Hobby Master 1:48 Air Power Series HA7108
Spitfire MkXVIII Diecast Model
Belgian Air Force Ecole de Chasse, 1951
Limited Edition
| 1:48 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Supermarine Spitfire MkXVIII | | 8.25" | | 9.25" |
PLEASE NOTE: This item has a planned release date of January 2009 and is only available for PRE-ORDER at this time.- Orders are not shipped until complete. If you wish to receive in-stock items prior to pre-ordered items, you must place separate orders.
- Release dates are subject to change. Consider them to be estimates as manufacturers frequently revise them.
- Credit Cards are not billed until time of shipment. Check or PayPal payment (not recommended) is required at time of order.
The early versions of the Spitfire Mk.XIV used the “C” wing but the “E” wing soon became standard. The bubble canopy used on the photo-recon version for better pilot visibility replaced the early step-type canopy on the fighter version. The enormous power of the Griffon engine required the addition of a 5-bladed propeller and a 13-gallon tank in the leading edge of each wing. Also placed in each wing were two .50 caliber machine guns and two 20mm cannons. The Mk.XIV was also stressed to carry 1,000 pounds of bombs.
In November 1950 former RAF Mk. XIVe Spitfire NH-904 was acquired by the Belgium military and marked as B2-K/SG-108. In April 1951 it was transferred to Belgium Fighters’ School at Koksijde (Coxyde in French) and remarked IQ-V/SG-108. It was retired in 1954, sold for scrap in 1957. The dealer chopped the wings off and placed the fuselage on his shop roof. Bought in 1966 and brought to the UK it received the wings from Mk. XIVc RM694. In 1968 purchased for the film “Battle of Britain”. Next owners were Jeff Hawks 1969-71, Sir Roberts 1971-79, Spencer Flack 1979-88 painted red and white registered as G-FIRE. Planes of Fame East, Minnesota 1988-1991 as N8118J, Robert Pond, Minnesota 1991-1997 as N1148P, Palm Springs Air Museum 1997 to present marked as W2-P.
Limited Edition of 700 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. 
