{"product_id":"icm48355","title":"ICM Models 1\/48 Operation Gardening Hampden Bomber with Figure Set - ICM48355","description":"\u003cp\u003eExplore the \u003cstrong\u003eOperation Gardening Hampden Bomber with Figure Set\u003c\/strong\u003e from ICM Models at Mega Hobby. This release is listed in 1\/48 scale.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eProduct information\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe prototype of the Handley Page HP.52 Hampden bomber first flew on June 21, 1936, and it entered service with the RAF in September 1938. The design of the HP.52 Hampden was unusual for its time: the aircraft featured an extremely narrow fuselage only 90 centimeters wide, which provided excellent aerodynamics but resulted in very cramped conditions for its four-man crew. Due to its distinctive shape, it earned the nickname “Flying Suitcase.”\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn the early stages of the Second World War, it was used for daytime missions; however, its limited defensive armament made it an easy target for German fighters. As a result, from December 1939 it was gradually reassigned to night operations. A notable chapter in its combat history was its role in Operation Gardening, the code name for a campaign involving the laying of magnetic mines in enemy waters, mainly in bays and near harbors. In the winter of 1939–1940, several Hampdens were specially modified to carry mines in their bomb bays, and the first mines were laid on the night of April 14, 1940, off the coast of Norway.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe aim of the operation was to mine German coastal waters, estuaries, and harbors that were inaccessible to British naval forces. Operation Gardening proved highly effective — by the end of 1940, HP.52 Hampdens had laid 703 mines. Loss rates during mining missions were significantly lower than during bombing raids against industrial targets in Germany. The Hampden performed mine-laying duties until 1942, when it was replaced in this role by heavier four-engine RAF bombers.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScale:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1\/48   \u003cstrong\u003eManufacturer:\u003c\/strong\u003e ICM Models   \u003cstrong\u003eItem:\u003c\/strong\u003e ICM48355\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eProduct Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eManufacturer: ICM Models\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubject: Operation Gardening Hampden Bomber with Figure Set\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSKU: ICM48355\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eScale: 1\/48\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProduct type: Aircraft Model Kits\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eExplore more \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/icm-models\"\u003eICM Models\u003c\/a\u003e, browse \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/model-aircraft\"\u003eModel Aircraft\u003c\/a\u003e or prepare your next project with \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/tools-supplies\"\u003eTools \u0026amp; Supplies\u003c\/a\u003e at Mega Hobby.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ICM Models","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67974301614154,"sku":"ICM48355","price":111.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0565\/3066\/5546\/files\/icm48355-148-icm-operation-gardening-hampden-bomber-wfigure-set-preorder-squadron-model-models__14547.1787208735.jpg?v=1794548689","url":"https:\/\/megahobby.com\/products\/icm48355","provider":"Mega Hobby","version":"1.0","type":"link"}