Oxford Diecast 72TM010 History of Flight

Oxford Diecast History of Flight series 72TM010 is a 1/72 scale diecast model of the DH.82 Queen Bee pilotless radio-controlled target drone S/N L-5894 in the colour scheme and markings worn at Weybourne Anti-Aircraft Artillery Range on the Norfolk Coast. The aircraft was shot down and destroyed on June 18, 1941. The DH.82 Queen Bee used the wooden Gipsy Moth fuselage with the Tiger Moth flying surfaces; it first flew on January 5, 1935.

De Havilland DH.82 Tiger Moth

The DH 82 Tiger Moth was a British single-engine, two-seat biplane designed as a primary trainer. It first flew in October 1931 and entered service with the RAF Central Flying School in February 1932. During World War II, the Tiger Moth became the leading primary trainer for the British Commonwealth.

This aircraft was based on the D.H.60 Moth and featured a top wing that was moved forward and swept back to improve the front pilot’s emergency escape. The airframe was constructed from welded metal tubing, wood, and fabric.

Production of the Tiger Moth continued until 1944, resulting in 8,868 airframes built across the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, Portugal, and Norway. De Havilland Aircraft of Canada manufactured a winterised version, the DH 82C, which included sliding perspex canopies and cockpit heating.

The RAF officially withdrew the Tiger Moth from service in 1952, followed by the Royal Navy in the early 1970s.

In the postwar period, the Tiger Moth gained popularity among private owners, many of whom converted the aircraft for agricultural purposes.

The first model, the DH 82, used a Gipsy II engine; the DH 82A used the Gipsy Major. The DH.82A uses a single de Havilland 145 hp Gipsy Major or Gipsy IIIA, inverted, four-cylinder, air-cooled, inline engine, driving a two-bladed propeller.