This is without doubt one of the most beautiful and stunning colour livery schemes I've seen on a RAF Spitfire for display. Including unparraled realism "with wing gun panels stowed or removed" as one example.
This is a larger size 1/48 Scale diecast model of the Spitfire Mk.IX impressive in its size and presence.
The Restoration RAF Spitfire FN-K represents a very important aspect of Norwegian aviation and World War 2 history.
In February 2018, in cooperation with the Norwegian Defence Museum, Norwegian journalist and aviation Historian Cato Guhnfeldt and Lars Ness, Chairman of the NSF, travelled to the Netherlands to try and track down the remains of any Spitfires flown by Norwegian pilots. Both Cato and Lars knew that they were looking for the proverbial ‘needle in a haystack’, and perhaps 70 years too late. It was therefore quite surprising what they did find.
In Holland, the remains of Spitfire IX, PL258 Reg. FN-K, from RAF No.331 (Norwegian) Squadron – flown by Fenrik (ensign) Carl Jacob Stousland, was discovered. The aircraft had landed on its belly in a field near the village of Tubbergen on the 29th of December 1944. The stories behind both the aircraft and her pilot are memorable.
Spitfires achieved legendary status during the Battle of Britain and throughout the WWII by racking up the highest victory-to-loss ratio among British aircraft. Spitfires were flown by British aces Johnnie Johnson (34 kills), Douglas Bader (20 kills), and Bob Tuck (27 kills). The Spitfire was produced in greater numbers than any other British aircraft and was the only British fighter to be in continuous production throughout the war.
This Spitfire Mk.IX RAF Reg. FN-K, No. 331 'Norwegian' Squadron Diecast Model '1/48' Scale is also matched to the 75th Anniversary Royal Norwegian Air Force F-16BM - which has the same registration FN-K - and is also listed and available within this Store with Item No. 284180325483
This is an incredible diecast model with these impressive qualities and which may be displayed with some of the following impressive combinations:
Please note all additional items such as Aerials / Gun Panels / Tail Wheel are packed in a separate sealed plastic bag for safety in shipping - that I DO NOT open for photos. Please see photo 12.
Whether you are a Spitfire enthusiast or have a special interest in the Norwegian Air Force and its aviation history, this is a beautiful 'must-have' Spitfire for your collection!
These models are extremely sought after by collectors as they are limited production runs, which are often not repeated.
Space and Aviation Firsts is an International Store having sold into more than 40 countries. Shipping within Australia is included, and Worldwide for a small nominal fee as my gift to you.
Please order now so that you do not miss out on this beautiful Spitfire Mk.IX RAF No. 331 'Norwegian' Squadron s/n PL258 Reg. FN-K.
Description
Spitfire Mk.IX RAF Reg. FN-K, No. 331 'Norwegian' Squadron Diecast Model '1/48' Scale
Here is an interestingly brief Squadron Report and overview of this aircraft's last mission and its pilot:
"The 331 Squadron Raid Report - 29. December 1944 - by Chaplain Sverre Eika:
'It all began with such hurt. Inexpressible hurt'.
The squadron had just returned from this day’s first raid, and four pilots were already missing."
Some further information from the Norwegian Spitfire Foundation (NSF) about the search for this Spitfire.
The Norwegian Spitfire Foundation [NSF] purchased the remains of PL258. These will form the core of a restoration and rebuild project, and the Civil Aviation Authority in the UK has allocated G-NSFS as a temporary registration. When the aircraft restoration is finally completed and test-flown, PL258 will be transferred to the Norwegian register.
After a significant search for a suitable airframe, the Norwegian Spitfire Foundation (NSF) announced that they are embarking upon the restoration of a Supermarine Spitfire with Norwegian wartime provenance, to bring to the attention of present and future generations the story of the Norwegian pilots and groundcrews formidable involvement with the RAF and of returning the aircraft, a Mk.IX with RAF serial PL258, to Norwegian skies in the next few years.
NSF will own the project and promote it as it wishes. Already in the restoration and rebuild process, PL258 will be used to tell the story of the Norwegian fighter pilots and the ground staff in the UK and on the Continent during WWII.
