{"title":"Airfix 1\/24 Aircraft","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"airfix-a17002-1-24-supermarine-spitfire-mk-viii","title":"Supermarine Spitfire Mk VIII","description":"\u003cp\u003eProduct Info\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis new super-kit features several new parts to enable the accurate creation of a Mk.VIII, using our 2022 release of the Spitfire Mk.IX.c as the base kit. The new parts include;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n    \u003cp\u003eUpper and lower wing surface, including leading edge fuel tanks and gun camera position.\u003cbr\u003e\n    Short span ailerons\u003cbr\u003e\n    Retractable tailwheel section\u003cbr\u003e\n    Revised instrument panel\u003cbr\u003e\n    Repositioned fuselage light\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the most impressive features associated with the enduring legacy of the Spitfire is how its basic design was able to be adapted and upgraded so effectively throughout the Second World War and how the final variants of this magnificent aircraft were far more capable that the ones which first arrived at RAF Duxford during the summer of 1938.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith the Spitfire undergoing almost constant development to enable it to stay at the forefront of fighter technology during WWII, this vital work was interrupted by the introduction of the Luftwaffe's fearsome new Focke Wulf Fw190 in 1941, an aircraft which was superior to the Spitfire Mk.V which was in widespread service at the time.\u003c\/p\u003e \n\n\u003cp\u003eA new Spitfire variant, the Mk.VIII, was at an advanced stage of development at the time, however, actual production was still some way off, as manufacturing jigs had not been installed in factories at that time. A stop-gap solution proved to be the introduction of the hybrid Mk.IX, an aircraft which fortunately proved to be something of a revelation and more than a match for the Focke Wulf.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe planned Spitfire Mk.VIII would continue into production and was essentially a fighter intentionally designed and engineered from the outset to be the next version of the fighter and a major production variant. Powered by the latest variants of Merlin engine, the Mk.VIII featured a strengthened fuselage, retractable tail wheel and the adoption of a new broad-chord rudder, with versions optimised for high, medium and low altitude operations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis variant of Spitfire served primarily with units based overseas, with the RAF in the Mediterranean, Middle and Far East and the RAAF in the South West Pacific. Many pilots who flew several marks of this famous fighter regarded the Mk.VIII as the best flying Spitfire of them all.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eGrey Nurse History\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eNo. 457 Squadron Royal Australian Air Force became known as ‘Grey Nurse Squadron’ after repainting their newly arrived Spitfire Mk.VIIIs with distinctive shark mouths. Originally tasked with the air defence of Darwin, the squadron was soon moved northwards to Morotai and eventually Labuan to primarily conduct ground attack missions against the Japanese forces. The aircraft portrayed is that of 457’s commanding officer, Sqn. Ldr. Bruce Watson DFC.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51234349973771,"sku":"A17002","price":89.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0777\/1809\/4091\/files\/airfix-a17002-supermarine-spitfire-mk-viii.jpg?v=1749030647"},{"product_id":"airfix-a14001v-1-24-north-american-p-51d-mustang","title":"North American P-51D Mustang","description":"\u003cp\u003eA thoroughbred fighting aeroplane, the Mustang possessed the range, speed and firepower needed to secure air supremacy in the skies over Europe and despite only entering the Second World War during its latter stages, was regarded as one of the most effective fighters of the entire war - an 'Ace' maker.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51234350006539,"sku":"A14001V","price":62.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0777\/1809\/4091\/files\/airfix-a14001v-1-24-north-american-p-51d-mustang_010.jpg?v=1769956575"},{"product_id":"airfix-a17001a-1-24-supermarine-spitfire-mk-ixc-flying-dray","title":"Supermarine Spitfire Mk IXc ‘Flying Dray’","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IXc kit in 1:24 scale includes all the parts you need to replicate the beer-carrying Spitfires, the ‘Flying Drays’.​​​​​​​ Build your own morale-boosting Second World War aircraft and create a lasting tribute to the heroes of war.