{"product_id":"hobby-master-ha8306-1-48-supermarine-spitfire-mk-ix-raf-no-322-dutch-sqn-1944","title":"Hobby Master HA8306 1:48 Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX RAF No.322 Dutch Sqn 1944","description":"\u003ch5\u003eDescription\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA beautifully detailed 1:48 scale diecast masterpiece honoring the brave exiled personnel of the premier Dutch squadron during late-WWII operations.\u003c\/strong\u003e This premium model by Hobby Master (HA8306) replicates the Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX serving with RAF No.322 (Dutch) Squadron while based at RAF West Malling, England, in late 1944. Following the German occupation of their homeland, displaced Dutch military personnel escaped to Britain and were initially assigned to RAF No. 167 Squadron. As their ranks grew, a dedicated sovereign unit was established on June 12, 1943, when No. 167 was officially re-designated as No. 322 Squadron. Originally flying Spitfire V's and later high-performance Spitfire XIV's to intercept and destroy dreaded German V1 flying bombs, the squadron was ultimately re-equipped with Spitfire IXs to perform critical ground-attack and tactical intercept roles across continental Europe between September and November 1944. Designed by R.J. Mitchell to meet a British Air Ministry specification, the Spitfire first took flight on March 5, 1936, combining unmatched handling characteristics with a powerful Rolls-Royce Merlin engine, twin wing cannons, and four machine guns to secure its status as an immortal symbol of Allied victory.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReleased under Hobby Master's Air Power Series, this large 1:48 scale diecast model is expertly engineered to deliver a highly authentic replica with a wealth of premium features. The cockpit canopy is completely configurable, designed to smoothly slide open or lift away entirely to afford an unobstructed view of the fine interior details, including pad-printed dashboard instrument gauges and an accurately rendered control stick with a classic loop stick grip. Additional exceptional technical touches include a free-spinning all-metal propeller assembly and a separately applied engine exhaust stack component. The near-solid metal wing structure features functional, hinged metal main landing gear with integrated metal gear doors. For an incredibly streamlined finish, the wing root fairing is integrated directly into the primary wing casting, establishing a seamless, flawless transition between the fuselage contours and the near-razor thin trailing wing edges.\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 HA8306\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAircraft:\u003c\/strong\u003e Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTactical Markings:\u003c\/strong\u003e VL-F\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUnit:\u003c\/strong\u003e RAF No.322 (Dutch) Squadron (No.322 Sqn)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBase Command:\u003c\/strong\u003e RAF West Malling, England\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOperational Role:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ground Attack \/ Tactical Support\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDate\/Period:\u003c\/strong\u003e September – November 1944 (World War II Era)\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 with Quality Components\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Features:\u003c\/strong\u003e Authentic No.322 Dutch Squadron \"VL-F\" camouflage livery, sliding\/removable canopy, pad-printed cockpit instruments, loop-grip control stick, free-spinning metal propeller, separately applied exhaust stacks, hinged metal main gear with integrated doors, casted wing root fairings, near-razor thin trailing edges, 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 7.75\" or 19.7 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWidth (Wingspan):\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 - Very Good (7\/10)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eModel is in very good condition overall and still displays well.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShiny line present towards the front edge of the wing, which appears more likely to be a manufacturing defect rather than handling wear.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlastic gun cover has a mark present.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmall area of paint loss present to the rear edge of the wing from blister tray rub.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlease note\u003c\/strong\u003e, the rear landing wheel appears to be glued in place and would likely require care\/effort to remove.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClosed rear gear accessory and fuselage aerial is included within the stand bag.\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\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":57648889430398,"sku":null,"price":72.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0773\/4640\/6704\/files\/IMG_3362.jpg?v=1783346053","url":"https:\/\/www.thecollectablesvault.com\/products\/hobby-master-ha8306-1-48-supermarine-spitfire-mk-ix-raf-no-322-dutch-sqn-1944","provider":"The Collectables Vault","version":"1.0","type":"link"}