1:144 Handley-Page Hampden B Mk.I

Handley Page Hampden B Mk.I 1:144 (Valom)

Injection-molded plastic kit of the British bomber Handley Page Hampden B Mk.I in the small 1:144 scale from the Czech manufacturer Valom. The package contains plastic parts, clear parts for the canopy and decals for British marking variants. The tiny model is ideal for a collection of bombers where there is no room for a large one.

The real subject

The Handley Page Hampden was a British twin-engined bomber of the beginning of the Second World War. Its distinguishing mark was the narrow, deep fuselage nicknamed the flying suitcase, with a slim rear fuselage and twin fins. The Hampden served with Bomber Command on night raids and on mine laying, and the later torpedo versions operated over the sea. It was one of the three British bombers deployed in the first years of the war.

Building and painting tips

In 1:144 scale the parts are tiny, so work with liquid cement for plastic, tweezers and in good light. Solve the interior and the cockpit simply but cleanly, and mask the glazing. Apply a primer before painting and put the paints on with an airbrush in thin coats, so that the fine surface detail is not lost. It is enough to bring out the panel lines discreetly; exaggerated wear would look coarse in this scale.

Who the model is for

• Collectors of British bombers of the Second World War in 1:144 scale
• Modelers who build a collection in a small scale without demands on space
• Fans of Bomber Command aircraft and of night raids
• Anyone interested in a less usual subject

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.