The Sopwith Camel Scout is a British First World War single-seat fighter aircraft that was famous for its maneuverability. Intended as a replacement for the Sopwith Pup, the Camel prototype first flew in December 1916, powered by a 110 hp Clerget 9Z. Known as the "Big Pup" early on in its development, the aircraft was armed with two .303 in (7.7 mm) Vickers machine guns mounted in the cowl, firing forward through the propeller disc. A fairing surrounding the gun installation created a hump that led to the name Camel. The top wing was flat - but the bottom wing had dihedral, so that the gap between the wings was less at the tips than at the roots.

The type entered squadron service in June 1917 with No. 4 Squadron of the Royal Naval Air Service, near Dunkirk. The following month, it became operational with No. 70 Squadron of the Royal Flying Corps. By February 1918, 13 squadrons were fully equipped with the Camel. Approximately 5,500 were ultimately produced.

Pictured here is a 1:48 scale replica of a Royal Flying Corps Sopwith Camel fighter that was piloted by Capt. Donald Roderick MacLaren. Sold Out!

Dimensions:
Length: 5-1/4-inches
Wingspan: 6-3/4-inches

Release Date: May 2010

Historical Account: "Compangnon de la Legion d Honneur" - On April 1st, 1918, the Royal Naval Air Service and RFC merged, and the Royal Air Force (RAF) was born. On April 6th, the famous Rittmeister Manfred von Richthofen, known as the Red Baron, shot down Sydney P. Smith, leader of Number 46 Squadron. Don MacLaren was made new captain and leader of the squadron. Later that month, on April 21st, another Canadian, Roy Brown, shot down the Red Baron.

MacLaren increased his number of victories that day when he sent an Albatros D.V out of control. At the end of March, MacLaren received the Military Cross for the victories he had amassed over the month. May was another very active month for MacLaren and when his number of victories jumped up to 32, he was awarded a bar for his Military Cross. His victories continued to mount rapidly in July and August, resulting in his receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross.

September and the first week of October continued to be very successful for MacLaren, as his total victories mounted to 48 aircraft and six balloons, which made him the highest scoring Sopwith Camel pilot, and third best of all Canadian aces.

On October 10th, Donald MacLaren was having a friendly wrestling match with one of the junior officers in his squadron when he broke his leg. Unable to fly, MacLaren was posted back to England on November 6th, 1919. Five days later, on November 11th, the war was over as the Germans surrendered.

MacLaren was given the Distinguished Service Order on February 6th, 1919. Added to the honours he already received, MacLaren was awarded the Croix de Guerre and was made a Compangnon de la Legion d Honneur by France.