Code: HM-HA7103 Quantity in Basket: none Status: In Stock Price: $44.99
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Hobby Master 1:48 Air Power Series HA7103 Spitfire MkXIV Diecast Model RAF No.91 Sqn, Jean-Marie Maridor, RAF West Malling, England, 1944 1:48 Scale     Length     Width Supermarine Spitfire MkXIV     8.25"     9.25" On January 11 1941 at Hawkinge, 421 Reconnaissance Squadron was renumbered 91 Squadron. This Squadron would last until January 31 1947 when it was renumbered 92 Squadron. The Squadron accumulated 68 aircraft victories and 152 V1s during their existence. The “Nigeria” Squadron received its name when formed. It wasn’t until they started receiving the Mk. V that there was any actual connection with their namesake country. Nigeria paid for 20 presentation aircraft each with the name “Nigeria” followed by a specific province just forward of the cockpit. The first V1 chasing Spitfires from the 150 Wing just didn’t have enough speed to catch the missiles so when the XIVs became available the 91 Squadron was one of three assigned to the task. The thing to remember was to stay at least 150 yards away from the V1 if you are going to shoot it down; even then there was a risk of hitting flying debris or flying into burning rocket fuel. On August 3, 1944 Jean Marie Maridor, a French pilot flying with the RAF was on duty in his XIV and chasing a V1, a “Diver” as they were referred to. When he determined that the missile was headed for a military hospital he decided he had one chance to make sure the missile didn’t reach its target. He flew his Spit well within the 150 yards and opened fire. His bullets ripped through the V1 igniting it and sending molten metal in every direction. Unfortunately the explosion tore Maridor’s Spitfire apart killing him. Mission accomplished, the hospital was spared but at a great loss of a fine pilot. The remains of Maridor’s body were found outside the hospital that he had just saved. He was 24 years of age and due to be married 7 days later on August 10, 1944. Jean had accumulated a record of 4 confirmed kills, 2 more probables and 3 damaged. He also destroyed 11 V1s and sank 20 vessels. He had been the recipient of 7 medals including the DFC. Hobby Master 1:48 Air Power Series The Hobby Master "1:48 Air Power Series" presents detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft. Hobby Master offer the more price-sensitive collector a cheaper alternative to models from leading manufacturers like Corgi and Century Wings. 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. Hinged extending/retracting landing gear. Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight". Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards. Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads. [See more Hobby Master 1:48 Air Power Series products] Supermarine Spitfire MkXIV 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 MkXIV products]