Airfix 617 Sqn. Dambusters 80th Anniversary Gift Set 1:72

The Airfix 617 Sqn. Dambusters 80th Anniversary Gift Set captures one of the RAF’s most famous units. To this day this incredible legacy continues, the unit was reformed in April 2018 to commemorate its centenary, which consists of the first operational Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightnings.

At 21.39 on 16th May 1943, Gibson and Lancaster ED932 took off from RAF Scampton at the head of the first attack wave of nine Lancasters heading for the Mohne Dam, flying a route over Suffolk, then the North Sea, crossing the Dutch coast at Zeeland, before heading inland attempting to avoid known areas of Luftwaffe defences.

As Gibson and his crew made their attack run on the Mohne Dam, the other Lancasters of the first wave circled the target area, watching the effectiveness of the attack run and waiting for the instruction to commence their own attack. Having released their mine, Gibson and his crew flew alongside the other aircraft during their attacks, attempting to draw enemy fire away from the attacking aircraft, giving them the best chance of effecting a breach. The fifth mine dropped was a perfect run and exploded in exactly the right place to cause the already weakened dam to fail.

In the years which followed, this incredible operation was referred to as the 'Dambusters Raid' and No.617 Squadron would become one of the RAF's most famous units. 'Operation Chastise' was heralded as a spectacular success for Bomber Command, but at a heavy cost, as eight Lancasters and 53 airmen failed to return.

This set comes with 12 acrylic paints, poly cement and two brushes included, helping you authentically bring these historic aircrafts to life in 1:72 scale. You’ll also get two stands in the set.

• Length: 294mm
• Wingspan: 432mm
• 267 parts and 42 parts
• Scale: 1:72
• Skill level: 3
• Features two aircrafts
• Includes 12 acrylic paints, two brushes, poly cement and two stands
• Great for gifting
• Perfect for adding a piece of history to your display shelf

Airfix 617 Sqn. Dambusters 80th Anniversary Gift Set 1:72