{"title":"Special Hobby","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"special-hobby-1-48-gloster-squirt","title":"Special Hobby SH48017 1\/48 Gloster Squirt","description":"\u003cp\u003eHigh quality, precision \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/metrohobbies.com.au\/model-kits.html\" target=\"_self\"\u003eplastic model kit\u003c\/a\u003e. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/metrohobbies.com.au\/hobby-supplies\/paints.html\" target=\"_self\"\u003ePaint\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/metrohobbies.com.au\/hobby-supplies\/glues.html\" target=\"_self\"\u003eglue\u003c\/a\u003e not included. Requires assembly and painting. For intermediate to advanced skill modellers.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SPECIAL HOBBY","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":12968677179445,"sku":"SH-48017","price":43.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0024\/8617\/3749\/products\/48017.jpg?v=1571709244"},{"product_id":"special-hobby-1-48-douglas-d558-1-skystreak","title":"SPECIAL HOBBY SH48080 1\/48 DOUGLAS D558-1 SKYSTREAK","description":"\u003cui\u003e \r\n\u003cli\u003eWeight : 0.23 kg \u003c\/li\u003e \r\n\u003cli\u003eProduct : Plastic kits\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eEdition : Special Hobby\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eScale : 1\/48\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eType : Aircraft\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003c\/ui\u003e ","brand":"SPECIAL HOBBY","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":12968795504693,"sku":"SH-48080","price":47.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0024\/8617\/3749\/products\/special_hobby_1_48_douglas_d558-1_skystreak_sh-48080.jpg?v=1571709245"},{"product_id":"special-hobby-1-72-rocket-a4b-piloted-version","title":"Special Hobby SH72010 1\/72 Rocket A4b (piloted version)","description":"\u003cp\u003eHigh quality, precision plastic model kit. Paint and glue not included. Requires assembly and painting. For intermediate to advanced skill modellers.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SPECIAL HOBBY","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":12968677310517,"sku":"SH-72010","price":43.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0024\/8617\/3749\/products\/SH-72010.jpg?v=1571709245"},{"product_id":"special-hobby-1-72-vuktee-a-35-vengeance","title":"Special Hobby SH72040 1\/72 Vuktee A-35 Vengeance","description":"","brand":"SPECIAL HOBBY","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":12968677376053,"sku":"SH-72040","price":34.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0024\/8617\/3749\/products\/special_hobby_1_72_vuktee_a-35_vengeance_sh-72040.jpg?v=1571709245"},{"product_id":"special-hobby-1-72-vengeance-target-tug-versions","title":"Special Hobby SH72042 1\/72 Vengeance Target Tug versions","description":"\u003cp\u003eHigh quality, precision \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/metrohobbies.com.au\/model-kits.html\" target=\"_self\"\u003eplastic model kit\u003c\/a\u003e. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/metrohobbies.com.au\/hobby-supplies\/paints.html\" target=\"_self\"\u003ePaint\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/metrohobbies.com.au\/hobby-supplies\/glues.html\" target=\"_self\"\u003eglue\u003c\/a\u003e not included. Requires assembly and painting. For intermediate to advanced skill modellers.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SPECIAL HOBBY","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":12968677408821,"sku":"SH-72042","price":52.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0024\/8617\/3749\/products\/special_hobby_1-72_vengeance_target_tug_versions_copy.png?v=1571709245"},{"product_id":"special-hobby-1-72-d-h-103-sea-hornet-nf-mk21","title":"SPECIAL HOBBY SH72059 1\/72 D H 103 SEA HORNET NF MK21","description":"\u003cui\u003e \r\n\u003cli\u003eWeight : 0.19 kg \u003c\/li\u003e \r\n\u003cli\u003eType : Aircraft\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eEdition : Special Hobby\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eScale : 1\/72\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eProduct : Plastic kits\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003c\/ui\u003e ","brand":"SPECIAL HOBBY","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":12968677441589,"sku":"SH-72059","price":54.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0024\/8617\/3749\/products\/special_hobby_1_72_d_h_103_sea_hornet_nf_mk21_sh-72059.jpg?v=1571709245"},{"product_id":"special-hobby-1-72-curtiss-p-40f-kittyhawk-warhawk","title":"Special Hobby SH72155 1\/72 Curtiss P-40F Kittyhawk Warhawk","description":"\u003cp\u003eHigh quality, precision plastic model kit. Paint and glue not included. Requires assembly and painting. For intermediate to advanced skill modellers.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SPECIAL HOBBY","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":12968677572661,"sku":"SH-72155","price":43.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0024\/8617\/3749\/products\/sh-72155.png?v=1571709245"},{"product_id":"special-hobby-1-72-curtiss-sb2a-3-buccaneer-us-navy","title":"Special Hobby SH72179 1\/72 Curtiss SB2A-3 Buccaneer US NAVY","description":"","brand":"SPECIAL HOBBY","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":12968677605429,"sku":"SH-72179","price":47.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0024\/8617\/3749\/products\/special_hobby_1_72_curtiss_sb2a-3_buccaneer_us_navy_sh-72179x.jpg?v=1571709245"},{"product_id":"special-hobby-1-48-martin-167","title":"Special Hobby SH48114 1\/48 Martin 167","description":"\u003cui\u003e \r\n\u003cli\u003eWeight : 0.37 kg \u003c\/li\u003e \r\n\u003cli\u003eType : Aircraft\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eScale : 1\/48\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eProduct : Plastic kits\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eEdition : Special Hobby\u003c\/li\u003e\u003c\/ui\u003e \r\n","brand":"SPECIAL HOBBY","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":12968677769269,"sku":"SH-48114","price":94.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0024\/8617\/3749\/products\/special_hobby_1_48_martin_167_sh-48114.jpg?v=1571709245"},{"product_id":"special-hobby-1-72-caproni-ca-311-foreign-service","title":"Special Hobby SH72313 1\/72 Caproni Ca.311 Foreign Service","description":"\u003cp\u003eHigh quality, precision \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/metrohobbies.com.au\/model-kits.html\" target=\"_self\"\u003eplastic model kit\u003c\/a\u003e. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/metrohobbies.com.au\/hobby-supplies\/paints.html\" target=\"_self\"\u003ePaint\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/metrohobbies.com.au\/hobby-supplies\/glues.html\" target=\"_self\"\u003eglue\u003c\/a\u003e not included. Requires assembly and painting. For intermediate to advanced skill modellers.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SPECIAL HOBBY","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":12968807399477,"sku":"SH-72313","price":44.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0024\/8617\/3749\/products\/72313.jpg?v=1571709252"},{"product_id":"special-hobby-1-48-v-173-flying-pancake","title":"Special Hobby SH48121 1\/48 V-173 Flying Pancake","description":"\u003cp\u003eHigh quality, precision \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/metrohobbies.com.au\/model-kits.html\" target=\"_self\"\u003eplastic model kit\u003c\/a\u003e. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/metrohobbies.com.au\/hobby-supplies\/paints.html\" target=\"_self\"\u003ePaint\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/metrohobbies.com.au\/hobby-supplies\/glues.html\" target=\"_self\"\u003eglue\u003c\/a\u003e not included. Requires assembly and painting. For intermediate to advanced skill modellers.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SPECIAL HOBBY","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":12968686616629,"sku":"SH-48121","price":79.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0024\/8617\/3749\/products\/special_hobby_1-48_v-173_flying_pancake_copy.png?v=1571709254"},{"product_id":"special-hobby-1-72-hughes-md-500e","title":"Special Hobby SH72346 1\/72 Hughes MD-500E","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe MD 500E is one of the world´s most commonly-used helicopter. Special Hobby has taken over the kit of this aircraft from the defunct company Profiline and reboxed. The parts come with decal options of machines of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, Finnish Air Force and a Chile.\u003c\/p\u003e \r\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a highly detailed scale plastic model kit. Paints and glue not included, assembly required.