Hobby Master 1:48 Air Power Series HA7105
Spitfire MkXVIII Diecast Model
RAF No.60 Sqn, Kuala Lumpar, Malaya, December 31st 1950
Limited Edition
| 1:48 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Supermarine Spitfire MkXVIII | | 8.25" | | 9.25" |
Externally the Spitfire Mk. XVIII the so called "Super Spitfire" was almost identical to the Mk. XIV except for the strengthened “E” wing with full span tips and stronger undercarriage. They were powered by either a Griffon 65 or the later models by a 67 that developed 2,375 hp. The FR XVIII had provisions for three cameras that required the removal of the rear fuel tank. The Mk XVIII was quite versatile and could carry up to 1,000 pounds of bombs on the center line and wing racks. Another option was as many as four Mk 8 or 9 rockets under the wings. This was the last Griffon-powered version of the original Spitfire frame with 300 being built of which 200 were the FR variant.
June 1948 in Malaya, a British Colony at that time, three British estate managers were murdered by guerrillas and this forced the government to declare what would become the “Malayan mergency”. The RAF was called upon to fly reconnaissance and bombing attacks on the guerilla camps. One of the squadrons assigned to this task was 60 Squadron that carried out the first attack of the campaign. Using rockets and fragmentation bombs the Spitfires flew sortie after sortie mostly in support missions for ground troops. One of these aircraft was the Mk. FR XVIII of CO, Sqn. Ldr. W G Duncan Smith DSO, DFC. In November 1950 Sqn. Ldr. W G Duncan Smith arrived with 60 Squadron’s first jet, the Meteor. This aircraft would replace the Spitfire and on January 1, 1951 the last ever RAF Spitfire offensive sortie was carried out by FR XVIIIs from 60 Squadron.
Limited Edition of 1200 pieces worldwide.
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.
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. 
