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About the Grand Slam Bomber
The four-engined heavy bomber of the RAF, the Avro Lancaster, performed a variety of bombing operations and other roles during WWII. The B.I (Special) configuration of the aircraft, known as the "Grand Slam Bomber" was modified to carry the largest bomb made in war, the 22,000lb (9,979kg) "Grand Slam bomb". The first time the Grand Slam bomb was used successfully was on March 14th of 1945, in the attack against the Bielefeld Viaduct in northern Germany. This viaduct was a vital railroad node connecting the Ruhr industrial zone with large cities such as Hanover. Despite past bombing of the viaduct by the RAF and US Air Force, it had not yet sustained any critical damage. On that day, 617 Squadron, an elite group known as the "dambusters", flew into action. Sqn. Ldr. C.C. Calder dropped a Grand Slam bomb which landed about 30m from the viaduct. The underground explosion sent out powerful shock waves, destroying the majority of the viaduct. On March 19th, 617 Squadron also destroyed the Arnsberg Viaduct. By the end of the war, a total of 41 Grand Slam bombs were dropped, dealing a heavy blow to Germany. 33 Lancasters were converted to Grand Slam Bombers including aircraft no.: PB592, PB995 through PB998, and PD112 through PD139.
Specifications
- Engine: Rolls Royce Merlin 20/22/24 (takeoff output 1480 to 1640hp) x 4
- Fuselage length: 21.18m
- Wingspan: 31.10m
- Weight: 33.11t
- Range: 2655km (carrying Grand Slam bomb)
About the Model
Assembly plastic model kit based on the masterpiece bomber of the RAF, the Grand Slam Bomber (Lancaster BI Special 22000lb. Bomb). Scale: 1/48, fuselage length: 441mm, wingspan: 648mm-a model impressive in both detail and size. Kit features a pre-painted canopy and unpainted canopy to offer modeler with choice. Model overflows with detail from the intricate suspension to the tires that appear to deform under the weight of the aircraft. Model comes to life with four micro-motors that allow the four propellers to really spin when the Grand Slam bomb is slid back. One UM2 alkaline battery required (sold separately). Battery positioned in bomb storage bay for easy access. Four realistically recreated flight-crew figures, one ground-crew figure and two types of markings for aircraft of 617 Squadron top off this highly authentic recreation. Recommended Tamiya Colors: AS-22 Dark Earth, AS-9 Dark Green, AS-11 Medium Sea Gray.
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