\u003c\/p\u003e ","brand":"SPECIAL HOBBY","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":12968690581557,"sku":"SH-72346","price":24.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0024\/8617\/3749\/products\/special_hobby_1_72_hughes_md-500e_sh-72346.jpg?v=1571709257"},{"product_id":"special-hobby-1-72-gloster-meteor-mk-4-world-speed-record","title":"Special Hobby SH72361 1\/72 Gloster Meteor MK 4 World Speed Record","description":"\u003cp\u003eHigh quality, precision \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/metrohobbies.com.au\/model-kits.html\" target=\"_self\"\u003eplastic model kit\u003c\/a\u003e. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/metrohobbies.com.au\/hobby-supplies\/paints.html\" target=\"_self\"\u003ePaint\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/metrohobbies.com.au\/hobby-supplies\/glues.html\" target=\"_self\"\u003eglue\u003c\/a\u003e not included. Requires assembly and painting. For intermediate to advanced skill modellers.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SPECIAL HOBBY","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":12968799305781,"sku":"SH-72361","price":44.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0024\/8617\/3749\/products\/SH-72361.jpg?v=1571709261"},{"product_id":"special-hobby-1-48-pfalz-e-1","title":"Special Hobby SH48176 1\/48 Pfalz E.1","description":"\u003cp\u003eHigh quality, precision \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/metrohobbies.com.au\/model-kits.html\" target=\"_self\"\u003eplastic model kit\u003c\/a\u003e. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/metrohobbies.com.au\/hobby-supplies\/paints.html\" target=\"_self\"\u003ePaint\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/metrohobbies.com.au\/hobby-supplies\/glues.html\" target=\"_self\"\u003eglue\u003c\/a\u003e not included. Requires assembly and painting. For intermediate to advanced skill modellers.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SPECIAL HOBBY","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":12968695726133,"sku":"SH-48176","price":44.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0024\/8617\/3749\/products\/sh48176.jpg?v=1571709262"},{"product_id":"special-hobby-1-32-fokker-d-ii-black-white-tail","title":"Special Hobby SH32065 1\/32 Fokker D.II Black \u0026 White Tail","description":"","brand":"SPECIAL HOBBY","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":12968698708021,"sku":"SH-32065","price":84.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0024\/8617\/3749\/products\/SH-32065.jpg?v=1571709265"},{"product_id":"special-hobby-1-72-messerschmitt-me-209v-1","title":"Special Hobby SH72138 1\/72 Messerschmitt Me 209V-1","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMesserschmitt Me 209V-1 1\/72\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn the 1930’s, in the time of the rearmament, Germany tried to showcase their military power also by breaking aviation records. This effort, backed by the state, brought many new records including the most prestigious one, the world speed record. Of interest might be the fact that two German aviation companies rivaled to achieve the record, namely Heinkel and Messerschmitt.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eWhen Messerschmitt Bf 109V-13 with pilot Dr.Hermann Wurster at the controls achieved the top speed record on 11 November 1937, the Heinkel team had already been working on a new record aircraft, the He 100. The speed record of the Bf 109 V-13 was at first broken by famous WW1 pilot Ernst Udet in the cockpit of the He 100 V2, later on 30 March 1939 also by Hans Dieterle who in fact achieved not only land plane top speed record, but also the absolute top speed record, which until that tiem had been held by Italian Macchi MC.72 racing floatplane.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eNo wonder that the Messerschmitt’s answer came very soon as Fritz Wendel achieved 755.138 kmh in a machine that was for the record breaking attempt named the Me 109R to fool the public and make them think it is just an improved variety of the Bf 109 standard fighter. But in reality, it was a completely different type, that had been designed as Project 1059 and got designation the Me 209 by the German Air Ministry (RLM). This high speed version aircraft had been designed as a small low-wing monoplane with retractable undercarriage and pilot’s cockpit behind the wing. The plane was fitted with a Daimler-Benz DB601 water cooled engine with a system of wing surface radiators. The cooling water evaporated from those radiators and the supply last only for a 30min’s flight. The RLM placed order for a total of three speed prototypes and several further prototypes of the planned military fighter version. The first prototype Me 209V-1 (W.Nr.1185) with registration D-INJR was taken aloft for the first time on 1 August 1938 with Dr.Ing.Hermann Wurster at the controls and with only a half full fuel and coolant tanks. Trouble with the engine, cooling system, stability and other issues occured right during the first flight. Not even the second prototype, the Me 209V-2 (W.Nr.1186) which made its first flight on 8 February 1939 did any better. What is more, it was destroyed shortly after during a crash on 4 April 1939. As at that time, the world record had already been broken by the He 100V-8, all effort was made to prepare the first prototype (Me 209V-1) for the record attempt. The machine got a unique DB-601ARJ engine, its tail fin was enlarged and the machine was also painted high gloss blue overall. On 26 April 1939, Fritz Wendel managed to break the record, his top speed would not be surpassed until 1969 by the improved version of the Grumman F8F-2 Bearcat Conquest I (gained 820.824 kmh).\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eOur model of the Me209V1 comes on two frames of grey styrene and one frame with clear injected parts. Smaller components have been 3D designed and are produced using a metal moulding block. The decal sheet brings markings for both known appearances of the record breaking Me 209V-1. At first, the machine flew in natural metal finish and the decals offer set of stencils painted on the plane, later during the record attempt the machine wear the blue finish and the decal sheet has the registration letters and other markings as well.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SPECIAL HOBBY","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":12968698740789,"sku":"SH-72138","price":28.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0024\/8617\/3749\/products\/SH-72138.jpg?v=1571709265"},{"product_id":"special-hobby-1-48-junkers-ju88d","title":"Special Hobby SH48178 1\/48 Junkers Ju 88D-2\/4","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJunkers Ju 88D-2\/4 1\/48\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Junkers Ju 88 belongs to one of the most famous desings being used by the Luftwaffe during WW2. Several versions were produced, depending on various service requirements, these being the bomber variant, day or night fighter, attack and anti-tank verison and at last but not least the reconnaissance type. The suitability of the latter was verified by the Luftwaffe during the trials with several airframes known as the Ju 88A-5(F) and Ju-88D-0 which had the provision to carry photographic cameras in the bomb bay rear section, extra fuel tanks in the front bomb bay and also had their speed brakes removed from beneath the wing. The Ju 88A-5 airframes served as basis for the dedicated recce versions of Ju 88 D-2 and D-4, the latter being adapted for service under tropical conditions. The Luftwaffe made use of their recce Ju 88Ds both in the east and west on all fronts from the Arctic Circle to the deserts of Africa. The recce Ju 88Ds were also delivered to German allies namely Rumania and Hungary. Both these satellites saw the Ju 88s operated on the Eastern Front, following the Rumania´s changeover to the Allies, her Junkers airplanes were also put into action against the Wehrmacht. Handful of Junkers airframes were also captured and test-flown by the Allies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere might be some similarity in the genesis of our Ju 88 D-2\/4kit with the origins of the recce version as we have taken the A-5 version parts and added newly designed injection moulded parts (some clear ones also) as well as resin parts (cameras, u\/c wheels and a tailwheel). The decal sheet has markings for three machines. There is an option for a German Junkers operated in Africa, another one from Norway and the third option is a Royal Hungarian Air Force airframe. The kit has been produced in a limited edition.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SPECIAL HOBBY","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":12968698773557,"sku":"SH-48178","price":85.