Hobby Master Archive

The Spitfire Mk.1 first became operational in July 1938 at Duxford, Cambridge. At the beginning of WWII 9 RAF squadrons were equipped with the Mk.1’s with two others converting to the new aircraft. By June 1940 the Mk.1 was being replaced by the faster long-range Mk.II but not before the Mk.I had bore the brunt of the Battle of Britain. The Mk.I also flew protective cover over the propeller, self-sealing fuel tanks, armored windscreen and armor plating in front of and behind propeller, self-sealing fuel tanks, armored windscreen and armor plating in front of and behind the pilot.

In May 1940, for the first sortie of the Dunkirk evacuation Unwin wasn’t allocated an aircraft so he boisterously complained until he was assured he would fly on day two. George wasn’t one to back down from an argument nor was he afraid to speak his mind and this issue is what earned him his nickname “Grumpy”. In the sky over Dunkirk, George scored 5 victories and 2 probables. After only one month with No. 266 Squadron, Spitfire Mk1A X4179/QV-H arrived at No. 19 Squadron on September 13, 1940. It was assigned to George “Grumpy” Unwin and over the next fourteen days he proceeded to shoot down 4 Bf-109Es. On September 27, 1940 Spitfire Mk1A X4179/QV-H was re-assigned to No. 609 Squadron. The aircraft was written off October 24, 1943 when the engine failed on take off and made a belly landing and flipped over.

Specifications for Supermarine Spitfire Mk.1A (late production)

Role - Interceptor Fighter Mk.1A Produced - 1,536 Crew - one Performance Engine - 1 x Rolls-Royce Merlin III, liquid-cooled, V12 HP @ Altitudes - 1,030 hp @ 16,250 ft (4,953 m) 880 HP @ take-off Speed Maximum @ 20,000 ft (6,100 m) - 353 mph (568 kph) Cruising - 210 mph (338 kph) RoC (Rate of Climb) Initial - 2,530 ft/min (771 m/min) Time to 20,000 ft (6,096 m) - 9 minutes 25 seconds Service Ceiling - 31,900 ft (9,723 m) Normal Range - 395 miles (637 km) Endurance - 1.78 hrs Weights Empty - 5,040 lb (2,286 kg) Full - 6,150 lb (2,789 kg)

Dimensions Length - 29 ft 11 ins. (9.12 m) Height to tip of propeller - 11 ft 5 ins (3.48 m) Wingspan - 36 ft 10 ins. (11.23 m)

Armament 8 x 0.303 in (7.7 mm) Browning machine guns, 300 rounds/gun

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 HA7810 Spitfire Mk.Ia X4179/QV-H, Flt Sgt G. Unwin No. 19 Sqn., Sept 1940

MODEL MAY COME WITH A RUDDER BALANCE THAT YOU PLACE ON THE TAIL WHEN YOU RECEIVE THE MODEL.