Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX – 126 Sqn, Johnny Plagis, RAF Harrowbeer, England, July 1944 1/48

Hobby Master 1/48 scale HA8320: Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX serial ML214 of 126 Sqn, as flown by Johnny Plagis, RAF Harrowbeer, England, July 1944. Production run of only 350 models.

Length 7.75 inches Wingspan 9.25 inches

In May 1944 the 126 (Persian Gulf) Squadron was equipped with the Spitfire IX and providing fighter escort for bombers over north-western France as well as protection for the growing armada being assembled for D-Day. In July 1944 the 126 was stationed at Harrowbeer and Squadron Leader Johnny Plagis was Commander flying Spitfire IX “5J-K” ML214; that wore Kay after his sister and Muscat, a city in Oman. In July and August Plagis scored four victories but in September he was hit by flak and survived but the aircraft was lost.

Designed by R.J.Michell to meet a British Air Ministry specification, the Supermarine Spitfire first flown on March 5th, 1936. With its combination of beautiful fighter design, the excellent performance of its Rolls-Royce Merlin powerplant and firepower provided by twin cannons and four machine guns, the Spitfire became an unrivaled symbol of victory. The Spitfire had 40 major variants and was built in greater numbers than any other British aircraft of the time. It flew operationally on every front between 1939 and 1945 and was engaged in every one of the Royal Air Force’s major actions.