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0024\/8617\/3749\/products\/SH-48178.jpg?v=1571709265"},{"product_id":"special-hobby-1-72-supermarine-seafire-fr-mk-46","title":"Special Hobby SH72231 1\/72 Supermarine Seafire FR Mk. 46","description":"","brand":"SPECIAL HOBBY","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":12968698806325,"sku":"SH-72231","price":38.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0024\/8617\/3749\/products\/SH-72231.jpg?v=1571709265"},{"product_id":"special-hobby-1-72-casa-c-212-100","title":"Special Hobby SH72344 1\/72 CASA C-212-100","description":"","brand":"SPECIAL HOBBY","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":12968698871861,"sku":"SH-72344","price":56.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0024\/8617\/3749\/products\/SH-72344.jpg?v=1571709265"},{"product_id":"special-hobby-1-72-supermarine-seafire-fr-mk-47","title":"Special Hobby SH72259 1\/72 Supermarine Seafire FR Mk.47","description":"","brand":"SPECIAL HOBBY","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":12968699101237,"sku":"SH-72259","price":49.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0024\/8617\/3749\/products\/SH-72259.jpg?v=1571709265"},{"product_id":"special-hobby-1-72-northrop-delta-1d-e-us-transport","title":"Special Hobby 72329 1\/72 Delta 1D\/E US Transport Plane","description":"\u003ch3\u003eDelta 1D\/E US Transport plane 1\/72\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1932 Jack K.Northrop, a famous american aircraft designer, followed his earlier and successful cargo and mail types the Alfa and Gamma and designed a new one, named the Delta. It was a all-metal, single engined low-wing monoplane with fixed undercarriage covered in spats. The type was intended to be used on short domestic routes and was built in several versions, differing by their powerplant and also the shape of the pilot’s cockpit canopy. First versions known as the Delta 1A, 1B and 1C featured narrow canopy housing only one pilot. Following versions, the 1D and 1E already had a wider cockpit enabling a crew of two to sit there and they also had a much massive dorsal section of the fuselage. Unfortunatelly, one of the first Delta 1A machines crashed in Mexicowhile being delivered to the customer. This accident was also one of the reasons for the US government to ban the usage of single engined types for regular passenger transport. Aircraft already produced were bought by private subjects or used by companies for business trip purposes. One of the Delta 1Ds, with construction number 74, was used by the US Coast Guard and later it was handed over to the US Corps of Engineers and flown in Ethiopia (Africa) during the Second World War. Delta 1D c\/n42 first saw service with Ellsworth’s Antarctica Flight, then was bought by the Australian govenrment and following the outbreak of WW2 it was transferred to the RAAF. Some other Deltas were lucky to see war service even earlier as three of them were acquired by the Spanish government, though two of them fell into the hands of Spanish Nationalist Forces making the Delta the type to fight or be used on both sides of the conflict. In 1936, Canada bought licence rights, partially compensating for Northrop’s business failure with the type. The Canadian machines were produced by Vickers company in versions Mk.I to Mk.III\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SPECIAL HOBBY","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":12968699166773,"sku":"SH-72329","price":39.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0024\/8617\/3749\/products\/SH-72329-1.jpg?v=1656915057"},{"product_id":"special-hobby-1-72-hal-ajeet-mk-i-indian-light-fighter","title":"Special Hobby SH72370 1\/72 HAL Ajeet Mk.I Indian Light Fighter","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHAL Ajeet Mk. I “Indian Light Fighter” 1\/72\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1950, WE Petter, who was famous for designs such as the Lysander, Whirlwind and Canberra joined Folland company. By this time modern jet aircraft were becoming bigger, more complex and expensive as their performance increased and as a result the development and operating costs were rising too. WE Petter decided to pursue a different approach to the modern jet-fighter philosophy by designing a light-weight fighter aircraft which was to have been powered by a pair of low thrust turbojet engines although this was later changed to a single power unit as their power output of jet engines increased. By choosing to build this new jet aircraft to the smallest overall dimensions possible and with only the very basic equipment required for the job this kept the total overall price down to only a third of the price of a standard jet fighter bomber of the day yet it would offer similar performance to these much bigger and more expensive jets. The initial design incorporated a pilot lying in a prone position in the nose of the aircraft and a twin engined configuration which was used in the Fo.139 Midge test aircraft which had been designed and built to assess the aerodynamical features of the future Gnat.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe Air Ministry ordered six trials aircraft off the drawing board during March 1955 all of which were delivered by 1956 and they underwent a very thorough set of flight tests, during which the design displayed excellent performance. The Gnat was found to be capable of high sub-sonic speeds, it was exceptionally manoeuvrable at high altitudes and due to its low weight and powerful engine the acceleration was phenomenal.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eTwo countries, Finland and India, found the results of these trials so very interesting that they decided to acquire the type for their air forces. Finland ordered twelve aircraft, ten of which were in a standard fighter configuration while two machines were adapted to carry out reconnaissance missions with cameras fitted in their nose. India acquired twenty-five complete machines of British origin while another twenty were provided in kit form to be assembled in India by HAL and HAL also acquired a licence to manufacture the Gnat in India. The Indian production line turned out at least one hundred and ninety-five airframe although the last two Indian Gnats were in fact prototypes of the improved Ajeet Mk.1 version. Production of this improved design began in 1976 and reached a total of seventy-nine Ajeets, with another ten Ajeets being created using modified Gnat airframes.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SPECIAL HOBBY","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":12968699199541,"sku":"SH-72370","price":28.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0024\/8617\/3749\/products\/SH-72370.jpg?v=1571709265"},{"product_id":"special-hobby-1-72-casa-c-212-100-tail-art","title":"Special Hobby SH72376 1\/72 CASA C.212-100 Tail Art","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCASA C.212-100 TAIL ART 1\/72\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe CASA C-212 model comes on as many as five grey styrene sprues and one clear plastic sprue. Limited edition reboxing #SH72376 CASA C-212-100 Tail Art offers two highly attractive Portuguese military machines both of which are adorned with extremely elaborated paintings on their tails.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe decal sheets (two of them in the box) have been produced by the Italian decal company Cartograf.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SPECIAL HOBBY","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":12968699265077,"sku":"SH-72376","price":68.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0024\/8617\/3749\/products\/SH-72376.jpg?v=1571709265"},{"product_id":"special-hobby-1-72-curtiss-kittyhawk-mk-ia","title":"Special Hobby SH72377 1\/72 Curtiss Kittyhawk Mk.IA","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKittyhawk Mk. IA 1\/72\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe P-40D\/E Warhawk were the first verisons of the famous fighter aircraft to be equipped with a new Allison F engine. The D and E versions differed only very slightly in the armament, the D carried just four machine guns in the wing while the E had six of them. Besides the USAAF, the second biggest purchaser of the type was the British RAF which desperately needed any suitable type of a fighter aircraft. Because of rather unpleasant high altitude characteristics of the Allison engines which lacked the superchargers, it was not possible for the RAF to deploy the type in the skies of Europe, but put them in service over Africa instead and the P-40D\/E became to be known as the Kittyhawk Mk.I and Mk.IA respectively. But the Kittyhawk flew not only with the RAF, it saw service also with other air forces of the Commonwealth, the RCAF put theirs against the Japanese forces over the Aleutian Islands while the Antipodes used their Kittyhawks in the Pacific, and yes, we must not forget that the Aussies also gallantly fought in their P-40s over the desert sands of Africa.