RCAF, Spitfire Mk IXc Diecast Model Flt. Lt. George Beurling, No. 412 Sqn, HA8307 1:48

Hobby Master Spitfire Mk.IXc Flt. Lt. George Beurling, No. 412 Squadron, 126 Wing, RCAF, Royal Canadian Air Force. Biggin Hill, England, January, 1944. 1:48 Scale Item: HA8307 Hobby Master's 1:48 scale F-2A Buffalo is a well-constructed diecast model that can be displayed right out of the box with only a small amount of configuration. The large framed cockpit window with sliding canopy provides a clear view of many cockpit features, including pad-printed gauges and dials, tube gun sight and control stick with painted stick grip. The correctly rendered interior bottom floor opens through to large navigational window on the bottom of the fuselage. The hinged metal landing gear has an easily-installed single center mounted bracket for ground display and there are separately applied landing lights under each wing. Hobby Master "1:48 Air Power Series" diecast airplanes feature: Diecast metal construction with some plastic components. Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details. Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals. Opening canopies, revealing detailed cockpit interiors. Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear. Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight". Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards. Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads. The Mk. IX replaced the Mk. V in June 1942 and on September 12, 1942 a Mk. IX brought down a Ju-86R flying at 43,000 feet. Another major achievement of the Mk. IX took place on October 5, 1944 when 401 Squadron became the first allied aircraft to shoot down an Me-262 jet. Even with the arrival of the Griffon powered Mk. XIV the Mk. IX continued in service until the end of WWII. There were 5,665 Mk. IX Spitfires and its variants produced. As Dutch personnel escaped the German occupation they were assigned to the RAF No. 167 Squadron. As the personnel numbers grew it was decided to create a Dutch Squadron so on June 12, 1943 No. 167 Squadron was re-designated No. 322. Originally equipped with Spitfire V’ s the 322nd was re-equipped with Spitfire XIV’s for tactical support roles but then their role changed to destroying the dreaded V1s. Next the 322 received Spitfire IXs to perform ground attack roles. The 322 only flew the IXs from September 1944 until November 1944.