GeminiJets Gemini Aces GARAF1008
Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX Diecast Model
RCAF No.443 (Hornet) Sqn, ML417, RAF Croix-sur-Mer, France, 1944 | Limited Edition
600
Pieces Worldwide |
|
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX | | 5.25" | | 6.25" |
As the successful D-Day landings secured and broke out from their beach-head, the huge columns of Allied armour relied heavily on the protection from their air power, which was operating from bases in England. As they moved further inland, air bases formerly under Luftwaffe control became available to the Allied military planners. Amongst the first fighters to move to these liberated French bases were the "clipped wing" Spitfires of No.443 "Hornet" Squadron, which were part of 144 Wing RCAF under the command of "Johnnie" Johnson and flying from Croix-sur-Mer, Normandy (Airfired B3). Spitfire ML 417 operared aggressive fighter sweeps across France and the Low Countries, in support of the advancing Allied troops. Any Luftwaffe aircraft daring to enter the skies were ferociously attacked and if they stayed on the ground, other targets of opportunity were sought - these Spitfires hardly ever returned to base with ammunition!
A genuine combat veteran, ML417 was credited with severely damaging a Bf 109G over Alencon and a Focke Wulf Fw 190 over Falaise. She was also to destroy two further Bf 109s on 29th September 1944, in combat near Nijmegen, but was badly mauled by a third Messerschmitt!
ML417 is also famous as an airshow performer. Owned and operated by The Fighter Collection in the UK, she delighted warbird enthusiasts and starred in a number of TV productions, including "A Piece of Cake" and "A Perfect Hero". The aircraft now resides in the US.
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.