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe Kittyhawk Mk.IA kit comes on two grey styrene sprues and one clear sprue with canopy parts, underwing landing light and a gun sight. The canopy parts contain the separate windshield, the rear fixed section and two sliding centre sections enabling the modeller to portray his model with either closed or open canopy\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the sprues which offers the smaller parts have also two styles of the propeller, one with narrow chord blades for the early P-40s, the other with broad blades for later verisons of the plane. This feature makes our P-40 kit the only one in production now to deal with the fact of the two different propellers. Amongst the smaller parts you can find also several other alternative parts such as for example two various exhaust stacks or two styles of the underbelly fuel tanks.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe decal options bring you a machine of the famous 112sqn RAF which had an unmistakable shark mouth painted on the cowling and was named London Pride, the second option is an Australian machine named Orace which flew in the New Guinea area and the final option is a Canadian Kittyhawk of the No 111(F) Sqn RCAF.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SPECIAL HOBBY","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":12968699297845,"sku":"SH-72377","price":31.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0024\/8617\/3749\/products\/SH-72377.jpg?v=1571709265"},{"product_id":"special-hobby-1-72-biber-german-midget-submarine","title":"Special Hobby SH72006 1\/72 Biber German Midget Submarine","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBiber \"German Midget Submarine\" 1\/72\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe Biber was one of the weapon systems developed during the Second World War at the time when the situation on both fronts was gradually becoming worse and worse for Germany. In 1943 it became clear that the Allied invasion would take place soon somewhere on the Atlantic coast of the continent and the German military began to seek and develop new and rather unorthodox weapons to avert the invasion. Along the Neger, Marder and Hai manned torpedoes, also the Biber and Molch midget submarines were to stop the invasion fleet.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe original idea of the Biber sub came from Korvettenkapitän Robert Bartels and first prototypes were built and the production took place at Flanderwerke in Lübeck, the development being led by Hermann Bunte. Allegedly, Bartels was influenced by captured British Welman W46 midget sub. The Biber’s displacement was 6.6 tonnes, on the surface it was powered by a 32 HP Otto Blitz petrol engine and while submerged, the propulsion was provided by a Siemens SSW GL231 electric motor. The Biber could submerge down to 20m, in emergency to 30m. It could carry either two G7e torpedoes or mines. The hull was so diminutive that its operator (only a crew of one was possible) did not have much space in the conning tower.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe Biber prototype, known also as Adam, was put to tests on 29 March 1944, though the tests were not quite successful and several improvements had to be implemented before German admiral Karl Dönitz approved building of further four prototype Bibers and later also the large scale production, which gave a total of 324 Bibers from Flanderwerke, Ansaldo and Klökner-Humbolt-Deutz plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eBibers were put into so-called K-flottillen numbered 1 to 9, which saw action in the English Channel during the Allied invasion, in the North Sea off Norway, in the Scheldt estuary and also in the river Waal during the attack on the Nijmegen bridge. Bibers did not enjoy much success in the torpedo-carrying role, mine-laying missions suited them better. Some trouble also occured due to the exhaust fumes getting into the operator’s station and many Bibers were lost just to this reason. The conning tower lacked in height causing the submarine pilot, who was equipped only with wrist compass, difficulties in finding his way to the target. Moreover, the Biber although being rather manoeuvrable and stable on the surface, was clumsy while under the water. Several Biber submarines were captured during the war, but the Allies did not seem to find interest in them and tested them only very briefly. Some of the surviving machines have been put to display in museums.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe kit is 3D designed and injection moulded using metal moulding blocks. The kit’s components come on two grey styrene sprues and one with clear parts. The A sprue offers the fuselage halves, B sprue has the torpedoes. The decal sheet brings markings for four overall grey Bibers and one bearing a camouflage scheme consisting of four colours. The latter and also one grey Biber were also decorated with a shark mouth. The rest of the machines in the kit have only numbers on the tower.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SPECIAL HOBBY","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":12968699330613,"sku":"SN-72006","price":34.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0024\/8617\/3749\/products\/SN-72006.jpg?v=1571709265"},{"product_id":"special-hobby-1-72-curtiss-p-40n-warhawk","title":"Special Hobby SH72374 1\/72 Curtiss P-40N Warhawk","description":"\u003ch3\u003eP-40N Warhawk 1\/72\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe P-40 Warhawk\/Kittyhawk formed the equipment of the USAAF units and other Allied air forces throughout the whole period of the Second World War. In many various verisons, the type saw service in all the theatres of operations. Because of that, the P40 fighter and fighter-bomber aeroplanes could be seen with markings of many air forces and wearing many colourful finishes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe P-40N version was the last one to be put into the service and fought mainly with USAAF units in the Pacific and in the CBI (China Burma India) theatre. While with the Commonwealth air forces, it was known as the Kittyhawk Mk.IV. The RAF deployed this version in Italy, the RAAF and RNZAF in the Pacific.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe P-40N kit comes on three grey styrene sprues and one clear sprue with canopy parts, underwing landing light and a gun sight. The canopy parts comprise of the separate windshield, the rear fixed section and two sliding centre sections enabling the modeller to portray his model with either closed or open canopy\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the sprues which offers the smaller parts have also two styles of the propeller, one with narrow chord blades for the early P-40s, the other with broad blades for later verisons of the plane. This feature makes our P-40 kit the only one in production now to deal with the fact of the two different propellers. Amongst the smaller parts you can find also several other alternative parts such as for example two various exhaust stacks or two styles of the underbelly fuel tanks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe decal sheet caters for two US and one Dutch aircraft. The first of the American machines was embellished with a name on one side of the cowling and a nose art on the other side. It flew with the famous 49FG. The second machine of the USAAF saw operations in the CBI with the 80FG which was famous for having scary skull paintings on nose sections on many of their planes. The last option is a Dutch East Indies aircraft flying over New Guinea and bearing SNAFU acronym on its nose, flag-type national markings and a letter H on the tail. After the war, the plane kept on flying and our colour instructions depict this plane also as she appeared then in 1947.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SPECIAL HOBBY","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":12968699363381,"sku":"SH-72374","price":31.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0024\/8617\/3749\/products\/SH-72374.jpg?v=1570006102"},{"product_id":"special-hobby-1-72-b-18-bolo-pre-war-service","title":"Special Hobby SH72095 1\/72 B-18 Bolo Pre War Service","description":"\u003cui\u003e \u003cli\u003eWeight : 0.38 kg \u003c\/li\u003e \r\n\u003cli\u003eProduct : Plastic kits\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eType : Aircraft\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eEdition : Special Hobby\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eScale : 1\/72\u003c\/li\u003e\u003c\/ui\u003e ","brand":"SPECIAL HOBBY","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":12968699494453,"sku":"SH-72095","price":79.