If you need to return an item, please email jay@thecollectablesvault.com or use the contact form under “About & Help” in the top menu.
Please note: This model is part of our Pre-Loved Collection and is graded Good (6/10) or below on our condition scale. The models will show signs of display use, wear or faults. Please check the Condition description and photos for a full breakdown before purchasing.
Hobby Master HA8303 1:48 Supermarine Spitfire Mk VIII RAAF No.457 Sqn Grey Nurse *ISSUES*
Preowned - Good (6/10)
- Description
- Condition
- Grading
- Returns
Description
A razor-sharp Pacific theater warrior showcasing one of the most aggressive liveries of WWII. This premium 1:48 scale diecast model by Hobby Master (HA8303) replicates the Supermarine Spitfire Mk VIII (A58-602 / RG-V), flying with the legendary Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) No.457 Squadron—famously known as the "Grey Nurse" squadron. Operating out of Morotai Island in April 1945, this fighter was the personal mount of Wing Commander H. R. Gibbes, a highly decorated ace who concluded his wartime service with 10.25 confirmed aerial victories and 14 probables. Developed as an unpressurized refinement of the high-altitude Mk VII, the Spitfire Mk VIII featured superb low-to-medium altitude performance and a more streamlined profile. This model meticulously portrays the unit's striking dark green and ocean grey camouflage scheme, famously personalized with white leading wing edges, a vibrant red propeller spinner, and the iconic, terrifying shark mouth nose art that came to define the squadron's identity in the Pacific.
Ideal for curators of Pacific air combat history and foundational 1:48 scale Allied fighter collections, this Air Power Series release serves as a definitive historical artifact. The substantial model is engineered with exceptional precision, boasting a solid metal wing structure integrated with detailed radiator cowlings and thin, near-razor trailing edges. Technical highlights include a removable or sliding canopy that reveals an unobstructed view of the cockpit interior, which is completely fitted out with pad-printed gauges, structural framing, and a correctly rendered control stick featuring a loop-style stick grip. External details feature separately applied engine exhaust stacks, an all-metal free-spinning three-bladed propeller, and an integrated wing root fairing that creates a flawless transition to the fuselage. Complete with premium hinged metal landing gear assemblies that transition seamlessly with integrated gear doors for ground display, alongside a custom display stand for an elegant in-flight profile, this premium diecast piece commands any historical presentation.
Fact Sheet
Brand: Hobby Master
Series: Air Power Series
Model code: HA8303
Aircraft: Supermarine Spitfire Mk VIII
Serial/Tactical Code: A58-602 (RAF MV133) / RG-V
Nose Art / Nickname: "Grey Nurse" Shark Mouth
Pilot/Commander: Wing Commander H. R. Gibbes (10.25 Victories)
Unit: RAAF No.457 Squadron (No.457 Sqn)
Location: Morotai Island (Maluku Islands)
Date/Period: April 1945
Scale: 1:48
Material: Diecast Metal
Special Features: Authentic RAAF "Grey Nurse" shark mouth livery, sliding/removable canopy with detailed cockpit and loop-grip control stick, free-spinning propeller, separately applied exhaust stacks, hinged main gear with integrated metal doors, presentation stand
Model Dimensions
Length: 7.75" or 19.7 cm
Wingspan: 9.25" or 23.5 cm
Condition
Model Condition - Good (6/10)
- Model is in good condition overall and still displays well despite the noted defects.
- Paint wear is present to the leading edges and rear edges of the wings, caused by rubbing from the blister tray.
- There appears to have been an attempted repair to some areas of wing wear, with a different coloured compound visible.
- One machine gun port does not sit flush along the wing and is relatively loose.
- Some wear is present to the nose just before the propeller assembly.
- Comes complete with two fuselage aerials, stand and pilot figure.
Box condition - Very Good (7/10)
- Box is in very good condition overall, with noticeable wear present.
- One of the Velcro circles on the inner cover has been reglued down.
Photographed under studio lighting to highlight even the smallest imperfections. Buy with confidence, what you see is exactly what you get.
Any 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.
Grading
Grading Criteria
Our grading is based mainly on the physical condition of the model itself, including paintwork, attached parts, repairs, visible wear and overall presentation. Box condition and missing separate accessories are noted separately where applicable.
Mint (10/10)
- As new, with no visible flaws to the model itself.
Near Mint (9/10)
- Very light signs of handling, storage or display only.
Excellent (8/10)
- Light wear or a few tiny marks, but still displays very well.
Very Good (7/10)
- Noticeable wear, small chips or rubs, but still presentable as a display piece.
Good (6/10)
- Obvious overall wear, visible marks or paint loss; better suited as a display or filler piece.
Fair (5/10)
- Heavy wear, larger areas of paint loss, repairs or clearly visible flaws.
Spares / Repairs (4/10 or below)
- Significant damage, missing attached parts, broken components or best suited for restoration/spares.
If a separate accessory, stand, leaflet, certificate or optional part is missing, this will be mentioned in the listing notes. The model may still receive a high grade if the model itself remains in strong condition.
For a full breakdown on how we grade models, please refer to our Condition Grading page.
Returns
- Returns are accepted within 30 days of delivery.
- Items must be returned in their original condition.
- Free UK customer returns.
