Hobby Master 1/48 HA8766 BF 109F-4 "Marseille" Yellow 14, 3/JG27, Egypt, Sept. 1942

Limited Edition

Hans-Joachim Marseille was one of Germany's top Aces of WWII, with all but 7 of his 158 victories while flying his Bf-109 over Africa. This action earned him the nickname "Star of Africa". Marseille had excellent eyesight, spotting enemy aircraft before they spotted him. His attacks were carried out at speed to evade counterfire, and his marksmanship was deadly. Marseille was killed in September 1942 when his engine failed, and he had to bail out, hitting the aircraft's tail and unable to open his parachute.

Designed to meet a Luftwaffe need for a single-seat fighter/interceptor, the Messerschmitt Bf 109 was first flown on May 28th, 1935. Its all-metal construction, closed canopy, and retractable gear made the Bf 109 one of the first true modern fighters of WWII. This versatile aircraft served in many roles, was the most-produced aircraft of the war, and was the backbone of the Luftwaffe. It was flown by Germany's top three aces, who claimed a total of 928 victories between them. Armed with two cannons and two machine guns, the Bf 109's design underwent constant revisions, which allowed it to remain competitive until the end of the war.