Operation Gardening
ICM 48355

British mine-laying bomber from Operation Gardening with crew and ground crew.

This kit depicts a Handley Page HP.52 Hampden B Mk.I (late) aircraft adapted for sea-mining missions during Operation Gardening. In addition to the aircraft model, the set includes three crew figures, two ground crew figures, and a magnetic mine mounted on a transport cart, enabling a complete combat preparation scene.

The model faithfully reproduces the Hampden's distinctive silhouette, including riveted skin, a detailed cockpit, and a bomb bay adapted for carrying sea mines. Thanks to its extensive equipment, the set is perfect for building a striking airport diorama from the early period of World War II.

Key Features

• HP.52 Hampden B Mk.I (late) model aircraft,
• three RAF crew figures,
• two ground crew figures,
• magnetic mine with transport cart,
• detailed cockpit and crew stations,
• faithfully reproduced fuselage and wing riveting,
• realistic bomb bay,
• transparent cabin glazing elements,
• decals allowing for one of four marking variants.

Options Construction

The kit allows you to build both the aircraft model and a complete scene depicting preparations for a minelaying mission. The figures and airfield equipment allow you to create a realistic diorama depicting the maintenance of an RAF bomber before a night combat sortie.

Marking Variants

• AE224 "EA" – No. 49 Squadron RAF.
• AE238 "EA" – No. 49 Squadron RAF.
• AD915 "Z" – No. 44 (Rhodesia) Squadron RAF.
• AE269 "P" – No. 50 Squadron RAF, with Popeye's emblem.

Model Specifications

• Model Length: 341 mm.
• Wingspan: 442 mm.
• Number of Parts: 469 + 30.
• Number of Figures: 5.

Original

The Handley Page HP.52 Hampden was one of the three basic twin-engine bombers introduced into RAF service just before the outbreak of World War II. Its exceptionally narrow fuselage provided good aerodynamic properties, but meant very limited space for the four-man crew. For this reason, the aircraft earned the nickname "Flying Suitcase."

After an initial period of daytime bombing raids, the Hampdens were assigned primarily to night operations. One of their most important missions was Operation Gardening, which involved laying magnetic mines along the coasts of occupied Europe. Mining approaches to ports, river mouths, and shipping lanes effectively disrupted German military and transport shipping. By the end of 1940, Hampden crews had laid over 700 naval mines.

Characteristic features of the original

• very narrow fuselage, approximately 90 cm wide,
• four-person crew,
• twin-engine design designed for bombing and mine-laying missions,
• adapted to carry magnetic mines in the bomb bay,
• used primarily during night operations over the North Sea and the coasts of occupied Europe.

Who is this model for?

This kit will be an excellent choice for fans of RAF aviation from the early period of World War II and modelers building airport dioramas. The combination of the plane, figures, and ground equipment allows you to create a complete scene without having to purchase additional accessories.

Additional Information

• Glue and paints must be purchased separately.