This 1:72 scale assembly kit contains 182 parts, incorporating 21 newly crafted components such as bulged bomb bay doors in both open and closed positions, a 4000lb “Cookie” bomb, bomb bay interior sections, target towing winch elements, and additional details. It includes three unique marking options that reflect the Mosquito’s transitioning roles during the late World War II period and into the post-war years, highlighted by the striking TT.35 target towing variant “TA719,” which remains preserved.
Beginning in 1944, the de Havilland Mosquito B.XVI was delivered to frontline squadrons as an evolution of the earlier B.IX model, featuring a newly integrated pressurised cabin to enable high-altitude missions. Although unarmed, it could carry a 3,000 lb bomb load, with production modifications soon allowing the internal carriage of a 4,000 lb ‘Cookie’ or blockbuster bomb, renowned for its immense destructive power. This combination of heavy ordnance and the Mosquito’s renowned speed and bombing precision sustained Bomber Command’s offensive in the latter WWII stages. By March 12, 1945, the final bomber iteration, the B.35 powered by Merlin 113/114 engines, underwent its first test flight but did not enter service before the war’s end. The B.35 nevertheless served with the post-war RAF until 1954. Following the introduction of the jet-powered English Electric Canberra in 1951, the B.35 was retired from frontline roles and converted by Brooklands Aviation Ltd into TT.35 target tugs. These served Civilian Anti Aircraft Cooperation Units until May 1963, employing a wind-driven ML Type G winch with 6,000 feet of non-twisting steel cable to tow fabric target drogues.
