1/48 Hurricane Mk I Trop

The Hawker Hurricane Mk I was one of the key British fighter aircraft at the start of World War II and, along with the Spitfire, formed the backbone of Britain's defence during the Battle of Britain in the summer and autumn of 1940. While the Spitfire gained more publicity, the Hurricane actually shot down more enemy aircraft and was deployed in much widera wider range of operations - from the defence of the home islands to the Mediterranean to the African battlefield. The Tropical variant (Trop) was fitted with dust and sand filters for deployment in desert and subtropical conditions where the standard version suffered from rapid engine wear. The Hurricane Mk I Trop served in North Africa, Malta, Egypt and East Africa, where British and South African forces fought against Italian and German forces.

The 1:48 scale Arma Hobby kit represents the latest generation of this model with completely new fuselage, wing, radiator and propeller forms developed in 2025. The manufacturer has taken the experience of the previous successful Hurricane Mk IIb kit and added another level of detail: accurately reproduced panel lines and riveting, a highly detailed cockpit and transparent parts that match the actual model. The kit allows assembly in two configurations - standard or tropical - giving the modeler the freedom to choose the environment and historical context of their interest.

The package includes four plastic frames (two of which are brand new), detailed instructions in English and Czech (also available online), masks for transparent partsand wheels to facilitate painting, and a code to download 3D files for printing accessories (pilot's seat with straps, exhaust pipes - the list can be extended). The decals offer three historically documented marking options:

1. Hurricane Mk I trop P2638, No. 274 Squadron RAF, Gerawala (April-May 1941) - unit operating in North Africa during the campaigns against Italian and German forces.

2. Hurricane Mk I trop P3731, 418 Flight, HMS Argus, Operation Hurry (2 August 1940); later No. 261 Squadron RAF, Malta 1940-41 - this machine was flown to Malta by aircraft carrier during a critical phase of the island's defence and subsequently served in one of the RAF's most exposed units.

3. Hurricane Mk I trop, serial number 284, code letter J, No. 3 Squadron SAAF, Kenya 1941 - Lieutenant Robert Kershaw made a remarkable rescue on this aircraft: 15. He landed in enemy territory near Dire Dawa (Ethiopia), loaded his downed commander, Captain John Frost, and evacuated him back to base. This episode is one of the most famous stories of the South African Air Force in East Africa.

The 1:48 scale is popular for its ratio of detail to space - the model is large enough to show off all the cockpit features, paneling and decals, but still fits in a standard display case. Weathered shades of desert paint, filter wear, dust on the undercarriage and subtle traffic marks on the surfaces can be used to accentuate the tropical version. Package does not include paint or adhesives needed for assembly.