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0024\/8617\/3749\/products\/special_hobby_1_72_b-18_bolo_pre_war_service_sh-72095.jpg?v=1571709265"},{"product_id":"special-hobby-1-48-fi-103a-1-re-4-reichenberg","title":"Special Hobby SH48190 1\/48 Fi 103A-1\/Re 4 Reichenberg","description":"\u003cui\u003e \u003cli\u003eWeight : 0.112 kg \u003c\/li\u003e \r\n\u003cli\u003eProduct : Plastic kits\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eScale : 1\/48\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eEra : Word War II\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eEdition : Special Hobby\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eType : Aircraft\u003c\/li\u003e\u003c\/ui\u003e ","brand":"SPECIAL HOBBY","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":12968699625525,"sku":"SH-48190","price":23.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0024\/8617\/3749\/products\/special_hobby_1_48_fi_103a-1_re_4_reichenberg_sh-48190.jpg?v=1571709266"},{"product_id":"special-hobby-1-72-boston-mk-iiia-over-d-day-beaches","title":"Special Hobby SH72287 1\/72 Boston Mk. IIIA Over D-Day Beaches","description":null,"brand":"SPECIAL HOBBY","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":12968699592757,"sku":"SH-72287","price":52.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0024\/8617\/3749\/products\/special_hobby_1_72_boston_mk._iiia_over_d-day_beaches_sh-72287.jpg?v=1571709266"},{"product_id":"special-hobby-1-72-dornier-do-27-civilian-service","title":"Special Hobby SH72349 1\/72 Dornier Do 27 Civilian Service","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDORNIER DO 27 \"CIVILIAN SERVICE\" 1\/72\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the post war year, many German aircraft designers feared the possible ban on aircraft production and begun to leave the country. Among them also Claudius Dornier Jr., the son of the famous German WW2 aircraft builder. He settled in Spain where he founded company named Oficinas Técnicas Dornier (OTEDO). In the mid 50’s, the Spanish Air Ministry was looking for a new STOL aircraft and having received the order for such an aircraft, Dornier designed the Dornier Do 25 type, a high wing aircraft for a crew of four. Two prototype airframes were built by CASA company in Spain, while in Germany, in the rebuilt Dornier works, the type was redesigned as the Do 27, powered by the Lycoming GSO-480-B1B6 engine. This type was also finally put into production, becoming the first aircraft to be mass-produced in Germany after the war. In total, 428 airframes were built in several different versions and they were operated by all three services of the newly built German military, ie the air force, navy and land forces. At the same time, a 50-unit batch was also being produced in Spain for their military, named the CASA C-127\/U.9. The type’s many versions differed mainly by the style of the undercarriage, engine and propeller used, the shape of the tail fin or by having either single or twin controls in the cockpit. The Dornier Do 27 was not only used by air forces of many European countries, namely by Portugal, Belgium, Sweden, Switzerland and some others, but also elsewhere over the globe. It could be seen flying in several African countries, in the State of Israel and also in Turkey. The type found its way to civil aviation market too and was quite liked by so-called bush pilots for its excellent performance in harsh conditions of irregular air transport in Africa or South America. In Europe, the Do 27 served as touring or skydiving aircraft.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis nicely detailed model originates in steel moulding tools and comes on five sprues of grey styrene and one sprue of clear parts which can be attached also in open position – meaning both the front cockpit door and the large fuselage window on either side of the fuselage to nicely show the busy interior of the model.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe decal sheet offers markings for three machines. The option A portrays the arguably most popular civilian Do 27 ever, the Zebra-stripped machine which was owned by biologist and film maker M.Grzimek and was flown in the skies of Africa. Option B brings an all-yellow Swiss machine and the final marking option depicts a quite unique machine which had Australian registration and was operated in Papua-New Guinea (administered by Australia prior 1975) by a Christian mission. The airframe was painted in white and two shades of green.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SPECIAL HOBBY","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":13093278122037,"sku":"SH-72349","price":39.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0024\/8617\/3749\/products\/sh-72349.jpg?v=1571709948"},{"product_id":"special-hobby-1-48-loire-130cl-colonial","title":"Special Hobby SH48172 1\/48 Loire 130Cl Colonial","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLOIRE 130CL \"COLONIAL\" 1\/48\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1933, the French Navy requested a new reconnaissance and light bomber seaplane able to serve aboard warships and launched using their catapults. Six companies offered their designs, the Loire 130 was the final winner. It was a shoulder-mounted wing monoplane with a pusher engine above the wing and was produced in two versions. The Loire 130M (for Métropole) saw service in home waters while the Loire 130 Cl (Colonial) machines were sent to the tropical areas. The latter airframe was built to withstand more demanding climate, it also got larger radiator and the crew was better protected from the elements. The Loire 130 began to be deployed on all catapult-equipped warships even before the outbreak of the war and also on shore bases in France, Africa and Indochina. The machines took part in the defence of France in 1940 and when the country was eventually defeated, they went on to serve with the Vichy forces. Several airframes were used by the Free French forces, too. The Vichy France even ordered further production. Some captured machines were evaluated by the German Luftwaffe. The Loire 130s which were operated from African bases struggled with the shortage of spare parts and in 1943, when French colonies in Africa were liberated and joined war effort with the Allies, as many as fifteen airframes were still airworthy and took part in war operations. Machines of the Loire 130 Cl version did their part in the French Indochina War against Siam and a handful of the machines flew till the end of the war, one of them was seen flying in Saigon as late as 1949.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe decals bring markings for four machines. One of them saw service in the Indochinese Union (commonly known as French Indochina) transporting French Navy commanding officers and the marking she wore underwent certain evolution over the course of her flying career, all these alterations have painstakingly researched and illustrated in the camouflage scheme and the decal sheet. The second machine with eye-catching livery and red and yellow Vichy stripes was operated by the French Naval Aviation in Africa. The third camouflage option brings a green-camouflaged Loire 130Cl machine with red empennage which saw service between 1943 and 44 also in French Indochina. The final option is a Free French Loire based at Fort-de-France, Martinique. The kit contains four grey styrene sprues, one clear plastic sprue and a set of detailed resin cast parts.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SPECIAL HOBBY","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":13093278154805,"sku":"SH-48172","price":84.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0024\/8617\/3749\/products\/sh-48172.jpg?v=1571709948"},{"product_id":"special-hobby-1-72-p-40-k1-5-warhawk-short-tail","title":"Special Hobby 72379 1\/72 P-40K-1\/5 Warhawk Short Tail","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eP-40K-1\/5 WARHAWK 'SHORT TAIL' 1\/72\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA model of the P-40K-1\/5 Warhawk US WW2 fighter aircraft which featured a short fuselage and an enlarged tail fin. The kit contains: three sprues with grey styrene parts, one sprue with clear parts, decal sheet and full-colour instructions. The decal sheet offers markings for four machines:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eP-40K-1 (42-46040), white 13, pilot 1Lt. Robert J. \"Crash\" Overcash, 64FS, 57FG, Africa, May 1943 (5 victories)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eP-40K, white 23, senior lieutenant Nikolai Fedorovich Kuznetsov, 436 IAP, 239 IAD, 6. Air Army, North Western Front, the Soviet Union, Winter 1943. (25 victories, 12 shared)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eP-40K-5 (42-9768), white 255, Maj. Edward \"Big Ed\" M. Nollmeyer, CO 26 FS\/51 FG, Kunming, China, December 1943. (5 svictories)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eP-40K, white 15, 25. FS, 51. FG, Assam valley, India, 1944.