For those of you that have seen my video interview with Valeriia from ICM, I was (at least in part) responsible for the instigation of this tooling, so I'm very happy to announce that I'm now taking preorders for it!
Description
In October 1931, the British Air Ministry began preparing specifications for a new bomber to replace obsolete biplanes. Specification B.9/32 was created in August 1932, with several manufacturers competing. Handley Page’s HP.52 was selected, with its prototype completed in spring 1936. In June, it flew successfully, reaching 426 km/h and carrying over 1,800 kg of bombs. It was shown to King Edward VIII in July. On October 4, 1937, the Air Ministry approved the HP.52 Hampden B.Mk.I (named after 17th-century defender John Hampden).
Production began in spring 1938, with aircraft entering service by autumn. By July 1940, Handley Page produced 500 units. English Electric joined production in February 1940, building 770 more by March 1942. Canadian production followed. From the start of WWII, the HP.52 Hampden was actively used against Germany, conducting ground attacks, bombing raids, ship attacks, and mine-laying. It served with Bomber Command until autumn 1942, then transferred to Coastal Command from spring 1942, where many became torpedo bombers.
Model Features
ICM's first model of the HP. 52 Hampden bomber
Detailed rivets on the fuselage, wings, and tail
Accurate geometry and proportions of the real aircraft with detailed cockpit equipment
Includes various bomb types for the bomb bay and under-wing placement
Decals with markings for four aircraft, including the first production example
Model Information
Scale: 1:48
Number of Parts: 350 pieces
Length: 341 mm
Width: 442 mm
Includes detailed assembly instructions
Highly detailed sprues with high accuracy made from quality plastic
Box size: 410 x 260 x 55 mm
