Roden Short S.25 Sunderland Mk III/V 1/144 Model Kit
The Roden Short S.25 Sunderland Mk III/V (353) is a 1/144 scale plastic model kit of the British maritime patrol flying boat used by the Royal Air Force during the Second World War. The kit contains six sprues and includes markings for three RAF aircraft, covering both the Sunderland Mk III and Mk V.
Designed for maritime patrol operations, the Sunderland served across the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans, operating in conditions ranging from the Arctic to the Tropics. Its powerful defensive armament earned it the nickname “Flying Porcupine” among German pilots.
Short Sunderland – The Flying Porcupine
The Short S.25 Sunderland was one of Britain’s important maritime patrol aircraft during WWII. Its flying boat configuration allowed it to operate over extensive ocean areas, supporting the RAF’s maritime operations throughout the conflict.
The Sunderland became particularly associated with the Battle of the Atlantic, where it played a significant role in operations against German submarines.
During the war, Sunderland aircraft were credited with destroying approximately 28 German submarines and assisting in the sinking of seven more. This record established the aircraft’s reputation as a formidable U-boat hunter.
Sunderland DD859 and the Sinking of U-489
One of the aircraft represented in this kit is Sunderland Mk III DD859, coded 3-G, of 423 Squadron, based at RAF Castle Archdale in Ireland during 1943.
On 4 August 1943, DD859 was commanded by Flying Officer Albert Bishop when it attacked and sank German submarine U-489.
U-489 was a Type XIV submarine used for supply and replenishment duties. Its destruction was one of the Sunderland’s notable successes during the Battle of the Atlantic.
The inclusion of DD859 gives this kit a direct connection to a documented wartime operation and a specific RAF aircraft.
Three RAF Aircraft Marking Options
Roden provides markings for three Short Sunderland aircraft:
- Short Sunderland Mk III DD859/3-G: 423 Squadron, RAF Castle Archdale, Ireland, 1943.
- Short Sunderland Mk III W3999/RB-Y: RAF Mount Batten, Plymouth.
- Short Sunderland Mk V SZ568/C-TA: 230 Squadron, RAF Castle Archdale, Ireland, 1943.
These options cover two Sunderland variants and different RAF aircraft identities, including examples associated with Castle Archdale and Mount Batten.
1/144 Scale Plastic Model Kit
Manufactured by Roden, this 1/144 scale plastic kit provides a choice of RAF Sunderland Mk III and Mk V subjects.
The kit contains six sprues, with markings for three aircraft. Its subject is particularly relevant to collections of British WWII aviation, RAF Coastal Command aircraft and maritime patrol flying boats.
The 1/144 scale also allows the Sunderland to be displayed alongside other 1/144 scale model aircraft.
Kit Details
- Manufacturer: Roden
- Aircraft: Short S.25 Sunderland
- Variants: Mk III and Mk V
- Aircraft type: Maritime patrol flying boat
- Operator: Royal Air Force
- Country: Great Britain
- Historical period: Second World War
- Marking options: Three RAF aircraft
- Plastic sprues: 6
- Scale: 1/144
- Product type: Plastic model kit
- Manufacturer reference: 353
- EAN: 4823017702691
Paint and modelling glue are required for assembly and finishing. The kit offers a choice of three RAF Sunderland aircraft, including DD859, which sank German submarine U-489 during the Battle of the Atlantic on 4 August 1943.
