Code: GJ-GARAF1005 Quantity in Basket: none Status: In Stock Price: $29.99
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Gemini Aces GARAF1005 Spitfire MkIX Diecast Model RAF No.126 Sqn, John Plagis, RAF Culmhead, England, January 1943 Limited Edition 1:72 Scale     Length     Width Supermarine Spitfire MkIX     5"     6.25" John Agorastos Plagis was born in Rhodesia of Greek parents, in 1919. He failed to gain entry into the Rhodesian Air Force, due to his Greek parentage, so applied to join the RAF, who desperately needed pilots. Following completion of his flying training, he was posted to Malta and on 6th March 1942, his Spitfire left the deck of HMS Eagle to enter the cauldron that was Malta! Plagis flew with great skill and courage in defence of this beleaguered island and would score the majority of his combat kills during this time. He was awarded the DFC for his actions, but would suffer complete mental and physical exhaustion, which required evacuation to England. He was later to command No 126 Squadron, flying this beautiful Spitfire IX. Four Luftwaffe fighters were to fall to the guns of this Spitfire, before his squadron re-equipped with the Mustang III. Plagis ended the war with 15 aerial victories. The Supermarine Spitfire is arguably the most famous fighter aircraft of the Second World War. The type was in constant production throughout WWII and some 22,000 aircraft were built before the production ceased in the post war years. The Mark IX Spitfire was a thoroughbred fighting machine. Developed from the Spitfire Mk V variant, it was a direct response to the threat posed by the Luftwaffe’s new Focke Wulf FW 190A, which made a dramatic impact on the European Air War. So potent was this new German fighter that the RAF suspended operations over occupied Europe, as losses began to mount. The Spitfire Mk IX was more than a match for the FW 190 and became the Spitfire with which the RAF took to the offensive against Luftwaffe units in Northern Europe. Gemini Aces The Gemini Jets "GeminiAces" range presents highly-detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft. Gemini Jets "GeminiAces" diecast airplanes feature: Diecast metal construction with minimal use of plastic components. Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details. Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals. Detailed cockpit interiors. Selected moveable control surfaces. Optional extended/retracted landing gear with rotating wheels. Metal presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight". Authentic ordnance loads complete with placards. Photo-etched, spinning metal propellers. Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads. [See more Gemini Aces products] Supermarine Spitfire MkIX Designed by R.J.Michell to meet a British Air Ministry specification, the Spitfire first was flown for the first time on March 5th, 1936. [See more Supermarine Spitfire MkIX products]