Description

Avro Anson Mk1 500 Squadron RAF Detling 1940 1/72 Scale

The Avro Anson was a British twin-engined aircraft that served with the RAF, Fleet Air Arm and some Commonwealth Air Forces before, during and after WWII. Developed from the Avro 652 airliner, the multi-role Anson Mk I was originally meant for maritime reconnaissance but after becoming obsolete in this role, it was found more suitable as a multi-engined aircrew trainer. A three to four seater plane, it was used to train pilots for flying multi-engined bombers such as the Avro Lancaster and was also used to train other crew members including navigators, wireless operators, bomb aimers and air gunners. It took its first flight in 1935, entered service in 1936 and was finally retired from the RAF as late as 1968. Over 11,000 were produced between its introduction in the 1930s and the end of production in 1952, just over 8000 in the UK and the remainder in Canada. The Anson Mk I did see some action as a limited number were used as coastal patrols and air/sea rescue during the War. In June 1940, a flight of three was attacked by nine Luftwaffe Messerschmitt Bf109s. When the dogfight ended, one of the Ansons had destroyed two of the German aircraft, as well as damaging a third. Remarkably all three Ansons returned safely to base. Our aircraft is modelled on one that was flown in June 1940 by Pilot Officer Peters of 500 Squadron, RAF Detling in Kent. In a dark green/dark earth camouflage scheme and numbered N9732 along the fuselage, the RAF roundels feature on the upper wings as well as on the wing tips of the metallic grey underside. The cockpit interior is finished in green with a black instrument panel. The model also faithfully reproduces the gun turret mounted behind the cockpit with a black machine gun in position. Other intricate details include the DF loop, engine and propeller blades, all finished in black. Note too, the two oil coolers positioned on the underside behind the engines and the silvered engine hubs.