{"product_id":"hobby-master-ha8303-1-48-supermarine-spitfire-mk-viii-raaf-no-457-sqn-grey-nurse-issues","title":"Hobby Master HA8303 1:48 Supermarine Spitfire Mk VIII RAAF No.457 Sqn Grey Nurse *ISSUES*","description":"\u003ch5\u003eDescription\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA razor-sharp Pacific theater warrior showcasing one of the most aggressive liveries of WWII.\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal 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.\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 HA8303\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAircraft:\u003c\/strong\u003e Supermarine Spitfire Mk VIII\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSerial\/Tactical Code:\u003c\/strong\u003e A58-602 (RAF MV133) \/ RG-V\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNose Art \/ Nickname:\u003c\/strong\u003e \"Grey Nurse\" Shark Mouth\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePilot\/Commander:\u003c\/strong\u003e Wing Commander H. R. Gibbes (10.25 Victories)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUnit:\u003c\/strong\u003e RAAF No.457 Squadron (No.457 Sqn)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLocation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Morotai Island (Maluku Islands)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDate\/Period:\u003c\/strong\u003e April 1945\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScale:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1:48\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Diecast Metal\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Features:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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\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 7.75\" or 19.7 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWingspan:\u003c\/strong\u003e 9.25\" or 23.5 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eCondition\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eModel Condition - Good (6\/10)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eModel is in good condition overall and still displays well despite the noted defects.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePaint wear is present to the leading edges and rear edges of the wings, caused by rubbing from the blister tray.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThere appears to have been an attempted repair to some areas of wing wear, with a different coloured compound visible.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne machine gun port does not sit flush along the wing and is relatively loose.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSome wear is present to the nose just before the propeller assembly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComes complete with two fuselage aerials, stand and pilot figure.\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\u003eBox is in very good condition overall, with noticeable wear present.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne of the Velcro circles on the inner cover has been reglued down.\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\n","brand":"Hobby Master","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57649131585918,"sku":null,"price":62.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0773\/4640\/6704\/files\/IMG_3383.jpg?v=1783348574","url":"https:\/\/www.thecollectablesvault.com\/products\/hobby-master-ha8303-1-48-supermarine-spitfire-mk-viii-raaf-no-457-sqn-grey-nurse-issues","provider":"The Collectables Vault","version":"1.0","type":"link"}