ICM Plastic Model Kit

ICM ‘Operation Gardening’ HP.52 Hampden Mine Layer & 5 Figures (1/48) 48355

The ICM ‘Operation Gardening’ HP.52 Hampden Mine Layer is a detailed 1/48 scale plastic model kit depicting the British bomber in its specialised aerial mine-laying role. The set combines the aircraft with three pilot figures, two ground crew figures and a magnetic mine mounted on a trolley.

The aircraft model reproduces the geometry and proportions of the original Hampden, including its distinctive narrow fuselage. Detailed rivet representation is provided across the fuselage, wings and tail surfaces. The pilot and ground crew figures feature finely reproduced uniforms and equipment appropriate to the wartime setting.

Containing 469 aircraft and equipment parts plus 30 figure parts, the kit comprises 499 components in total. Its combination of aircraft, personnel and mine-handling equipment allows modellers to create a detailed scene depicting preparations for an Operation Gardening combat mission.

Browse our range of 1/48 Aircraft Model Kits and complete your build with our selection of model paints, modelling glues, weathering products and model figures.

• 1/48 scale plastic model kit
• Manufacturer SKU: 48355
• Handley Page HP.52 Hampden mine layer
• Three pilot figures included
• Two ground crew figures included
• Magnetic mine mounted on a trolley
• Detailed figure uniforms and equipment
• Detailed rivet representation
• 469 aircraft and equipment parts
• 30 figure parts
• 499 parts in total
• Completed length of 341 mm
• Completed width of 442 mm
• Detailed assembly instructions included
• Suitable for an Operation Gardening diorama
• Glue and paints are sold separately

History

The Handley Page HP.52 Hampden prototype first flew on 21 June 1936 and entered Royal Air Force service in September 1938. Its unusually narrow fuselage measured only 90 centimetres wide, improving aerodynamic performance but creating cramped conditions for its four-person crew. Its distinctive shape led to the nickname “Flying Suitcase”.

The Hampden was initially employed on daytime missions during the early stages of the Second World War. Its limited defensive armament made it vulnerable to German fighters, however, and the type was gradually reassigned to night operations from December 1939. During the winter of 1939–1940, several Hampdens were modified to carry magnetic mines within their bomb bays.

Operation Gardening was the code name for an aerial mine-laying campaign targeting enemy coastal waters, estuaries and harbours that British naval forces could not easily reach. Hampdens laid their first mines off the Norwegian coast on the night of 14 April 1940. By the end of that year, the aircraft had laid 703 mines and continued performing mine-laying duties until 1942.

Glue and paints are sold separately.