ICM 48354 - 1:48 Churchill's Flying Suitcase - Handley Page 52 Hampden B.Mk.I

Plastic model kit of the Handley Page HP.52 Hampden B.Mk.I “Churchill's Flying Suitcase” in 1:48 scale

ICM 48354 is a detailed model kit of the British Handley Page HP.52 Hampden B.Mk.I bomber in 1:48 scale. The aircraft was developed in response to British Air Ministry requirements for a modern twin-engine bomber capable of carrying a substantial bomb load over long distances. Its narrow and deep fuselage gave the aircraft its famous nickname, “Flying Suitcase,” making it one of the most distinctive RAF bombers of World War II.

Inside the box:

• 1:48 scale plastic aircraft model kit
• Accurately reproduced fuselage and airframe details
• Detailed cockpit and crew station interior
• Precisely recreated engines, landing gear, and defensive armament
• Decal sheet for 4 marking options
• Assembly instructions

Model technical details:

• Scale: 1:48
• Wingspan: approx. 43.8 cm
• Model length: approx. 34.3 cm
• Manufacturer: ICM
• Difficulty level: intermediate

Note: This kit does not include glue, paints, or modeling tools. Assembly and painting are required.

Model assembly

The model accurately reproduces the distinctive silhouette of the Hampden bomber with its unusual narrow fuselage and large wing surfaces. The kit includes detailed crew stations, cockpit components, and defensive armament elements. Thanks to its impressive size and fine detailing, the completed model becomes an excellent addition to any RAF World War II aircraft collection.

Essential tools

• Hobby knife or sprue cutters
• Files or sanding paper
• Paint brushes
• Plastic model glue
• Paint set for finishing the model

Technical data of the original aircraft:

• Wingspan: 21.08 m
• Length: 16.32 m
• Powerplant: 2 × Bristol Pegasus XVIII engines
• Maximum speed: approx. 408 km/h
• Bomb load: up to approx. 1800 kg

About the Handley Page HP.52 Hampden:

The Handley Page Hampden was one of the RAF’s primary medium bombers during the early years of World War II. First flown in 1936, the aircraft featured advanced characteristics for its time, including an enclosed cockpit, retractable landing gear, and long operational range. Its narrow and deep fuselage created a unique appearance that earned it the nickname “Flying Suitcase.” Hampdens participated in some of the RAF’s earliest bombing operations against Germany and later served with RAF Coastal Command as long-range torpedo bombers. As newer heavy bombers entered service, the Hampden was gradually withdrawn from Bomber Command duties but continued operating in other roles for several years.

Marking options:

• HP.52 Hampden B.Mk.I AE224 (flown by S/Ldr D.D. Drakes), No. 49 Squadron, RAF Scampton, 1941
• HP.52 Hampden B.Mk.I AE238 “Popeye”, No. 49 Squadron, RAF Scampton, 1941
• HP.52 Hampden B.Mk.I AD915, No. 420 Squadron, Waddington, Winter 1942
• HP.52 Hampden B.Mk.I AE269, No. 408 Squadron, Balderton, Summer 1942

About ICM:

ICM is a respected plastic model manufacturer offering a wide range of aircraft, military vehicles, and historical figure kits. The company is recognized for its excellent detail quality, interesting historical subjects, and carefully engineered models related to aviation and World War II history.