Supermarine Spitfire MK24 Wooden Model

This model of the RAF Spitfire has been carefully hand carved in great detail from solid mahogany. The wood used is from a sustainable or recycled source. Multiple layers of clear vanquish are applied for a quality finish.

*The final Spitfire variant, the Mk 24, was similar to the Mk 22 except that it had an increased fuel capacity over its predecessors, with two fuel tanks of 33 gal (150 L) each installed in the rear fuselage. There were also zero-point fittings for rocket projectiles under the wings. All had the larger "Spiteful" tail units; modifications were also made to the trim tab gearings to perfect the F Mk 24's handling. The F Mk 24 achieved a maximum speed of 454 mph (731 km/h) and could reach an altitude of 30,000 ft (9,100 m) in eight minutes, putting it on a par with the most advanced piston-engined fighters of the era.

Although designed as a fighter-interceptor aircraft, the Spitfire proved its versatility in other roles. As a fighter, the F Mk 24 armament consisted of 4 × 20 mm Hispano cannon – operational experience had proved that the hitting power of these larger weapons was necessary to overcome the thicker armour encountered on enemy aircraft as the war progressed. The aircraft was also used as a fighter-bomber, carrying 1 × 500 lb (230 kg) and 2 × 250 lb (110 kg) bombs, with rocket-projectile launch rails fitted as standard. Late production aircraft were built with the lighter, short-barrelled, electrically-triggered Hispano Mark V cannon. A total of 81 Mk 24s were completed, 27 of which were conversions from Mk 22s. The last Mk 24 to be built was delivered in February 1948 and were used until 1952 by 80 Squadron. Some of the squadron's aircraft went to the Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force where they were operated until 1955.

Introduced into service in late 1945, the F Mk 24 differed greatly from the Spitfire Mk I, was twice as heavy, more than twice as powerful and showed an increase in climb rate of 80 per cent over that of the prototype, K5054. These remarkable increases in performance arose chiefly from the introduction of the Rolls-Royce Griffon engine in place of the famous Merlin of earlier variants. Rated at 2,050 hp (1,530 kW), the 12-cylinder Vee liquid-cooled Griffon 61 engine had a two-stage supercharger, giving the Spitfire the exceptional performance at high altitude that had been sometimes lacking in early marks.

* Credit for description: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supermarine_Spitfire_(Griffon-powered_variants) 

• Highly detailed and carefully hand crafted desktop model
  
• Made from solid mahogany and complete with solid mahogany stand.
• Finished in high gloss lacquer to enhance the natural beauty of the mahogany.
• Simple assembly - no glue required! Slot all pieces, such as the wings and stand into the relevant pre-drilled holes on the main body of the aircraft.
• With room for a commemorative plaque (not included) this model would make a wonderful presentation piece.

Due to the nature of wood the colour of the model you receive may vary slightly from the website image.

Keep out of direct sunlight and heat. 
If dusting use a new fine paint brush.


Dimensions.


Length 40cm

Width  44cm

Height 19cm