A04201V HMS Victorious

This remarkable 1:600 scale replica of HMS Victorious is crafted from 94 plastic components, showcasing one of the Royal Navy's most notable aircraft carriers from World War II. With a skill level of 3, this model kit is ideal for modellers aged 8 and older, providing a rewarding assembly experience that highlights the key attributes of this iconic wartime ship.

Key Features

• 1:600 scale model with 94 plastic components
• Skill level 3 - designed for intermediate modellers
• Depicts HMS Victorious during World War II
• Includes one genuine paint scheme
• Suitable for ages 8 and up
• Part of the Vintage Classics collection

History

HMS Victorious became part of the Home Fleet upon her commissioning in May 1941, and within just nine days, her pilots engaged the German battleship Bismarck. On 26 May 1941, the newly commissioned carrier HMS Victorious, despite the inexperience of her aircrews, managed to strike the Bismarck's midship with a torpedo, rupturing a fuel tank. Following the Bismarck's demise, HMS Victorious continued her service with the Home Fleet. Her Fairey Albacore aircraft participated in an assault on the German battleship Tirpitz in March 1942. She also provided protection for Russian convoys PQ-15 and PQ-17 in May and June 1942, respectively. Later, she took part in Operation Pedestal and subsequently joined the North African landings at the close of 1942.

HMS Victorious journeyed to Pearl Harbour to become part of USS Saratoga's Battle Group, Task Force 14. She arrived in the Southwest Pacific on 17th May 1943, where she embarked US aircraft and crew, and alongside the Saratoga, patrolled the Solomon Islands. Throughout that year, this active vessel supported the US Pacific fleet in numerous operations, typically carrying both British and US Wildcat fighters. From January to March 1944, HMS Victorious protected Russian convoys, then participated in Operation 'Tungsten' with an air strike on the German battleship Tirpitz on 3 April 1944. After another refit, she joined the British Eastern Fleet, heading towards the Far East.

In July 1944, she led a mission against Palembang with HMS Illustrious, and on 25th July, she spearheaded an attack on the Andaman Islands with HMS Indomitable. By October 1944, she was part of the British Pacific Fleet, engaging in some of the final intense operations as the war drew to a close.