Czechoslovak Alois "Amos" Vasatko fought with the French Air Force and then the RAF. The 312th Czechoslovak Squadron of the RAF was established on May 3, 1942 with Vasatko as its first Wing Commander. On June 23, 1942 Vasatko was flying BM592 and commanding Spitfire VBs from the three Czech squadrons escorting Boston bombers. Returning from a successful raid they were attacked by Fw-190s. Vasatko began a climbing right turn and in doing so he collided with Uffz. Wilhelm Reuschling's Fw-190 who bailed out and was captured but Vasatko perished. 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. Hobby Master "1:48 Air Power Series" diecast airplanes feature: 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. Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight". Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards. Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.
