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- THOMAS GUNN MINIATURES
- WOW068 Sopwith Snipe LE12 by Thomas Gunn Miniatures
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- THOMAS GUNN MINIATURES
- WINGS OF WAR
- WOW068 Sopwith Snipe LE12 by Thomas Gunn Miniatures
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Product Description
Our second aircraft WOW068 the late war Sopwith Snipe was the RAF's
preferred replacement for the venerable Sopwith Camel. Designed by Herbert
Smith the Chief designer at Sopwith, the Snipe had a top speed of 121 MPH
and a 3 hour endurance. Sopwith also extended the original wing span which
gave the Snipe the facility to operate up to heights of 19,500ft, another
plus over the Camel.
The Snipe was considered more manoeuvrable than the Camel with better pilots
vision especially upwards where part of the upper wing was cut away to
facilitate this. Entering service in 1918 some 500 Snipes had been produced
before the war ended, post war the Snipe was chosen by the RAF to be its
mainstream fighter and soldiered on until 1926 in military service.
Only 2 combat Sqns were equipped with the Snipe before the war ended, 43 Sqn
RAF and 4 Sqn Australian Flying Corps. Our model is a 4 Sqn machine flown by
Lt Thomas Baker who had 12 confirmed kills to his name. Enlisting in 1915
when he was 18 years old, Baker a former bank clerk enlisted in the
artillery before requesting a transfer into aviation. He started flying with
4 Sqn in July 1918 but exactly 1 week before the war ended Baker was killed
whilst fighting a large number of Fokker 7's, he was only 21 years of age.
A limited run of 12 Snipes in the markings of Bakers machine are available,
priced at $425 and includes the sentry figure (or similar|) free as per the
photos attached.
Other Details
Release Date:
February 2016
Retired Date:
