Airfix 1/48 Legends - Douglas Bader - Triple Pack Plastic Model Kit [A40101]

This is a Airfix 1/48 Legends - Douglas Bader - Triple Pack Plastic Model Kit [A40101]

This remarkable Legends triple pack honours the bravery and resolve of Britain's renowned fighter pilot, Douglas Bader, featuring three intricately designed 1:48 scale aircraft kits. Comprising 414 pieces in total, this commemorative set includes the Gloster Gladiator, Bristol Bulldog, and Supermarine Spitfire - the aircraft that marked Bader's distinguished career from his beginnings at Cranwell to leading the victory flypast over London at the war's conclusion.

Key Features

• Three complete 1:48 scale aircraft kits celebrating Douglas Bader's legendary service
• 414 pieces in total offering a captivating building experience
• Skill level 3 suitable for modellers aged 8 years and older
• Includes the Bristol Bulldog, the aircraft that defined Bader as an airman
• Features aircraft from his early RAF service to his wartime achievements
• High-quality plastic construction with precise detailing
• Single comprehensive paint scheme to ensure historical accuracy

History

When Britain faced the formidable German war machine alone, heroes were needed to inspire the nation - individuals like Douglas Bader. Bader joined the Royal Air Force in 1928, known for his athletic prowess and thrill-seeking nature, although he found the academic demands at Cranwell challenging.

Commissioned in July 1930, he was assigned to No.23 Squadron at Kenley, flying the Gloster Gladiator and later the Bristol Bulldog, one of the era's most advanced fighter planes. Although Bader's wartime achievements and aerial victories are associated with both the Spitfire and Hurricane, it was the Bulldog biplane that truly defined his early career.

During an unplanned visit to the Reading Aero Club on 14th December 1931, despite being expressly forbidden from performing low altitude aerobatics in the Bulldog, Bader disregarded these orders after being provoked by fellow aviators.

Executing a series of impressive manoeuvres, his aircraft, flying just above the ground, clipped the earth with its wingtip during a slow roll, causing it to cartwheel across the field, resulting in severe injuries to Bader, much to the onlookers' horror.

Despite losing both legs, Bader was resolute in his desire to return to the Royal Air Force, and with the onset of the Second World War, he was given the opportunity. He flew both the Spitfire and Hurricane in combat, achieving 22 aerial victories before being forced to eject from his Spitfire over France, becoming a prisoner of war on 9th August 1941.

Douglas Bader's tale of bravery and perseverance inspired Britain during its darkest times, and when the victory flypast occurred over London at the war's end, it was Bader who led the formation in a Spitfire.

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