Special Hobby’s boutique resin kit brand has re-released its 1/72 GAL-49 Hamilcar glider, reviewed here by CHRIS CLIFFORD.
You may be an experienced modeller looking for your next non-styrene challenge, have an interested in airborne forces, or simply want a different subject to build. Regardless, the reissue of Planet Models’ GAL-49 Hamilcar Mk.I (item No 102) is cause for celebration.
The Hamilcar glider is a niche subject, certainly, but also fascinating. It was developed by the UK to transport small, lightweight armour such as Universal Carriers, plus Tetrarch and Locust tanks. Hamilcars were employed operationally (and successfully) three times. The first was to carry QF 17-pounder anti-tank guns and other material into Normandy during the D-Day invasion, but operations Market Garden and Varsity were the other occasions.
Above and below: As the fuselage halves are hollow, they are much lighter then the solid wings (below). Note the interior structural detail.
Above: Horizontal/vertical stabilisers have the elevators and rudder incorporated.
On opening the box of Planet Models’ kit, the type’s large stature is apparent immediately. With a fuselage length of approximately 26cm minus the vacuum-formed clear nose cone – and ind…
