Spitfire Mark IX, MH434 Flown by South African Pilot Flt Lt Henry Lardner-B

Wood Cutaway Model of Supermarine Spitfire Mark IX, MH434 Flown in combat by South African Pilot Flt Lt Henry Lardner-Burke, No. 222 Squadron, RAF

Overall Size: 20½" x 8½"

Made in the U.S.A., each cutaway is an accurate, three dimensional, architectural model. The pieces are multi-layer, micro-cut, wood cutaway constructions, reflecting the utmost in detail and attention to accuracy.

Original blueprints and period photographs along with hand measurements, if possible, are used for the creation of each design. Approximately two months is then devoted to drawing the original multi-layer template for each item.

Original construction blueprints, photographs, deck plans, books and even advertising brochures are used to guarantee the accuracy of each cutaway. Approximately two months is then devoted to drawing the original multi-layer template for each item. Once the design work is complete, a computer-controlled laser is then used to cut and mark specially selected layers of basswood. After a layer has been cut, it is cleaned and carefully mounted to a baltic blue matte board. A total of six layers of basswood are hand assembled for each cutaway. When the cutaway is complete, it is then sealed behind glass in a cherry finish hardwood frame.

The highest level of quality in both work and materials is maintained to ensure museum quality cutaways. This integrity in both design and modeling skill has brought endorsements by many of the nation's museums, historical societies and memorial associations.

Perhaps the most famous of all Spitfires still flying today, MH434 was built in 1943 at Vickers, Castle Bromwich. This Spitfire is completely original, and has never been fully rebuilt. A delight to fly, the aircraft is beautifully responsive and extremely maneuverable.

At the beginning of August 1943, MH434 was air tested by Alex Henshaw - a record breaking pilot from pre-war days. Within the month MH434 was scoring with 222 Squadron. It was flown in combat by South African pilot Flt Lt Henry Lardner-Burke, DFC (1916-1970), seven and a half kills, three damaged, retiring as a Wing Commander. On the 27 August in the St Omar area over France, Lardner-Burke shot down a Focke-Wulf FW-190 and damaged a second during a mission to escort USAAF B-17 bombers. On the 5 September 1943 Lardner-Burke and MH434 shot down another FW-190 in the Nieuport area, and on the 8 September 1943 claimed a half share in the downing of a Messerschmitt Bf-109G in Northern France.

In 1944 MH434 was transferred to 350 Sqn. Hornchurch, before being returned to 222 Sqn. After 79 operational sorties, MH434 was retired in March 1945.

MH434’s guns were loaded again when bought by the Royal Netherlands Air Force in 1947. The Spitfire served with 322 Sqn. As H-105 - mainly ground strafing and light bombing missions - before crash-landing in Semarang, Java. After spending some time in storage, MH434 was repaired and flew again in Holland on the 10 March 1953.