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWe've also added in some additional resin parts, essential for enhancing the story of your model. These include two beer barrels with lids, two nose cones, two bomb racks and a slipper tank.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAnd every kit comes with an Airfix pint glass, so you can raise your own morale while modelling.\u003cbr\u003e\nHistory\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOver the years, various photographs and stories from pilots’ memoirs have emerged about Spitfires that carried beer barrels. Publications mention a special ‘Depth Charge Modification XXX’. After the D-Day landings, squadrons based at the forward airfields in northern France would send a pilot back across the Channel in a Spitfire to collect some beer or ale in barrels strapped under the wings on modified bomb racks.\u003c\/p\u003e \n\n\u003cp\u003eObviously, such sorties would have been deemed highly irregular by the RAF’s higher command, so the flights would not have been recorded as such in the pilot’s logbooks. Which leaves little official proof as to the exact details of these ad hoc deliveries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eRecurring details relating to these escapades frequently turn up in various secondary sources. One example is the involvement of The Henty and Constable Brewery in Chichester and the nearby RAF Ford. To raise spirits, the story was also propagandised by the newspapers of the time, accompanied by some clearly staged photographs.\u003c\/p\u003e \n\n\u003cp\u003eSo, it’s difficult to determine the full and accurate story or whether the pilots claiming involvement in such missions were instead guilty of not letting the truth to get in the way of a good story.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn the summer of 1944, after the D-Day landings, British troops pressing into Normandy faced fierce resistance—and a dry pint glass. Supplies were tight, and morale was vital. So, in one of the war’s most unexpected missions, Spitfire pilots took to the skies, not just with ammunition, but with beer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIngenious airmen modified drop tanks and strapped barrels beneath their wings, delivering much-needed refreshment to parched troops across the Channel. Some called it “Operation Cheers.” These weren’t official missions. They were flights of morale. Spitfires, symbols of British grit, became airborne drays for a brief, glorious period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt wasn’t about luxury. It was about home. A cold beer in a hot war zone was more than a drink—it was a reminder of what they were fighting for.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSo, raise a glass to the RAF pilots who delivered courage, camaraderie, and casks, one flight at a time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBecause even heroes need a pint!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs part of this special release we've partnered with CAMRA.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'CAMRA campaigns for pubs, pints and people, which includes celebrating our beer heritage and how that fits into the history of Great Britain. The story of the Spitfires and their ‘Flying Dray’ service to the front lines of D-Day is a brilliant example of that.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAirfix’s Flying Dray Spitfire kit sounds like the perfect way for beer lovers to remember this unique piece of history' - CAMRA\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52765729194251,"sku":"A17001A","price":107.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0777\/1809\/4091\/files\/airfix-a17001a-1-24-supermarine-spitfire-mk-ixc-flying-dray_010.jpg?v=1765802344"},{"product_id":"airfix-a17003-1-24-messerschmitt-bf-109-g-5-g-6","title":"Messerschmitt Bf 109 G-5 \/ G-6","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis impressive 1:24 scale model comes with extensive build options:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n    \u003cp\u003eModel can be built with or without the fully detailed DB605 engine.\u003cbr\u003e\n    Engine cowlings and oil cooler can be posed in open or closed position\u003cbr\u003e\n    Choice of two types of engine cowlings (MTT and Erla)\u003cbr\u003e\n    Canopy can be posed open or closed (two canopy types included)\u003cbr\u003e\n    Additional engine and cockpit parts included for G-5 (pressurised cockpit version)\u003cbr\u003e\n    Optional 300l fuel tank and wing cannon “Gondolas”\u003cbr\u003e\n    Ailerons, elevators and rudder can be offset to add life to the model.