{"product_id":"icm-churchills-flying-suitcase-hp-52-hampden-bomber-icm48354","title":"ICM Churchill's 'Flying Suitcase' HP.52 Hampden Bomber ICM48354","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn June 1936, the prototype of a new bomber took to the skies in response to updated British Air Ministry requirements. The RAF needed a twin-engine strike aircraft with an enclosed cockpit, retractable landing gear, and the capability to carry a substantial bomb load over long distances. Designed by a team led by Dr. Gustav Lachmann, the aircraft entered serial production in spring 1938 and received the designation HP.52 Hampden—named after 17th-century civil liberties defender John Hampden. By July 1940, Handley Page had produced 500 units. English Electric joined production in February 1940, manufacturing an additional 770 aircraft by March 1942. The bomber's distinctive narrow, vertically deep fuselage earned it the affectionate nickname \"Flying Suitcase.\" Though gradually withdrawn from RAF Bomber Command as heavier bombers arrived, the Hampden proved highly effective with RAF Coastal Command as a long-range torpedo bomber. This 1:48 scale ICM kit captures the characteristic late-production HP.52 with exceptional accuracy. The 462-piece assembly preserves the original aircraft's geometry and proportions, featuring detailed rivet work across the fuselage, wings, and tail surfaces. The kit includes multiple bomb types for the bomb bay and underwing stations, plus a comprehensive decal sheet offering four authentic squadron markings from 1941–1942. Detailed assembly instructions and high-quality plastic sprues ensure a rewarding build for experienced modellers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong id=\"isPasted\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMarkings Available\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHP.52 Hampden B.Mk.I AE224 (flown by S\/Ldr D.D. Drakes), No. 49 Squadron, RAF Scampton, 1941\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHP.52 Hampden B.Mk.I AE238 «Popeye», No. 49 Squadron, RAF Scampton, 1941\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHP.52 Hampden B.Mk.I AD915, No. 420 Squadron, Waddington, Winter 1942\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHP.52 Hampden B.Mk.I AE269, No. 408 Squadron, Balderton, Summer 1942\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eModel Information\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eScale: \u003cstrong\u003e1:48\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNumber of Parts:\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e462\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLength:\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e341 mm\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWidth:\u003cstrong\u003e 442 mm\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncludes detailed assembly instructions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHighly detailed sprues with high accuracy made from quality plastic\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEAN:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e4823044412051\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCarton quantity:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e12\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBox size:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e410 x 260 x 55 mm\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"ICM","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57081668370805,"sku":"ICM48354","price":78.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0689\/4590\/3920\/files\/ICM48354_03_1.jpg?v=1776509740","url":"https:\/\/accessmodels.co.uk\/products\/icm-churchills-flying-suitcase-hp-52-hampden-bomber-icm48354","provider":"Access Models","version":"1.0","type":"link"}