The Squadron Report did not know the details of the Spitfire loss - here is the combat record later...
2nd Lt. Carl Jacob Stousland flew PL258 that day.
Stousland engaged and shot down one German FW190 D9 fighter before a midair collision with Sergeant Ole Tilset forced him to crash-land his Spitfire into the Dutch fields below.
Local farmers hid Stousland in their basements. This would be the beginning of a 79-day struggle back toward the Allied line.
Sergeant O. Tilset bailed out of Spitfire FN-T/PT909 after colliding air-to-air with Stousland. German soldiers captured him.
The Norwegian Armed Forces Museum has already pledged the project their backing, donating one of their Rolls Royce Merlin 66 engines. Restoring and flying PL258 will draw attention to, and give equal due to both pilots and ground crews, who each without the other would be lost.
This truly is a model worthy of the memory of this famous Spitfire Mk. IX RAF Reg. FN-K, No. 331 'Norwegian' Squadron and its pilot Fenrik (ensign) Carl Jacob Stousland.
The colour combinations of this beautiful Spitfire Mk.IX RAF No. 331 'Norwegian' Squadron s/n PL258 Reg. FN-K is matched to the equally stunning 75th Anniversary Royal Norwegian Air Force F-16BM of the Royal Norwegian Air Force which is also listed and available within this Store.
Whether you are a Spitfire enthusiast or have a special interest in Norwegian Air Force aviation history, this is a beautiful 'must have' Spitfire for your collection!
These models are extremely sought after by collectors as they are limited production runs, which are often not repeated.
Please order now so that you do not miss out on a stunningly detailed and quality Spitfire Mk. IX RAF No. 331 'Norwegian' Squadron s/n PL258 Reg. FN-K Diecast Model "1/48" Scale aircraft.
Mission Profile [courtesy Wikipedia]
No. 331 Squadron RAF was a Second World War squadron of the Royal Air Force. The squadron was primarily manned with Norwegian aircrew. The squadron was part of Fighter Command between 1941 and March 1944 when it joined the 2nd Tactical Air Force until the end of the war. The squadron took part in the Dieppe Raid and the Normandy landings. No. 331 Squadron RAF was formed as a fighter squadron at RAF Catterick in Yorkshire on 21 July 1941. The squadron was manned by exiled Norwegians, except for the ground crew and the commanding officer.
It was given the RAF aircraft code prefix "FN", which was often said to be an abbreviation for "First Norwegian" or "For Norway", the latter being the squadron's official motto (in Norwegian For Norge). The squadron badge was a Norwegian Viking sword and a British sword in saltire, bound together with a ring - symbolising the friendship between Norway and Great Britain.
The squadron was initially equipped with Hawker Hurricane Mk 1s, inherited from a Polish RAF unit. These had to be rebuilt before 331 Squadron could become operational, on 15 September 1941. No. 331 Squadron provided defence for northern Scotland, moving to RAF Castletown on 21 August and later to RAF Skaebrae. On the 4th of May 1942, the squadron moved south to RAF North Weald, having re-equipped with Spitfires in November 1941.
No. 331 Squadron was joined by a second Norwegian unit No. 332 Squadron, also flying Spitfires. Together they were known as North Weald Wing and were part of the Allied air umbrella over the landing area in the Dieppe Raid, and later flying fighter sweeps and escort operations over occupied France and the Low Countries.
Following fighter bomber and tactical air superiority operations, connected to preparations for D-Day and the actual landings in France, the squadron moved to Caen, Normandy, in August 1944. From September onwards, 132 Wing participated in the Liberation of Holland and provided air support for the crossing of the Rhine.
On 24 April 1945, the squadron was again transferred to North Weald and later to RAF Dyce in Scotland, where 331 and 332 Squadrons converted to Spitfire Mark IXe and Mk XVI.
Following the end of the war, the wing flew to Norway and on 21 September 1945, 331 Squadron was officially disbanded as an RAF unit, with control passed to the re-formed Royal Norwegian Air Force (RNoAF).
Between them during the war, No. 331 and 332 Squadrons scored 180 confirmed destroyed, 35 probables and more than 100 damaged. Combined losses were 131 aircraft lost with 71 pilots killed.
