WOW689 Lysander SOE Version

Description

The Westland Lysander: The Unsung Hero of the Skies

This month, we’re diving into the story of a true legend – the Westland Lysander. If you’re a fan of daring missions, covert operations, and an aircraft that defied expectations, then buckle up because the Lysander has it all!

A One-of-a-Kind Aircraft
The Lysander, or “Lizzie” as it was affectionately called, first took to the skies in 1936. Designed for army cooperation and reconnaissance, it quickly became clear that this rugged little machine had far more to offer. With its high-wing design and fixed landing gear, it might not have looked like much, but it had one ace up its sleeve – the ability to land and take off from ridiculously short, rough airstrips. Perfect for sneaky missions!

Secret Agent Taxi Service
Forget the James Bond gadgets – during World War II, the Lysander was the real deal when it came to covert operations. Specially modified for clandestine missions, it was used to drop and pick up secret agents deep behind enemy lines. Its incredible STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing) capabilities made it ideal for slipping into small fields under the cover of darkness. Resistance fighters, downed pilots, and spies all owed their lives to the trusty Lizzie.

Tough as Old Boots
Despite its slow speed compared to fighters of the time, the Lysander was built like a tank and could take a beating. Many returned from missions with bullet holes and damage, yet still managed to bring their pilots home safely. It also had some nifty tricks up its sleeve – pilots could fly it at incredibly low altitudes to evade enemy detection, and its unusual shape sometimes fooled enemy gunners into thinking it was something else entirely!

Where to See One Today
If you fancy seeing a Westland Lysander up close, you’re in luck! A handful are still flying today, thrilling crowds at airshows across the UK. The Shuttleworth Collection has a particularly fine example, lovingly restored and regularly taking to the skies. If you haven’t seen one in action, it’s an absolute must!

Final Thoughts
The Westland Lysander might not be as famous as the Spitfire or the Lancaster, but its role in the war was just as vital. A true underdog of aviation history, it proved that sometimes, the most unassuming aircraft can be the most extraordinary. So next time you hear about daring secret missions of WWII, spare a thought for the Lysander and the brave souls who flew it.
We have 2 versions of the ‘Lizzie’ available as follows:

WOW688 RAF version
WOW689 SOE Night version

Please note because of the difficulty in making this high wing style aircraft there will be no more for the foreseeable future.

Both Lysander models are priced at $999 plus postage. 

The figures and accessories are shown for scale comparison purposes only and are not included.