GeminiJets Gemini Aces GARAF1006N
Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX Diecast Model
RCAF No.412 Sqn, George Buerling, RAF Biggin Hill, England, December 1943 |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX | | 5.25" | | 6.25" |
George Beurling was a gifted aviator. Having failed in his attempt to join the RCAF, he made the hazardous Atlantic crossing to Britain, hoping to be accepted by the Royal Air Force. His flying abilities impressed officials, but they would only accept him on production of his birth certificate – this was back in Canada. Unbelievably, Beurling made this perilous, U-boat infested journey a second time, eventually returning with his birth certificate and immediately began his pilot training. Beurling was something of a loner, preferring to spend time with his aircraft and ground crew, than at the local bar. He would make detailed mathematical notes on the subject of deflection shooting – a critical aspect of aerial warfare, as yet not fully understood. He was also known for his amazing eyesight and lightning quick reactions, often commencing an attack before his comrades had even spotted the enemy!
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.
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. © Copyright 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Gemini's 1:72 scale Spitfire is constructed using more diecast metal than most other models on the market today. This quality model boasts an all metal propeller and spinner hub—features uncommon in this scale—all metal landing gear and exhaust stacks, a solid metal antenna, a metal scale tail wheel and movable elevators and rudders with metal hinges. Other fine details include a nose scope that securely attaches to the landing gear for both ground and in-flight display. A delicate hand-painted mirror is mounted on the canopy, and the fuselage, wings and control surfaces are detailed with fine rivets and panel lines. Some variants have a clipped wing.
© Copyright 2003-2013 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The GeminiJets "Gemini Aces" range presents highly-detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft.
GeminiJets "Gemini Aces" 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.
- Interchangeable 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.
© Copyright 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc.
