Sunderland's Land at PD!

 

A squadron of Sunderland flying boats has landed again at Pembroke Dock. This time they are not the real thing but eagerly awaited plastic models of one of the most famous aircraft in history.

 

Model company Italeri has created a highly detailed 1:72 scale version of the Mark I Sunderland - similar to the Sunderland which sank in the Milford Haven Waterway in 1940.

 

Members of the Penfro Model Group are all set for take off and over the winter will be creating their own squadron of Mark Is.

 

These have been obtained from the Pembroke Dock Sunderland Trust - the only supplier of this kit west of Swansea. Model Group members Martin Blow and Derek Church - both volunteers for the Trust - have been first in the queue to acquire the kit.

 

Said Martin: “Pembroke Dock was where the Mark I Sunderland first entered service and so we have a very special connection with this aircraft.

 

“The Penfro Model Group and the Sunderland Trust are working together to provide much more information on the individual aircraft featured in the kit and this will add to the appeal for modellers. We are very impressed with the kit - it’s been well worth the wait.”

 

The kits are available through the Sunderland Trust’s website, www.sunderlandtrust.org.uk or from the Trust’s offices at the Fleet Surgeon’s House, Royal Dockyard, Pembroke Dock, Tel 01646 684220. The kit price is £39.99, plus postage.

 

Penfro Model Group meets monthly at Pembroke and can be contacted on 01646 680270.

 

Caption:

Martin Blow (left) and Derek Church get to grips with the new Sunderland kit which has an illustration of a 210 Squadron Sunderland which served for a time at RAF Pembroke Dock.

PICTURE: Martin Cavaney Photography.