{"title":"GBR RAF 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":"trumpeter-02403-1-24-supermarine-spitfire-mk-vb","title":"Supermarine Spitfire Mk Vb","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe mass production of the Spitfire started in 1936 and more than 20000 planes were produced until 1948. Among several variations of this main fighter of Royal Air Force, the Mk.V series was the most widely produced and more than 6500 planes were deployed. By early 1941, the majority of fighter squadrons were furnished with Spitfire Mk.I. Improvements were suggested by the pilots and every effort was made to maintain its performance advantages over its opponents. The main improvement was the use of the more powerful Merlin type 45 engine and a version with a mixed armament of four 7.7mm machine guns and two 20mm cannon was named ‘Mk.Vb‘. Some Mk.Vb's has slipped wing tips for better low altitude maneuverability. In 1942, the Spitfire was also urgently required for operations overseas. One of the better known versions was the North African prepared Spitfire designated ‘TROP.‘, for Tropical. To protect engine from sand, a Vokes air filter was affixed over the carburetor intake. Although the filter was successful, its large mass reduced the aircraft's speed. The problem was solved by 103rd maintenance unit stationed at Aboukir, who designed a smaller more streamlined unit that was equally effective. The spitfire went through numerous minor and major changes throughout its production life, and served with distinction on every battle front of the war.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Trumpeter","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51517920837899,"sku":"02403","price":89.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0777\/1809\/4091\/files\/trumpeter-02403-supermarine-spitfire-mk-vb.jpg?v=1749140577"},{"product_id":"trumpeter-02404-1-24-supermarine-spitfire-mk-vb-seaplane","title":"Supermarine Spitfire Mk Vb Seaplane","description":"\u003cp\u003eSUPERMARINE SPITFIRE FLOATPLANE - Floatplane fighter version of Supermarine Spitfire initiated during 1942, based on Mk VB airframe using floats designed by Supermarine (as Supermarine Type 355). Conversion by Folland Aircraft, with four-bladed propeller on Merlin 45 engines, tropical filter and extra ventral fin. First flown October 12, 1942, and later fitted with extra dorsal fin and Aero-Vee tropical filter. Two further Mk VB conversions by Folland during 1943; all three to Egypt late-1943 and flown from Great Bitter Lake, but no operational use. One Supermarine Spitfire LF Mk IXB, with Merlin 66 and four-bladed propeller (Type 385), similarly converted by Folland, first flown June 18, 1944, later reconverted to land-plane.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Trumpeter","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51517920903435,"sku":"02404","price":89.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0777\/1809\/4091\/files\/trumpeter-02404-supermarine-spitfire-mk-vb-seaplane.jpg?v=1749140582"},{"product_id":"trumpeter-02412-1-24-supermarine-spitfire-mk-vb-mk-vb-trop","title":"Supermarine Spitfire Mk Vb \/ Mk Vb (trop)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Supermarine Spitfire is regarded by many as the most beautifully designed single seat fighter to appear during WWII. The Spitfire went through numerous major and minor changes throughout its long production life. Early improvements resulted in the Mk.V series of Spitfires which became the most widely produced versions of all Mk's. The main improvements was the furnishing of three wing armament configurations, and the use of the more powerful Merlin type 45 engine. The most numerous Mk.V was the ‘b‘ winged version which had a mixed armament of two 7.7mm machine guns and on 20mm cannon in each wing. The Spitfire that demonstrated such superb performance over its homeland, was also urgently required for operations overseas. One of the better known versions was the North African prepared Spitfire designated ‘TROP‘, for Tropical. The biggest problem in desert operations was the intake of abrasive sands into the engine, which quickly wore out moving parts. To overcome this difficulty a Vokes air filter was affixed over the carburetor intake. Although the filter was successful, its large mass reduced the aircraft's speed. The problem was solved by the local maintenance unit stationed at Aboukir, who designated a smaller more streamlined unit that was equally effective. The clipped wing versions, which had better low altitude maneuverability, were commonly seen in North Africa.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Trumpeter","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51517921919243,"sku":"02412","price":89.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0777\/1809\/4091\/files\/trumpeter-02412-supermarine-spitfire-mk-vb-mk-vb-trop.jpg?v=1749140624"},{"product_id":"trumpeter-02413-1-24-supermarine-spitfire-mk-vi","title":"Supermarine Spitfire Mk VI","description":"\u003cp\u003eBased on the Mk V airframe, the HF Mk VI was the first Spitfire specifically intended for high altitude combat, rather than reconnaissance duties. Fitted with a pressurized cockpit and powered by a Merlin 47 of 1415 hp, it had increased span ‘c’ wings of 40 ft. 2 in. Although intended for use in England, No.124 Spdn receiving its first example in February 1941, five were shipped to the Middle East to replace the Special Performance Flight Mk Vs. In the event, the Mk VI’s performance fell short of expectations and only 97 were completed; it did not prove as good as the modified SPF Mk Vs overseas, being unable to reach Ju 86P-2 flights then operating at 50,000 ft. The most serious drawback was the fact that the canopy had to be locked down to allow pressurization and was not intended to be opened in flight, although it could be jettisoned in an emergency. Relegated to second-line and training duties, the majority of Mk VIs had their pointed wingtips replaced by standard tips and armament removed.