A distinctive and highly detailed 1:48 scale diecast representation of Supermarine Spitfire Mk Vb EN921, coded YO-A, flown by Flying Officer Jack Sheppard of No.401 Squadron Royal Canadian Air Force during 1943. Released within the Hobby Master Air Power Series, HA7862 recreates the clipped-wing fighter with the distinctive nose artwork carried during Sheppard's operational service.
Jack Sheppard was posted to No.401 Squadron RCAF during February 1943 and later operated EN921 from July to October of that year. The aircraft carried the unit code YO-A together with distinctive personal nose artwork, making it one of the more colourful Spitfire Mk V schemes represented by Hobby Master.
No.401 Squadron was one of Canada's principal fighter units operating from Britain and undertook offensive sweeps, escort missions and defensive patrols over southern England and occupied Europe. By 1943 its experienced pilots were increasingly engaged against Luftwaffe fighters across the Channel.
Sheppard was credited with five confirmed aerial victories during his wartime career, all against Focke-Wulf Fw 190 fighters. He later became commanding officer of No.412 Squadron RCAF and was shot down during August 1944, successfully evading capture.
EN921 is represented in the standard RAF Day Fighter Scheme of dark green and ocean grey upper surfaces over medium sea grey undersides. The aircraft's clipped wingtips, YO-A squadron codes, yellow leading-edge recognition markings and distinctive nose artwork give the model a particularly individual appearance.
The clipped-wing Spitfire configuration reduced wingspan and improved the aircraft's roll rate at lower altitudes. This modification was particularly useful during the close-range fighter engagements increasingly encountered over northern Europe.
The Spitfire Mk Vb was powered by a Rolls-Royce Merlin engine and armed with two 20 mm Hispano cannon together with four .303 machine guns. It became one of the most numerous and widely used Spitfire variants and served with RAF and Commonwealth squadrons across several theatres.
This substantial Hobby Master model combines extensive diecast construction with permanently applied markings, detailed cockpit instrumentation, a pilot figure, movable canopy, 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: HA7862
Aircraft: Supermarine Spitfire Mk Vb
Serial: EN921
Squadron Code: YO-A
Associated Pilot: Flying Officer Jack Sheppard
Unit/Markings: RCAF No.401 Squadron
Associated Location: Southern England
Catalogue Base: RAF Biggin Hill
Year/Date: 1943
Operator/Country: Royal Canadian Air Force / Canada
Conflict: Second World War
Role: Fighter / Interceptor
Wing Configuration: Clipped Wing
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 EN921 YO-A markings, distinctive nose artwork, clipped wingtips, 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