In honour of the achievements of the Second World War squadrons, the RNoAF has maintained RAF squadron names, including a 331st Fighter Squadron, now flying F-16s and based at Bodø Main Air Station.
Size
Spitfire Mk.IX RAF Reg. FN-K, No. 331 'Norwegian' Squadron Diecast Model '1/48' Scale
This is a beautiful 'larger size' 1/48 detailed Diecast Model.
Length approx 195mm, 7.75 inches. Wingspan approx 225mm, 9.25 inches.
Make this Fantastic Executive Model yours!
Shipping
Shipping within Australia is included with a nominal fee for shipping Worldwide, my gift to you.
This is a great buy and offering for International, US, UK, European, Asia Pacific, and Australian Collectors. Make one yours!
Conclusion
This Spitfire Mk.IX RAF Reg. FN-K, No. 331 'Norwegian' Squadron Diecast Model '1/48' Scale aircraft is a must-have beautiful and stunning high-quality Model truly representative of World, Spitfire and Royal Air Force and Royal Norwegian Air Force aircraft History.
These models sell quickly, please order now so that you do not miss out!
Collectors' Hint - What are my choices with Model purchasing and collecting?
It is the nature of the Space and Aviation market that Space and Aircraft Models and Kits of important space or aviation flight vehicles tend to be limited in production and sell very quickly. An example is the premier diecast models like these.
All production 'runs' are limited with no guarantees that there will be more. Consequently, they become Limited Editions in their own right.
Some models may be 're-launched' on significant anniversaries.
I suggest when an opportunity presents itself, make the decision for your model collection and act!
Note: This is serious and enjoyable premium quality Art Space and Aviation Collecting. If an offer is to be made, please understand the offer needs to be very seriously 'close'!
Photo Credits
Photo 1 A beautiful port view of this beautiful Spitfire Mk.IX RAF Reg. FN-K, No. 331 'Norwegian' Squadron Diecast Model '1/48' Scale
Photo 2 A starboard 'look down' view of the Spitfire Mk.IX RAF Reg. FN-K, No. 331 'Norwegian' Squadron Diecast Model on its undercarriage
Photo 3 A starboard view of the Spitfire Mk.IX RAF Reg. FN-K, No. 331 'Norwegian' Squadron Diecast Model on its stand
Photo 4 A look down port 'look down' view of the Spitfire Mk. IX RAF Reg. FN-K, No. 331 'Norwegian' Squadron Diecast Model on its undercarriage
Photo 5 A starboard view of the Spitfire Mk.IX RAF Reg. FN-K, No. 331 'Norwegian' Squadron Diecast Model on its undercarriage
Photo 6 A 'look down' view into the wing gun reloading bays of the Spitfire Mk. IX RAF Reg. FN-K, No. 331 'Norwegian' Squadron Diecast Model with its 2 × 20 mm (0.79 in) Hispano II cannon and 0.303 Browning machine guns visible, as in a model diorama
Photo 7 A real 2nd Word War photo of 2nd Lt. Carl Jacob Stousland RAF No. 331 'Norwegian' Squadron [courtesy RAF not included]
Photo 8 A real 2nd Word War photo of a Spitfire Reg. FN-P RAF No. 331 'Norwegian' Squadron with its engine being 'run up'. Part of 'truthful folklore' NOTE the two 'Erks' sitting on the tailplane to hold the tail down. [courtesy RAF not included]
Photo 9 A look down 3/4 rear starboard view of the Spitfire Mk.IX RAF Reg. FN-K, No. 331 'Norwegian' Squadron Diecast Model
Photo 10 A look down 3/4 rear port view of the Spitfire Mk.IX RAF Reg. FN-K, No. 331 'Norwegian' Squadron Diecast Model
Photo 11 A port 'look down' view of the Spitfire Mk.IX RAF Reg. FN-K, No. 331 'Norwegian' Squadron Diecast Model on its stand
Make this Fantastic Spitfire Mk. IX RAF Reg. FN-K, No. 331 'Norwegian' Squadron Diecast Model yours!
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