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Trumpeter","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51517921984779,"sku":"02413","price":89.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0777\/1809\/4091\/files\/trumpeter-02413-supermarine-spitfire-mk-vi.jpg?v=1749140633"},{"product_id":"trumpeter-02414-1-24-hawker-hurricane-mk-i","title":"Hawker Hurricane Mk I","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Hawker Hurricane is a British fighter design from the 1930s. Some 14,000 Hurricane and Sea Hurricane fighters and fighter-bombers were built by the end of 1944。 August 1940 brought what has become the Hurricane's shining moment in history: The Battle of Britain. RAF Hurricanes accounted for more enemy aircraft kills than all other defenses combined, including all aircraft and ground defenses. Later in the war, the Hurricane served admirably in North Africa, Burma, Malta, and nearly every other theater in which the RAF participated. The Hurricane underwent many modifications during its life, resulting in many major variants, including the Mk IA, with interchangeable wings housing eight 7.7mm (0.303in) guns;the Mk IIC, with a Merlin XX engine; the Mk IID, a tankbuster with two 40mm anti-tank guns plus two 7.7mm guns. During the war, Hurricanes were sold to Egypt, Finland, India, the Irish， Persia, Turkey and the USSR Air Corps.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Trumpeter","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51517922672907,"sku":"02414","price":71.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0777\/1809\/4091\/files\/trumpeter-02414-hawker-hurricane-mk-i.jpg?v=1749140637"},{"product_id":"trumpeter-02415-1-24-hawker-hurricane-mk-iic","title":"Hawker Hurricane Mk IIC","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Hawker Hurricane is a British fighter design from the 1930s. Some 14,000 Hurricane and Sea Hurricane fighters and fighter-bombers were built by the end of 1944。 August 1940 brought what has become the Hurricane's shining moment in history: The Battle of Britain. RAF Hurricanes accounted for more enemy aircraft kills than all other defenses combined, including all aircraft and ground defenses. Later in the war, the Hurricane served admirably in North Africa, Burma, Malta, and nearly every other theater in which the RAF participated. The Hurricane underwent many modifications during its life, resulting in many major variants, including the Mk IA, with interchangeable wings housing eight 7.7mm (0.303in) guns;the Mk IIC, with a Merlin XX engine; the Mk IID, a tankbuster with two 40mm anti-tank guns plus two 7.7mm guns. During the war, Hurricanes were sold to Egypt, Finland, India, the Irish， Persia, Turkey and the USSR Air Corps, ,.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Trumpeter","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51517922803979,"sku":"02415","price":71.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0777\/1809\/4091\/files\/trumpeter-02415-hawker-hurricane-mk-iic.jpg?v=1749140643"},{"product_id":"trumpeter-02416-1-24-hawker-hurricane-mk-iic-trop","title":"Hawker Hurricane Mk IIC (trop)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Hawker Hurricane is a British fighter design from the 1930s. Some 14,000 Hurricane and Sea Hurricane fighters and fighter-bombers were built by the end of 1944。 August 1940 brought what has become the Hurricane's shining moment in history: The Battle of Britain. RAF Hurricanes accounted for more enemy aircraft kills than all other defenses combined, including all aircraft and ground defenses. Later in the war, the Hurricane served admirably in North Africa, Burma, Malta, and nearly every other theater in which the RAF participated. The Hurricane underwent many modifications during its life, resulting in many major variants, including the Mk IA, with interchangeable wings housing eight 7.7mm (0.303in) guns;the Mk IIC, with a Merlin XX engine; the Mk IID, a tankbuster with two 40mm anti-tank guns plus two 7.7mm guns. During the war, Hurricanes were sold to Egypt, Finland, India, the Irish， Persia, Turkey and the USSR Air Corps.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Trumpeter","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51517922836747,"sku":"02416","price":71.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0777\/1809\/4091\/files\/trumpeter-02416-hawker-hurricane-mk-iic-trop.jpg?v=1749140648"},{"product_id":"trumpeter-02417-1-24-hawker-hurricane-mk-iid-trop","title":"Hawker Hurricane Mk IID (trop)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Hawker Hurricane is a British fighter design from the 1930s. Some 14,000 Hurricane and Sea Hurricane fighters and fighter-bombers were built by the end of 1944。 August 1940 brought what has become the Hurricane's shining moment in history: The Battle of Britain. RAF Hurricanes accounted for more enemy aircraft kills than all other defenses combined, including all aircraft and ground defenses. Later in the war, the Hurricane served admirably in North Africa, Burma, Malta, and nearly every other theater in which the RAF participated. The Hurricane underwent many modifications during its life, resulting in many major variants, including the Mk IA, with interchangeable wings housing eight 7.7mm (0.303in) guns;the Mk IIC, with a Merlin XX engine; the Mk IID, a tankbuster with two 40mm anti-tank guns plus two 7.7mm guns. During the war, Hurricanes were sold to Egypt, Finland, India, the Irish， Persia, Turkey and the USSR Air Corps, ,.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Trumpeter","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51517922869515,"sku":"02417","price":71.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0777\/1809\/4091\/files\/trumpeter-02417-hawker-hurricane-mk-iid-trop.jpg?v=1749140654"},{"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"}],"url":"https:\/\/anglia-models.com\/de\/collections\/gbr-raf-1-24-ww2.oembed","provider":"Anglia Models","version":"1.0","type":"link"}