{"product_id":"operation-gardening-hp-52-hampden-1-48-model-kit-by-icm","title":"Operation Gardening HP.52 Hampden 1:48 Model Kit by ICM","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eModel Features\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRecreate one of the Royal Air Force's early-war bombing missions with the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eICM Operation Gardening HP.52 Hampden 1:48 Model Kit\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. This highly detailed kit depicts the Handley Page Hampden configured for \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOperation Gardening\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e—the RAF's codename for aerial mine-laying operations carried out against German shipping routes and coastal waters.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeaturing finely moulded plastic parts, detailed interior components and authentic decals, this kit is ideal for aviation enthusiasts, WWII aircraft modellers and anyone interested in RAF Bomber Command operations.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-spread=\"false\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eScale: 1:48\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eManufacturer: ICM\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAircraft: Handley Page HP.52 Hampden\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOperation Gardening mine-laying configuration\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFinely detailed plastic parts\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDetailed cockpit and interior\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e5 Figures \u0026amp; magnetic mine on trolley\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthentic decal sheet\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIllustrated assembly instructions\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAssembly required\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGlue and paints not included\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhat's in the Box\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-spread=\"false\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlastic model kit parts\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e5 figures\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMine-laying ordnance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDecal sheet\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIllustrated assembly instructions\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHistory of the Original Aircraft\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHistorical Snapshot\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHandley Page HP.52 Hampden\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e entered Royal Air Force service in 1938 as one of Britain's new generation of twin-engine medium bombers. Its slim fuselage and narrow profile earned it the nickname \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"The Flying Suitcase,\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e while its relatively high speed made it one of the RAF's most capable bombers during the opening stages of the Second World War.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlthough initially employed on conventional bombing raids, the Hampden soon became heavily involved in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOperation Gardening\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, a series of highly dangerous aerial mine-laying missions. Rather than dropping conventional bombs, specially modified Hampdens carried naval mines which were released into harbours, estuaries and busy shipping lanes used by German naval and merchant vessels. These operations disrupted enemy supply routes, damaged shipping and forced the Kriegsmarine to dedicate valuable resources to minesweeping operations.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFlying these missions required exceptional precision and courage. Crews operated at low altitude, often at night and in poor weather, navigating accurately to designated drop zones while avoiding anti-aircraft fire and enemy fighters. Despite the risks, Operation Gardening proved remarkably effective and became an important part of Britain's maritime strategy throughout the war.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAs the conflict progressed, the Hampden was gradually replaced in the bomber role by newer aircraft such as the Avro Lancaster and Handley Page Halifax. However, it continued to serve successfully as a torpedo bomber with RAF Coastal Command and with Allied air forces overseas. Today, the Hampden remains an important chapter in the history of RAF Bomber Command and is remembered for the bravery of the crews who undertook some of the most hazardous missions of the early war years.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlease Note\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-spread=\"false\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is a plastic model kit and requires assembly.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGlue, paints, and modelling tools are sold separately.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRecommended for experienced beginners and above due to the small parts and detailed assembly.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"SCH Models","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":60211498516814,"sku":"ICM48355","price":74.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1051\/3360\/5198\/files\/ICM48355_02.jpg?v=1784930281","url":"https:\/\/schmodels.co.uk\/products\/operation-gardening-hp-52-hampden-1-48-model-kit-by-icm","provider":"SCH Models","version":"1.0","type":"link"}