Airfix 1/48 Westland Lysander Mk.III Special Duties Plastic Model Kit

Airfix 1/48 Westland Lysander Mk.III Special Duties Plastic Model Kit

$69.99

Description

In 1941, the RAF issued a requirement for around 40 of their Westland Lysander communications aircraft to undergo modification in support of a new clandestine role, which they described as ‘Special Duties’. The aircraft had defensive armament removed and have their range increased by adding a larger oil tank internally, and an external 150 gallon fuel tank under the fuselage. 

The gunner’s compartment was also modified by adding a rear-sliding single piece canopy, and room to accommodate up to three people inside. A robust ladder was fixed to the port-side fuselage to allow passengers to quickly enter and exit the aircraft when they were engaged in this new ‘Spy Taxi’ role.

Operating under cover of darkness and with the support of the French Resistance, specialist crews bravely flew these unarmed aircraft across the English Channel at night, delivering and extracting agents at great personal risk to all involved, operations which proved crucial to the eventual outcome of the Second World War. 

This 1:48 scale Westland Lysander model kit makes a great addition to your workbench, perfectly complementing any collection of military aircraft.

What's Inside

Plastic model kit, instruction sheet, paint layout sheet and decals.

This remarkable 1:48 scale model kit of the Westland Lysander Mk.III Special Duties aircraft consists of 197 parts and provides an accurate depiction of one of the RAF's most audacious aircraft used in secret operations. with intermediate skills, this kit replicates the unique alterations made to about 40 Lysander communication planes in 1941 for covert missions aiding the French Resistance.

Key Features

  • 197 piece model kit at 1:48 scale with 316mm wingspan
  • Skill level 3 - suitable for intermediate modellers aged 8 years and above
  • Three authentic paint schemes included
  • Precise depiction of Special Duties modifications including external fuel tank and access ladder
  • World War Two era RAF aircraft
  • Detailed features including modified gunner's compartment with rear-sliding canopy
  • Represents unarmed variant configured for secret agent transport operations

History

In 1941, the RAF set a requirement for the modification of around 40 Westland Lysander communication aircraft to undertake a new secretive role, termed 'Special Duties'. The aircraft were stripped of defensive weaponry and had their range extended by installing a larger internal oil tank and an external 150-gallon fuel tank beneath the fuselage.

The gunner's section was altered with the addition of a rear-sliding single-piece canopy, allowing space for up to three individuals. A sturdy ladder was attached to the port-side fuselage, enabling swift boarding and disembarking for passengers during their new 'Spy Taxi' missions.

Flying under the cover of night and with the assistance of the French Resistance, specialised crews courageously piloted these unarmed planes across the English Channel, transporting agents at significant personal risk to all involved. These operations were vital to the eventual success of the Second World War.

This 1:48 scale Westland Lysander model kit is an excellent addition to your workbench, enhancing any military aircraft collection.

Key Specifications

  • Skill Level: 3

Full Specifications

Item Length - Without Packaging (cm)19.2
Item Width - Without Packaging (cm)31.6
Item Scale1:48 Scale
Contents (what's in the box) setsPlastic model kit, instruction sheet, paint layout sheet and decals.
Number of Scheme options3
Flying Hours3
Wingspan (mm)316

(THIS IS A PRE-ORDER ITEM)

Specifications

Brand Airfix

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