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003edetailed and extremely accurate model, apparently the best P-40 in 1\/72\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003every easy assembly\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eeye-catching marking and colour scheme options\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eaccurate decals\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"SPECIAL HOBBY","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":13093278187573,"sku":"SH-72379","price":36.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0024\/8617\/3749\/products\/sh-72379.jpg?v=1571709948"},{"product_id":"special-hobby-1-48-supermarine-spitfire-mk-vc-overseas-jockeys","title":"Special Hobby SH48195 1\/48 Supermarine Spitfire Mk.VC Overseas Jockeys RAAF","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSUPERMARINE SPITFIRE MK. VC 'OVERSEAS JOCKEYS' 1\/48\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Supermarine Spitfire definitely belongs among the most famous warplanes of the Second World War, and the Spitfire Mk.V version was produced in the largest numbers. The Mk.Vc subversion was equipped with a strenghtened wing enabling the machine to carry various cannon \/ machine gun configuration and bombs beneath the wing too. The ongoing production brought enough airframes to equip not only British Isles based units, but also those in overseas, so the Spitfire Mk VCs‘ combat area reached as far as Malta, India and Australia. The units using this version also varied in the origin of their aircrews, the pilots fighting on the Mk.VCs came from various countries of the Commonwealth, from France, the USA, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia and many other countries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd that was just our aim to show this interesting diversity in the aircrew origin and different combat areas the Spitfire Mk.VCs were operated from. The kit’s instruction booklet and decal sheet offer the following scheme options – a machine of Polish ace Antoni Glowacki, named the cockoo with kill markings beneath the cockpit, an Australian machine flown by Wg Cdr. Clive ‘Killer’ Robertson Caldwell which bore serial number BS295 and famous CR-C fuselage code letters. The third machine wore rather unusual camouflage scheme and US star and bar insignias, the fourth of the kit’s options was a French machine as operated by GC1\/7 ‘Provence’, marked White 4 and the final option is a Yugoslav Mk.Vc used by 1.(lovačka) eskadrila of the NOVJ (or also known as No.352 'Yugoslav' Sqn. RAF) with Yugoslav national markings and bomb mission marking under the cockpit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe kit comprises of 10 grey styrene sprues, one sprue with clear canopy parts, resin cast details and a fret of photo etches.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SPECIAL HOBBY","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":13093278220341,"sku":"SH-48195","price":56.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0024\/8617\/3749\/products\/sh-48195.jpg?v=1571709948"},{"product_id":"special-hobby-1-72-c-41a-us-transport-plane","title":"Special Hobby SH72385 1\/72 C-41A US Transport Plane","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eC-41A 'US TRANSPORT PLANE' 1\/72\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the late 1960s, the Spanish Air Force, or Ejército del Aire, was seeking a new transport aircraft. In order to meet the air force's needs, Spanish company CASA proposed a twin-engined, turboprop-powered, high-wing, non-retractable undercarriage cargo aircraft with STOL capabilities. The project known as the CASA C-212 Aviocar was eventually accepted and a pair of prototype machines took off for the first time in 1971. The Spanish Military assessed the suitability of the C-212 while using a small pre-production batch of eight aircraft. The type received military designation the T.12. Large scale production was commenced based on huge number of orders from almost all around the world and the type was also licence-built in Indonesia. Several consequent versions were also designed and built, differing by the type of engines used, elongated front fuselage section, larger tailplanes or added winglets.The original C-212-100 was equipped with TPE331-5-251C engines, the follow-up subversions were the C-212-200 with more powerful TPE331-10-501C power units, the C-212-300 with longer nose, winglets and fitted with even more powerful TPE331-10R-513C units and different style of propellers. Since 1984, the C-212-400 has been produced, having TPE331-12JR-701C powerplants, modernised avionic systems and increased payload.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe great number of customers and the wide variety of their requirements is the story behind why so many versions have been in production so far, which differ by the the powerplants, the styles of side fuselage sections and the entrance doors. The Ejército del Aire itself, besides the pre-production batch T-12B airframes which would be later converted for photo-reconnaissance missions and known as the TR-12A, saw service of several other C-212 versions, ranging from the VIP transport type C-212 AV\/T.12C through to maritime patrol airframes with large radomes and \/or sensors in the front fuselage and on top of the tail fin (T.12D). It is obvious that the C-212 has been in service throughout the world and over all continents and the number of all civil sector users seems to be undefinite. In North America, the C-212 was used with the military of the United States (C-41 type), in Central and South America, air forces of Mexico, Panama, Chile, Ecuador, Colombia and Argentina. The Casa is also still flying in Europe, with air forces of Sweden, Spain, Portugal, France and Malta. In Africa, the Casa can be seen from the very north down to the southernmost territories, the users were or still are for instance Chad, South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe and other countries. Down under, the Australian Army use their C-212s for training of the Red Beret Parachute Display Team, and the Australian Department of the Enviroment use their C-212s as a part of the Australian Antarctic Division over Antarctica. In Asia, the type is operated of course by Indonesia, but among other users there might be mentioned also Thailand, Vietnam or the Philippines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe C-41A kit comes on five grey injection moulded sprues and two made of clear plastic. The Scheme A option, a US Army machine was fitted with a different type of side door dome window and we have correctly portrayed this feature and designed a new sprue with this alternative style of the side door. Along this white overall SOAC-operated machine with red and blue trim on the tail and a nice sword-emblem on the entrance door, the kit is going to offer the modeller also a pair of machines that flew with private military companies AWS and XeS (both emerged from the infamous Blackwater security company). The first one of these is also white overall with cheatline in two blues, the other is in dark grey and black. The final machine of our selection is a white C-41A of Evergreen International Airlines which was operated by CIA.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SPECIAL HOBBY","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":13093278253109,"sku":"SH-72385","price":56.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0024\/8617\/3749\/products\/sh-72385.jpg?v=1571709949"},{"product_id":"special-hobby-1-72-vickers-vilbebeest-mk-iii","title":"Special Hobby SH72400 1\/72 Vickers Vilbebeest Mk.III*","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVICKERS VILDEBEEST MK. III 1\/72\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModel of a British torpedo \/ bomber \/ army cooperation aeroplane. The kit contains: three styrene sprues moulded in grey colour, one crystal clear sprue, decal sheet, photo etches, resin parts, full colour instruction booklet. The decals cater for three machines which fought the Japs in the early stages of the war in the Pacific in 1941:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVickers Vildebeest Mk.III, NK-K, No 100 Sqn RAF, Seletar (Singapore), 1941\/42\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVickers Vildebeest Mk.III, K6402\/OE-J, No 36 Sqn RAF, Seletar (Singapore), 1941\/42\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVickers Vildebeest Mk.III, K4176\/B, No 36 Sqn RAF, Seletar (Singapore), 1936\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVickers Vildebeest Mk.III, NZ109\/B-1, 'B' Flight, No 2 Flying Training School, RNZAF, Woodbourne, 1940\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFEATURES\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003edetailed and highly accurate model\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ekit components (plastic, decals, etches) taken from already unavailable Azur\/Frrom kit #FR017\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eaccurate decals and stencils\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ephoto etched fret, detailed resin parts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"SPECIAL HOBBY","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":13093278318645,"sku":"SH-72400","price":64.