{"product_id":"hobby-master-ha2308-1-72-bristol-beaufighter-mk-vi-raf-no-272-sqn-takali-malta-1942","title":"Hobby Master HA2308 1:72 Bristol Beaufighter Mk VI RAF No.272 Sqn Takali Malta 1942","description":"\u003ch5\u003eDescription\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA substantial and highly detailed 1:72 scale diecast representation of a Bristol Beaufighter Mk VI serving with the Royal Air Force in the Mediterranean during the Second World War.\u003c\/strong\u003e Released as part of the Hobby Master Air Power Series, HA2308 depicts an aircraft of RAF No. 272 Squadron operating from Takali, Malta, during 1942.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. 272 Squadron was originally formed during the First World War before being re-established at RAF Aldergrove in November 1940. Initially equipped with Bristol Blenheims, the squadron converted to the larger and more heavily armed Bristol Beaufighter during April 1941 in preparation for operations across the Mediterranean and North African theatres.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe squadron undertook a varied range of demanding missions, including fighter protection during the evacuation of Crete, long-range convoy escort, intruder operations and attacks against enemy ground targets. Following its move to Malta during November 1942, No. 272 Squadron was well positioned to support Allied operations against Axis forces across North Africa and the central Mediterranean.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis aircraft is presented in a distinctive desert camouflage scheme, combining sand and brown upper surfaces with contrasting undersides and prominent RAF roundels. Its twin-engine configuration, heavily armed nose and observer's position capture the powerful appearance that made the Beaufighter such an effective long-range fighter and strike aircraft.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDeveloped from the Bristol Beaufort torpedo bomber, the Beaufighter first flew in 1939 and was designed to meet the RAF's urgent requirement for a heavily armed long-range fighter. Powered by two Bristol radial engines and armed with four 20 mm cannon, along with wing-mounted machine guns on many variants, the aircraft proved effective as a night fighter, maritime strike aircraft, ground-attack platform and long-range escort.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Hobby Master release is particularly appealing to collectors of RAF aircraft, Malta aviation and Mediterranean campaign subjects. The model features extensive diecast construction, a detailed cockpit and observer's position beneath removable clear canopies, printed instrument panels and finely reproduced internal controls. Additional detailing includes four nose-mounted cannon ports, wing-mounted gun ports, simulated fabric control surfaces, accurately rendered radial engine nacelles and the original Hobby Master presentation display stand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFact Sheet\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"tcv-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBrand:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hobby Master\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeries:\u003c\/strong\u003e Air Power Series\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eModel code:\u003c\/strong\u003e HA2308\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAircraft:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bristol Beaufighter Mk VI\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUnit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Royal Air Force No. 272 Squadron\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCampaign \/ Event:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mediterranean and North African operations\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTheatre \/ Base:\u003c\/strong\u003e RAF Takali, Malta\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDate\/Period:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1942\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOperator \/ Country:\u003c\/strong\u003e Royal Air Force \/ United Kingdom\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScale:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1:72\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRange:\u003c\/strong\u003e Air Power Series\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Heavyweight diecast metal with quality sub-components\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Features:\u003c\/strong\u003e Authentic RAF No. 272 Squadron markings, desert camouflage scheme, extensive diecast construction, detailed cockpit and observer's position, removable clear canopies, printed instrument panels, four nose-mounted cannon ports, wing-mounted gun ports, simulated fabric control surfaces, detailed radial engine nacelles and original presentation display stand\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eModel Dimensions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"tcv-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLength:\u003c\/strong\u003e 7\" or 17.8 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWidth (Wingspan):\u003c\/strong\u003e 9.75\" or 24.8 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eCondition\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eModel Condition - Near Mint (9\/10)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA single paint bubble is present on one of the upper-wing roundel. There are also some light marks to the underside, although these appear consistent with minor manufacturing marks rather than handling or display wear. Upon initial inspection, the model did not appear to have been previously displayed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThis uncommon variant is rarely available on the secondary market.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBox condition - Very Good (7\/10)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGeneral wear is present around the edges and corners.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe box remains structurally sound.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePhotographed under studio lighting to highlight even the smallest imperfections. Buy with confidence, what you see is exactly what you get.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAny imperfections are shown in the images and description. Refer to the grading tab for more details. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hobby Master","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57697409139070,"sku":null,"price":115.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0773\/4640\/6704\/files\/IMG_3993.jpg?v=1784292399","url":"https:\/\/www.thecollectablesvault.com\/products\/hobby-master-ha2308-1-72-bristol-beaufighter-mk-vi-raf-no-272-sqn-takali-malta-1942","provider":"The Collectables Vault","version":"1.0","type":"link"}