraft between maintenance and operational areas. Refuelling vehicles, oxygen carts, and electrical starter units all contributed to preparing aircraft for missions.

The crews operating these vehicles worked tirelessly, often under challenging conditions. Armourers loaded vast amounts of explosives and incendiary bombs, while ground crews performed vital maintenance and repairs. During peak operations, rapid turnaround between missions was crucial, with ground staff working swiftly to ready aircraft for their next mission.

Although less celebrated than the aircrews, these ground support teams were vital to Bomber Command's success. Without their skill and commitment, the strategic bombing campaign could not have been maintained. From 1939 to 1945, these specialised vehicles and their operators ensured RAF bombers could continue their essential missions against enemy targets.

This set provides an authentic glimpse into the dynamic activity at a wartime bomber station, where the coordination of vehicles, equipment, and personnel was key to achieving victory.

Individual price: £29.99