{"title":"SVC US_AIR 1\/24 WW2","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":"trumpeter-02401-1-24-north-american-p-51d-mustang-iv","title":"North American P-51D Mustang IV","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe North American P-51D Mustang was originally ordered in April 1940 by the British Air Purchasing Commission, and made its first flight for the US Army Air Force in September 1942. Initially under-powered, the aerodynamically clean single-seat fighter’s performance was perfected by fitting it with the Packard v-1650 Merlin engine, resulting in the P-51B and D versions. In the European theater, the principal role of the P-51D, introduced in May 1944 and fitted with drop tanks, was to escort the US 8th Air Force heavy bomber formations all the way from British bases to targets deep into Germany, including Berlin and beyond. During the Korean Conflict, P-51Ds were used primarily for close support of ground forces until with drawn from service in 1953. The P-51 served with Air Reserve and National Guard units until 1957. After the war, the Mustang proved popular with over 55 nations, and in 1960’s it was put back into production for the US Air Force.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Trumpeter","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51517920739595,"sku":"02401","price":89.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0777\/1809\/4091\/files\/trumpeter-02401-north-american-p-51d-mustang-iv.jpg?v=1749140570"},{"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"}],"url":"https:\/\/anglia-models.com\/collections\/svc-us_air-1-200-btw.oembed","provider":"Anglia Models","version":"1.0","type":"link"}