Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX

RAF No.485 (New Zealand) Squadron, ML407, Johnnie Houlton, France, Sept. 1944

Hobby Master 1:48 HA8326

In April 1944 Spitfire Mk. IXe ML407 was built at Castle Bromwich and delivered to the RNZAF 485 Squadron on April 29, 1944 based at ALG Selsey, Sussex. RNZAF 485 Squadron was the first New Zealand squadron to be formed and it was placed under RAF command. On D-Day this aircraft shot down the first enemy aircraft, a Ju-88 over Omaha Beach. The pilot was F/O Johnnie Houlton whose final tally was 7 kills and 4 damaged. In September 1944 the registration ML407 was added to the fuselage.

Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX

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 "1:48 Air Power Series" diecast airplanes feature:

• Molded metal construction with plastic components.
• Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
• Inscriptions and posters printed with a stamp that do not fade or fall off like decals.
• opening of awnings, revealing detailed within the cockpit.
• Extended / retracted interchangeable landing gear.
• Display stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
• Authentic detachable artillery cargoes complete with placards.