A highly detailed 1:48 scale diecast representation of Supermarine Spitfire Mk Vb BM124, coded LO-W, associated with renowned Irish fighter ace Brendan “Paddy” Finucane while serving with RAF No.602 Squadron during 1942. Released as part of the Hobby Master Air Power Series, HA7861 recreates one of the aircraft connected with Finucane during his final period of operational flying from RAF Hornchurch.
Brendan Finucane joined the Royal Air Force during 1938 and quickly established himself as one of the most successful fighter pilots of his generation. After serving with No.65 Squadron, he transferred to No.452 Squadron RAAF during 1941 and accumulated a substantial number of aerial victories during offensive operations over occupied Europe.
Finucane subsequently joined No.602 Squadron and, while still only twenty-one years old, became Wing Commander Flying at RAF Hornchurch during June 1942. His youth, combat record and charismatic public image made him one of the best-known RAF fighter pilots of the period.
BM124 is reproduced with the squadron code LO-W and carries the green shamrock personal marking closely associated with Finucane's Irish heritage. The aircraft's dark green and ocean grey upper camouflage, medium sea grey undersides and RAF roundels create the classic appearance of a frontline Spitfire operating over northern Europe during 1942.
Finucane continued flying offensive operations across the Channel until 15th July 1942, when his aircraft was hit by ground fire during a raid near Étaples in France. He attempted to return across the Channel but was forced to ditch and was lost at sea. He was officially credited with 28 aerial victories, although totals vary slightly between historical sources.
The Spitfire Mk V became one of the most important RAF fighter variants of the middle war years. Powered by the Rolls-Royce Merlin 45-series engine and armed in the Vb configuration with two 20 mm Hispano cannon and four .303 machine guns, it provided increased performance and firepower over earlier versions.
Although the introduction of the Focke-Wulf Fw 190 reduced the Spitfire Mk V's performance advantage during 1941 and 1942, the aircraft remained heavily committed to fighter sweeps, bomber escort and defensive operations until newer Spitfire variants became available in significant numbers.
This substantial Hobby Master release features extensive diecast construction, permanently applied markings, a sliding or removable canopy, detailed cockpit, pilot figure, rotating propeller and metal landing gear integrated into the wing structure. The original Hobby Master display stand allows the aircraft to be presented in flight.
Fact Sheet
Brand: Hobby Master
Series: Air Power Series
Scale: 1:48
Model Code/MPN: HA7861
Aircraft: Supermarine Spitfire Mk Vb
Serial: BM124
Squadron Code: LO-W
Associated Pilot: Wing Commander Brendan “Paddy” Finucane
Unit/Markings: RAF No.602 Squadron
Base: RAF Hornchurch, England
Year/Date: 1942
Operator/Country: Royal Air Force / United Kingdom
Conflict: Second World War
Role: Fighter / Interceptor
Personal Marking: Green shamrock
Armament: Two 20 mm Hispano cannon and four .303 machine guns
Edition: Limited Edition
Material: Heavyweight diecast metal with detailed plastic sub-components
Special Features: Authentic BM124 LO-W markings, Paddy Finucane shamrock emblem, detailed cockpit, pilot figure, movable canopy, rotating propeller, metal landing gear and original Hobby Master display stand
Dimensions
Length: 7.5" or 19.1 cm
Width (Wingspan): 9.25" or 23.5 cm