\u003cbr\u003e\n    Radiator and wing flap position can be customised\u003cbr\u003e\n    Many optional parts to suit specific aircraft builds, such as rudder pedals, gunsights, trim wheels, instrument panels, undercarriage wheels\/tyres and windscreens\u003cbr\u003e\n     Detailed nose armament with machine guns, gun mounts and ammunition boxes included\u003cbr\u003e\n    Slide moulding used to allow the capture of fine detail on engine cowlings, fuselage, exhausts and gun barrels\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHistory\u003c\/p\u003e \n\n\u003cp\u003eArguably the most important Luftwaffe fighter aircraft of the Second World War, The BF109 was designed by Professor Willy Messerschmitt. The prototype first flew in May 1935. After winning a design competition against entries from Arado, Heinkel and Focke-Wulf due to its higher speed and better manoeuvrability, it entered service as the Bf109 A-0 in 1937. Early versions were flown by the Condor Legion in the Spanish Civil War, and the Luftwaffe during the Invasion of Poland.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Bf109 E appeared in late 1938 as the first major update of the design. The Junkers Jumo 210 engine used in the earlier versions was replaced by the larger, more powerful Daimler Benz DB601. The extra heat generated needed improved radiators, which were moved from the nose to the modified and reinforced wings. The Bf109 E became a symbol of the Luftwaffe in the skies over England, dogfighting the RAF’s Spitfires and Hurricanes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDuring 1940, Messerschmitt engineers were working on the Bf109 F, which featured the DB601E engine and much improved aerodynamics. The wings were reduced in area, with the new rounded wingtips being seen on all subsequent Bf109 variants. The tailplane was redesigned to eliminate the supporting struts, and fuel capacity was increased to extend the range to 1,060 m (1700km). The Bf109 F entered service in October 1940.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe DB605 engine was developed to be easier to manufacture than the complex DB601E. Increasing the displacement and compression ratio raised the power output to 1455bhp. The Bf109, when fitted with this engine, became the Bf109 G “Gustav”. The pressurised Bf109 G-1 began production in February 1942, with the non-pressurised Bf109 G-2 following in May 1942.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn February 1943, the nose-mounted 7.92mm MG 17 guns were upgraded to the 13mm MG 131, leading to the distinctive bulged engine cowlings of the G-5 and G-6 models. The G-5 and G-6 were the most produced Bf109 variants, with over 12,000 aircraft manufactured. The high-altitude G-5 featured a pressurised cockpit, with an engine driven compressor and sealed canopy glazing.\u003c\/p\u003e \n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Bf109 G could be fitted with two additional MG151\/20 cannon in under-wing gondolas, as well as a 300l fuel tank, rockets and bomb racks. Tropical equipment allowed the Bf109 G to serve in the dusty conditions of North Africa.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe G-6 first equipped JG 27, 51, 53 and 77 in the Mediterranean theatre, and went on to equip many Luftwaffe fighter units in Western Europe and the Eastern Front, where the highest scoring fighter ace, Erich Hartmann, achieved a claimed 352 aerial kills.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52765771071755,"sku":"A17003","price":89.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0777\/1809\/4091\/files\/airfix-a17003-1-24-messerschmitt-bf-109-g-5-g-6_010.jpg?v=1765802412"},{"product_id":"airfix-a19004a-1-24-grumman-f6f-5-hellcat","title":"Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat","description":"\u003cp\u003eFew aircraft matched the impact of the Grumman F6F Hellcat, a rugged, reliable fighter built for ease of production and maintenance.\u003c\/p\u003e \n\n\u003cp\u003eEntering service in 1943, it dominated the Pacific Theatre, achieving a 19:1 kill ratio and accounting for nearly 75% of US Navy air victories—making aces of 305 pilots.\u003c\/p\u003e \n\n\u003cp\u003eThink you've got what it takes to build this 1:24 scale military aircraft model kit?\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52871340392715,"sku":"A19004A","price":89.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0777\/1809\/4091\/files\/airfix-a19004a-1-24-grumman-f6f-5-hellcat_010.jpg?v=1769963662"}],"url":"https:\/\/anglia-models.com\/collections\/airfix-1-24-aircraft.oembed","provider":"Anglia Models","version":"1.0","type":"link"}