Hobby Master Archive

1/48 scale pre-finished. Die-cast metal with a minimum of plastic. Professionally painted. All markings pad applied for superb results. Canopy slides open. Comes with a pilot that can be removed. Comes with display stand. Landing gear is fully retractable and can be displayed up or down. Propeller is metal. Extremely sought after by collectors.

Hobby Master 1/48 Air Power Series HA7606 Spitfire PR Mk.XI PA944, 22nd Sqn., 7th Photo Recon Group, RAF Mount Farm, UK, 1944

The Mark XI was basically a Mark IX Spitfire interceptor that had its guns and armour removed, a larger oil tank added in the nose, a more powerful engine, a larger fuel capacity and photographic equipment added for recon missions. The Mk.XI defense was its speed.

Originally James S. Blyth was with the 22nd Photo Recon Squadron/22nd Photo Recon group flying F-5s, a modified P-38 for photo recon. In April 1944 he transferred to the 14th Photo Recon Squadron because he always wanted to fly a Spitfire. The 14th PRS were equipped with Spitfire Mk. XI and Blyth flew 36 recon missions. On September 12, 1944 while flying PA944 the landing gear failed to deploy and Blyth made a safe belly landing. With a new wooden prop and new radiator PA944 was soon flying again.

Spitfire PR Mk.XI Role - Basically a Mk. IX modified for photo-reconnaissance Number Manufactured - 471 Performance Engine - Rolls-Royce Merlin 61, 63 or 70 of 1,655 hp Maximum speed - 422 mph Cruising speed - 369 mph Range - 1,360 miles Ceiling: 40,000 ft Dimensions Span - 36 ft 10 in Length - 30 ft Height - 12 ft 7 in Weight Maximum - 8,040 lbs