- Non-UK customers are responsible for return postage unless the item is faulty or not as described. We photograph and describe all items accurately to help you buy with confidence.
- Refunds are issued after inspection of the returned item.
For more information on returns, please visit our Returns Policy page.
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Choose options
- Description
- Condition
- Grading
- Returns
Description
A razor-sharp Pacific theater warrior showcasing one of the most aggressive liveries of WWII. This premium 1:48 scale diecast model by Hobby Master (HA8303) replicates the Supermarine Spitfire Mk VIII (A58-602 / RG-V), flying with the legendary Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) No.457 Squadron—famously known as the "Grey Nurse" squadron. Operating out of Morotai Island in April 1945, this fighter was the personal mount of Wing Commander H. R. Gibbes, a highly decorated ace who concluded his wartime service with 10.25 confirmed aerial victories and 14 probables. Developed as an unpressurized refinement of the high-altitude Mk VII, the Spitfire Mk VIII featured superb low-to-medium altitude performance and a more streamlined profile. This model meticulously portrays the unit's striking dark green and ocean grey camouflage scheme, famously personalized with white leading wing edges, a vibrant red propeller spinner, and the iconic, terrifying shark mouth nose art that came to define the squadron's identity in the Pacific.
Ideal for curators of Pacific air combat history and foundational 1:48 scale Allied fighter collections, this Air Power Series release serves as a definitive historical artifact. The substantial model is engineered with exceptional precision, boasting a solid metal wing structure integrated with detailed radiator cowlings and thin, near-razor trailing edges. Technical highlights include a removable or sliding canopy that reveals an unobstructed view of the cockpit interior, which is completely fitted out with pad-printed gauges, structural framing, and a correctly rendered control stick featuring a loop-style stick grip. External details feature separately applied engine exhaust stacks, an all-metal free-spinning three-bladed propeller, and an integrated wing root fairing that creates a flawless transition to the fuselage. Complete with premium hinged metal landing gear assemblies that transition seamlessly with integrated gear doors for ground display, alongside a custom display stand for an elegant in-flight profile, this premium diecast piece commands any historical presentation.
Fact Sheet
Brand: Hobby Master
Series: Air Power Series
Model code: HA8303
Aircraft: Supermarine Spitfire Mk VIII
Serial/Tactical Code: A58-602 (RAF MV133) / RG-V
Nose Art / Nickname: "Grey Nurse" Shark Mouth
Pilot/Commander: Wing Commander H. R. Gibbes (10.25 Victories)
Unit: RAAF No.457 Squadron (No.457 Sqn)
Location: Morotai Island (Maluku Islands)
Date/Period: April 1945
Scale: 1:48
Material: Diecast Metal
Special Features: Authentic RAAF "Grey Nurse" shark mouth livery, sliding/removable canopy with detailed cockpit and loop-grip control stick, free-spinning propeller, separately applied exhaust stacks, hinged main gear with integrated metal doors, presentation stand
Model Dimensions
Length: 7.75" or 19.7 cm
Wingspan: 9.25" or 23.5 cm
Condition
Model Condition - Good (6/10)
- Model is in good condition overall and still displays well despite the noted defects.
- Paint wear is present to the leading edges and rear edges of the wings, caused by rubbing from the blister tray.
- There appears to have been an attempted repair to some areas of wing wear, with a different coloured compound visible.
- One machine gun port does not sit flush along the wing and is relatively loose.
- Some wear is present to the nose just before the propeller assembly.
- Comes complete with two fuselage aerials, stand and pilot figure.
Box condition - Very Good (7/10)
- Box is in very good condition overall, with noticeable wear present.
- One of the Velcro circles on the inner cover has been reglued down.
Photographed under studio lighting to highlight even the smallest imperfections. Buy with confidence, what you see is exactly what you get.
Any 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.
Grading
Grading Criteria
Our grading is based mainly on the physical condition of the model itself, including paintwork, attached parts, repairs, visible wear and overall presentation. Box condition and missing separate accessories are noted separately where applicable.
Mint (10/10)
- As new, with no visible flaws to the model itself.
Near Mint (9/10)
- Very light signs of handling, storage or display only.
Excellent (8/10)
- Light wear or a few tiny marks, but still displays very well.
Very Good (7/10)
- Noticeable wear, small chips or rubs, but still presentable as a display piece.
Good (6/10)
- Obvious overall wear, visible marks or paint loss; better suited as a display or filler piece.
Fair (5/10)
- Heavy wear, larger areas of paint loss, repairs or clearly visible flaws.
Spares / Repairs (4/10 or below)
- Significant damage, missing attached parts, broken components or best suited for restoration/spares.
If a separate accessory, stand, leaflet, certificate or optional part is missing, this will be mentioned in the listing notes. The model may still receive a high grade if the model itself remains in strong condition.
For a full breakdown on how we grade models, please refer to our Condition Grading page.
Returns
- Returns are accepted within 30 days of delivery.
- Items must be returned in their original condition.
- Free UK customer returns.
- Non-UK customers are responsible for return postage unless the item is faulty or not as described. We photograph and describe all items accurately to help you buy with confidence.
- Refunds are issued after inspection of the returned item.
For more information on returns, please visit our Returns Policy page.
If you need to return an item, please email jay@thecollectablesvault.com or use the contact form under “About & Help” in the top menu.
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