In 1938 Irishman Brendan "Paddy" Finucane joined the RAF and two years later was flying Spitfires with the 65 Squadron. In April 1941 he was transferred to 452 Squadron where he scored seventeen victories between July and October 13 1941 when he turned 21. After a short rest Finucane was transferred to the 602 Squadron and in June 1942 became the youngest Wing Commander in RAF (Hornchurch) history. On July 15, 1942 Finucane was killed during a raid on Etaples France. He was the highest scoring Irishman with 28 aerial victories, total may vary.

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.

Hobby Master's 1:48 scale Spitfire Mk I is cleverly designed to provide the collector with a reasonably-priced, top quality product with just the right number of features. This beautiful model features a canopy that slides open or is removable, providing a clear view of the pad-printed gauges and correctly-rendered control stick with loop stick grip. The all-metal propeller spins freely and the engine exhaust stack has been separately applied. The near-solid metal wing has hinged metal landing gear with integrated metal gear doors, and the wing root fairing is integrated in the wing's casting, which creates a flawless transition between the fuselage and the near-razor thin trailing edge.

• Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
• Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
• Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
• Opening canopies, revealing detailed cockpit interiors.
• Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear.
• Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
• Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.