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0024\/8617\/3749\/products\/sh-72400.jpg?v=1571709949"},{"product_id":"special-hobby-1-48-fairey-barracuda-mk-ii","title":"Special Hobby SH48021 1\/48 Fairey Barracuda Mk.II","description":"\u003cp\u003eHigh quality, precision plastic model kit. Paint and glue not included. Requires assembly and painting. For intermediate to advanced skill modellers.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SPECIAL HOBBY","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":13093300043829,"sku":"SH-48021","price":72.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0024\/8617\/3749\/products\/Special_Hobby_1_48_Fairey_Barracuda_Mk.II_SH-48021.jpg?v=1571709949"},{"product_id":"special-hobby-1-72-cac-boomerang","title":"Special Hobby SH72044 1\/72 CAC Boomerang","description":"\u003cp\u003eDuring WW2, Japan posed immediate threat to Australia. The fear of the ferry routes being cut off led to the decision to design and produce warplanes locally and also to buy licence rights for production of other suitable types. The only domestically designed and built type to see any action was the famous CAC Boomerang. It was built on the basis of the Texan airframe and did quite well in the conditions of the Pacific battlefield. The type was produced in three main subversions, the CA-12, CA-13 and CA-18.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur kit of the early version, the CA-12, comes on one sprue of grey styrene parts featuring very finely engraved panel lines and cover panel fasteners. The clear injected parts comprise the canopy and also the wing leading edge landing lights. The decal sheet brings four various marking options of airframes being operated from mainland Australia as well as from New Guinea airfields.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SPECIAL HOBBY","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":13093300142133,"sku":"SH-72044","price":29.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0024\/8617\/3749\/products\/SH-72044.jpg?v=1571709949"},{"product_id":"special-hobby-1-72-blackburn-roc-mk-i","title":"Special Hobby SH72141 1\/72 Blackburn ROC MK.I","description":"","brand":"SPECIAL HOBBY","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":13093300174901,"sku":"SH-72141","price":38.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0024\/8617\/3749\/products\/SH-72141.jpg?v=1571709949"},{"product_id":"special-hobby-1-72-bell-x-1e","title":"Special Hobby SH72158 1\/72 Bell X-1E","description":"","brand":"SPECIAL HOBBY","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":13093300207669,"sku":"SH-72158","price":37.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0024\/8617\/3749\/products\/SH-72158_974c649f-684b-4131-bbd4-4a8ab32c67f8.jpg?v=1571709949"},{"product_id":"special-hobby-1-72-cac-ca-13-boomerang-reissue","title":"Special Hobby SH72252 1\/72 CAC CA-13 Boomerang - Reissue","description":"","brand":"SPECIAL HOBBY","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":13093300305973,"sku":"SH-72252","price":34.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0024\/8617\/3749\/products\/SH-72252.png?v=1571709949"},{"product_id":"special-hobby-1-48-fairey-firefly-mk-4-5-6-foreign-service","title":"Special Hobby SH48041 1\/48 Fairey Firefly Mk.4\/5\/6 Foreign Service RAN","description":"\u003cp\u003eFairey Firefly Mk.4\/5\/6 \"Foreign Service\"\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SPECIAL HOBBY","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":13093300338741,"sku":"SH-48041","price":89.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0024\/8617\/3749\/products\/Special_Hobby_1_48_Fairey_Firefly_Mk.4_5_6_Foreign_Service_SH-48041.jpg?v=1571709949"},{"product_id":"special-hobby-1-72-ha-1112-m-1l-buchon-movie-star","title":"Special Hobby 72311 1\/72 HA-1112 M-1L Buchon Movie Star","description":"","brand":"SPECIAL HOBBY","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":13093300371509,"sku":"SH-72311","price":34.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0024\/8617\/3749\/products\/SH-72311.jpg?v=1571709949"},{"product_id":"special-hobby-1-72-blackburn-skua-mk-ii","title":"Special Hobby SH72217 1\/72 Blackburn Skua Mk.II","description":"","brand":"SPECIAL HOBBY","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":13093300502581,"sku":"SH-72217","price":49.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0024\/8617\/3749\/products\/SH-72217.jpeg?v=1571709950"},{"product_id":"special-hobby-1-72-fairey-barracuda-mk-ii-home-fleet","title":"Special Hobby SH72306 1\/72 Fairey Barracuda Mk. II Home Fleet","description":"","brand":"SPECIAL HOBBY","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":13093300568117,"sku":"SH-72306","price":44.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0024\/8617\/3749\/products\/SH-72306.png?v=1571709950"},{"product_id":"special-hobby-1-32-yakovlev-yak-3-normandie-niemen","title":"Special Hobby SH32067 1\/32 Yakovlev Yak-3 Normandie Niemen","description":"\u003cp\u003eIt is possible to see the Yak fighter as the best plane to have ever flown over the Eastern Front and which was made famous not only by Russian fighter pilots, but by the Normandie-Niemen regiment as well. This French-manned unit used to operate the Yak fighter planes during fightings over the Eastern Front, the French pilots from this unit returned to France in the cockpits of this plane too and kept on flying them in the post-war times. The French pilots achieved noticeable number of victories while flying the Yak-3, having their scores documented usualy on the fuselage side behind the cockpit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Hi-Tech kit decal sheet provides for five Normadie-Niemen camouflage options, all of them adorned with a lightning artwork on the fuselage. Four of the machines were flown by French aces, including the very best of them, Lt. Marcel Albert.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SPECIAL HOBBY","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":13093300633653,"sku":"SH-32067","price":119.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0024\/8617\/3749\/products\/be7804f1-0fb1-4239-b4ae-bde46e102856_sh32067_yakovlev_yak-3.jpg?v=1571709950"},{"product_id":"special-hobby-1-32-hawker-tempest-mk-v","title":"Special Hobby SH32049 1\/32 Hawker Tempest Mk.V","description":"\u003ch3\u003eHawker Tempest Mk.V 1\/32\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring WW2 the opposing sides were constantly competing against each other to keep abreast of the latest technological developments and as a result this led to ever more powerful and effective warplanes. In 1941 the new Fw 190 fighter began to enter service and the British hastily developed the Spitfire Mk.V into the Mk.IX with a better engine, and also introduced a new type called the Hawker Typhoon Mk.I into the service too. The introduction of the Typhoon fighter into service was rather complicated and as it also became clear soon that the Typhoon would not fit the requirements for a standard day fighter aircraft, the Hawker´s chief designer Sydney Camm began to design an improved version which, because of the number of changes received eventually a new name, the Tempest. And became one of the best fighting machines of WW2.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SPECIAL HOBBY","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":13093300699189,"sku":"SH-32049","price":109.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0024\/8617\/3749\/products\/Special_Hobby_1_32_Hawker_Tempest_Mk.V_SH-32049.png?v=1571709950"},{"product_id":"special-hobby-1-32-hawker-tempest-mk-vi","title":"Special Hobby 32055 1\/32 Tempest Mk.VI","description":"\u003ch3\u003eTempest Mk. VI \u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring World War Two the opposing sides were constantly competing against each other to keep abreast of the latest technological developments and as a result this led to ever more powerful and effective warplanes. In 1941 the new German Fw 190 fighter aircraft began to enter service and as its main response the British hastily developed the Spitfire Mk.V into the Mk.IX with a better Merlin engine, although they also introduced a new type called the Hawker Typhoon Mk.I into the service too. The Typhoon fighters were rushed into service and suffered from a number of teething problems and it soon became clear that the new fighter would not fit the requirements for a standard day fighter aircraft. Sir Sydney Camm who was Hawker‘s chief designer began to design a new fighter aircraft which was partially based on the Typhoon. At first this was known as the Typhoon Mk.II but soon was renamed as the Tempest and in the end, it became one of the very best WW2 fighter machines. Following the Mk.V and Mk.II versions, the Mk.VI was put into production. Though it happened yet during the war, the type saw front line service in the post war conflict areas, mainly in the Middle East as this version was equipped for harsh desert conditions. The Mk.VI was fitted with a more powerful version of the Sabre Mk.V engine and comparing with its predecessor, the Mk.V verison, it had also larger wing root radiator, oil cooler and engine intakes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe kit’s plastic parts come on eight runners of grey styrene and one with clear parts. All the major parts‘ surface is adorned with very fine rivet lines. Throughout the build, the modeller is quided via an A4 size full-colour instruction booklet. The colour schemes and decal sheets cater for four various Tempest Mk.VI machines, the first of which, ie Camo A option features an overall silver doped machine bearing the name Poppet, Camo B option brings a RAF day fighter scheme coloured machine with red and white fuselage code letters. One of the very few bare metal Tempests is portrayed in Camo C option and wears V　fuselage code. The final option is a machine with RAF desert scheme. The decal sheets bring also a full set of airframe stencils including those for the interior and fuel tanks.