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Leyland Hippo and Thor missile


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In 1958 a new era started for Harrington when the Thor Intermediate Range Ballistic Missiles were chosen as a nuclear deterrent. Bloodhound Mk.1 SAMs at separate sites provided protection. Construction at Harrington was completed in early 1960 and 218 Sqn took up residence. The allocation was short-lived as Harrington was de-activated 23 August 1963.
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The Thor Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile was an American design, operated by four R.A.F. Squadrons along the Eastern side of England. Each Thor complex was manned by approximately 1,000 R.A.F. personnel who had complete control of the weaponry except that American personnel had the final authorisation for the use of the nuclear warhead. Polebrook was the second Northamptonshire site to deploy Thor missiles.

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I never heard of a 1:76th scale model before. Looks pretty interesting. :bounce: Obvious only the Americans would be able to launch them. They're one of the main leaders, one of the top ones of NATO, but don't worry. Nowadays I think they need approval from all of the main NATO leaders before launch?

:goodjob:

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Splendid build, but I do have one observation:

Each Thor complex was manned by approximately 1,000 R.A.F. personnel who had complete control of the weaponry except that American personnel had the final authorisation for the use of the nuclear warhead.

That's quite an exception, akin to total control of every part of the knife but the blade.

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Hi Jim, as per the title tag, the Leyland Hippo tractor unit with transporter trailer and Thor ballistic missile is by B.W. Models (BW187). I bought it 4 years ago, and I believe BW are no longer trading, although someone else has taken on a lot of their tools.

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GruntZone360, on 13 Jan 2015 - 10:37 PM, said:

Oh, awesome! Now only if I knew what OO scale for model railways were... Ha xD

Do you know what any scales are :spider:

Edited by Ratch
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I like it when people give a little potted history to go with their builds, I've learnt so much since joining BM through people such as yourself Ratch.

Tim.

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