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| Hobby Master 1:48 HA7114 Spitfire Mk XIV - RAF No.125 Wing, MV257, Johnnie Johnson, Denmark, June 1945 |
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| Scale: 1:48 |
Length: 8.25" |
Width: 9.25" |
Composition: Diecast |
SKU: HM-HA7114 |
Period: World War II |
HOBBY MASTER AIR POWER SERIES
**ONLY ONE LEFT! THIS ITEM IS NO LONGER IN PRODUCTION**
Historical Note:
James Edgar "Johnnie" Johnson was the top RAF Ace to survive WWII with 38 kills. In early July 1944 Gp. Capt. Johnson was placed in charge of the Canadian Spitfire Wing No. 127, 2nd TAF (Tactical Air Force) comprised of 404, 441 and 442 Squadrons of the RCAF. Being a Wing Leader he was able to use his own initials instead of the unit code. Johnson also held the record of never being shot down and only having one German shell hit his plane throughout the entire war.
The Mk XIV was the most notable of the Spitfire family. Originally it was based on a strengthened Mk VIII airframe so a 2,035 hp Griffon 65 engine could be used. The Griffon came with a two-stage supercharger and a 5 bladed propeller. The fin area and rudder were enlarged and the overall fuselage length was increased. The new Griffon engine surprised some test pilots because it rotated in the opposite direction of the Merlin engine. The E winged variant allowed for improved armament.
Designed by R. J. Michell to meet a British Air Ministry specification, the Supermarine Spitfire first flown on March 5th, 1936. With its combination of beautiful fighter design, the excellent performance of its Rolls-Royce Merlin powerplant and firepower provided by twin cannons and four machine guns, the Spitfire became an unrivaled symbol of victory. The Spitfire had 40 major variants and was built in greater numbers than any other British aircraft of the time. It flew operationally on every front between 1939 and 1945 and was engaged in every one of the Royal Air Force's major actions.
Hobby Master's 1:48 scale late model Spitfire is cleverly designed to provide the collector with a reasonably-priced, top-quality product with just the right number of features. The canopy is removable for an unobstructed view of the instrument panel with pad-printed gauges and seat. The all-metal five-bladed propeller spins freely and the rudder and elevators are movable. The near-solid metal wing features hinged metal landing gear with integrated metal gear doors and radiator ducts with inside core details seen both front and back. Variants include the Mk.XIV with Large flat back blister canopy and the Mk. XIX with standard Malcolm hood canopy.
Info: Spitfire Mk XIV - RAF Lympne Wing, RM787, Colin Gray, RAF Lympne, England, October 1944
