GeminiJets Gemini Aces GARAF1005
Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX Diecast Model
RAF No.126 Sqn, John Plagis, RAF Culmhead, England, January 1943 | Limited Edition
2000
Pieces Worldwide |
|
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX | | 5.25" | | 6.25" |
John Agorastos Plagis was born in Rhodesia of Greek parents, in 1919. He failed to gain entry into the Rhodesian Air Force, due to his Greek parentage, so applied to join the RAF, who desperately needed pilots. Following completion of his flying training, he was posted to Malta and on 6th March 1942, his Spitfire left the deck of HMS Eagle to enter the cauldron that was Malta! Plagis flew with great skill and courage in defence of this beleaguered island and would score the majority of his combat kills during this time. He was awarded the DFC for his actions, but would suffer complete mental and physical exhaustion, which required evacuation to England. He was later to command No 126 Squadron, flying this beautiful Spitfire IX. Four Luftwaffe fighters were to fall to the guns of this Spitfire, before his squadron re-equipped with the Mustang III. Plagis ended the war with 15 aerial victories.
The Supermarine Spitfire is arguably the most famous fighter aircraft of the Second World War. The type was in constant production throughout WWII and some 22,000 aircraft were built before the production ceased in the post war years. The Mark IX Spitfire was a thoroughbred fighting machine. Developed from the Spitfire Mk V variant, it was a direct response to the threat posed by the Luftwaffe's new Focke Wulf FW 190A, which made a dramatic impact on the European Air War. So potent was this new German fighter that the RAF suspended operations over occupied Europe, as losses began to mount. The Spitfire Mk IX was more than a match for the FW 190 and became the Spitfire with which the RAF took to the offensive against Luftwaffe units in Northern Europe.
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. © Copyright 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Gemini's 1:72 scale Spitfire is constructed using more diecast metal than most other models on the market today. This quality model boasts an all metal propeller and spinner hub—features uncommon in this scale—all metal landing gear and exhaust stacks, a solid metal antenna, a metal scale tail wheel and movable elevators and rudders with metal hinges. Other fine details include a nose scope that securely attaches to the landing gear for both ground and in-flight display. A delicate hand-painted mirror is mounted on the canopy, and the fuselage, wings and control surfaces are detailed with fine rivets and panel lines. Some variants have a clipped wing.
© Copyright 2003-2013 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The GeminiJets "Gemini Aces" range presents highly-detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft.
GeminiJets "Gemini Aces" diecast airplanes feature:
- Diecast metal construction with minimal use of plastic components.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Detailed cockpit interiors.
- Selected moveable control surfaces.
- Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear with rotating wheels.
- Metal presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Authentic ordnance loads complete with placards.
- Photo-etched, spinning metal propellers.
- Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.
© Copyright 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc.