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SPECIAL HOBBY","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":13093300830261,"sku":"SH-32055","price":109.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0024\/8617\/3749\/products\/SH-32055-1.jpg?v=1661137511"},{"product_id":"special-hobby-1-72-brewster-model-339-raaf-and-usaaf-colours","title":"Special Hobby SH72128 1\/72 Brewster Model 339 RAAF and USAAF Colours","description":"","brand":"SPECIAL HOBBY","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":13093300928565,"sku":"SH-72128","price":38.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0024\/8617\/3749\/products\/SH-72128.jpg?v=1571709950"},{"product_id":"special-hobby-1-72-blohm-voss-bv-155v-1","title":"Special Hobby SH72340 1\/72 Blohm \u0026 Voss BV 155V-1","description":"\u003cp\u003eBlohm \u0026amp; Voss BV 155V-1 1\/72\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Blohm Voss BV 155B was supposed to become just that weapon to stop the new American B-29 high altitude bombers. However, these magnificent machines were sent to the Pacific area and the development of the BV 155B was not brought to a successful finish. The development had really been rather complicated, originally taking place at Messerschmitt facility as the Me 155, originally designed as a naval fighter for theplanned but never finished Graf Zeppelin carrier. As the requirements of the RLM changed with time, the type was also redesigned to perform as a high altitude machine, the Me155B. The Messerschmitt development team was overburden with several other projects, so the RLM decided to transfer the project work to Blohm Voss, where, however, the Blohm Voss‘ chief designer Richard Voght considered the project to be quite bad and eventually redesigned it completely. The type’s designation changed as well to the BV155, and the new plane was much larger with a long span wing. A four-bladed propeller was driven by a turbo-charged DB 603U engine, with engine radiators hung under the wing. The first BV155V-1 made its maiden flight on 1 September 1944, quipped with a pressurised cockpit and a Rb 50\/30 camera behind the pilot’s seat. The planned armament was to consist of a 30mm MK108 cannon in the propeller shaft and two 20mm MG151\/20 cannon in the wings. Several problems occured during the first flights, although the team was able to tacke some of them eventually. Another two prototypes, the V- 2 and V-3 had also been partially built. Richard Voght considered also the BV155C, a version which was to have its radiator in the forward fuselage. The advancing British troops brought an end to all these plans when they seized the Blohm Voss factory and also Hamburg – Finkerwerder airfield. The RAF supposedly test-flown the BV155, at least an inventory number was assigned to the type. At first, the Bv155 was sent to the UK, consequently over the pond to the USA. Nowadays, the already incomplete machine is stored at theNational Air and Space Museum depository.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe model of this unique high altitude fighter prototype was already produced by our team and is no longer available. The model that we are going to offer you now is a completely new one, and some of its components are produced using metal moulds. The kit comes on three grey styrene sprues, one sprue sith clear parts and also contains two nicely detailed resin items. The decal sheet was expertly printed by Italian Cartograf.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SPECIAL HOBBY","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":13093300994101,"sku":"SH-72340","price":36.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0024\/8617\/3749\/products\/SH-72340.jpg?v=1571709950"},{"product_id":"special-hobby-1-48-grumman-af-3s-guardian","title":"Special Hobby SH48194 1\/48 Grumman AF-3S Guardian","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAF-3S Guardian 1\/48\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring the 1950s, the AF-2 Guardian anti-submarine aircraft were operating from the US Navy carriers in so-called Hunter-Killer pairs which consisted of one machine of the AF-2W version performing the Hunter role using its volumous, belly-mounted AP-20 search and early-warning radar to locate enemy’s submarines while the other member of the team was an AF-2S which was the Killer, carrying a variety of offensive anti-submarine weapons, such as torpedoes, depth charges or rockets in the bomb bay or beneath its wings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe development of the Guardian began during WW2 although the original request from the US Navy had been for a torpedo-bomber. At Grumman, this project was known under G-70 designation, while the Navy recognized it as the XTB3F. This new type was to be propelled by a P\u0026amp;W R-2800 radial engine driving a four-bladed propeller in the nose and a Westinghouse 19XB jet engine mounted in the tail section. The Westinghouse jet was later removed from the specifications, yet before the prototype’s maiden flight, which took place on 19th December 1945. By this time the torpedo bomber role had already been outdated and the Navy asked for the type to be rebuilt into the two above mentioned versions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe prototype AF-2 (which was the radar-equipped Hunter version) first flew in November 1948 while the AF-2S performed its first flight in January the following year. A year later, the type entered service with the US Navy, later to be joined by a third version, the AF-3S which was basically a AF-2S with a magnetic anomaly detector fitted. The AF-3s were operated both from land bases and aircraft carriers. During the Korea War, the type was used to defend US Navy vessels in the combat zone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Guardian was removed from front line service in 1955, remained just with US Naval Reserve units up to 1957. The type became the very first US Navy carrier-based aircraft to be specially built for anti-submarine warfare. It also holds the record for being the largest single-engined, piston-engined aircraft ever to be flown from the US Navy carriers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur model of the final, attack version of the Guardian consists of as many as eight styrene runners, one clear sprue, a set of resin parts and a photo-ethed fret. The new AF-3S sprue contains also a new set of mainwheels with the correct number of slots in the hubs and an enlarged stbd wing pod housing more efficient radar to that used in the AF-2S version. The decal sheet caters for four machines, two of which were painted in blue overall per regulations issued later in the war. The VS-20 machine was operated in 1953, at first from NAS Atsugi in Japan, later from aircraft carrier USS Bagoeng Strait. The other blue Guardian belonged to VS-27 and flew from CVS-36 USS Antietam in the Mediterranean in 1953. AF-3Ss machines remained in service with reserve units long enough to receive the new Gray-White scheme, the other two Guardians in our kit offers this scheme as worn by NAS Los Alamitos based machines, the scheme is also accompanied by orange fuselage bands which were used to mark training machines.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SPECIAL HOBBY","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":13093300961333,"sku":"SH-48194","price":85.49,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0024\/8617\/3749\/products\/Special_Hobby_1_48_Grumman_AF-3S_Guardian_SH-48194.jpg?v=1571709950"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.metrohobbies.com.au\/collections\/special-hobby.oembed?page=12","provider":"Metro Hobbies","version":"1.0","type":"link"}