MN Hobby 32MN001 - 1:32 Hawker Hurricane Mk. IIa

Plastic Model Kit of the British Hawker Hurricane Mk.IIa Fighter Aircraft in 1:32 Scale

MN Hobby 32MN001 is a self-assembly model kit representing the British Hawker Hurricane fighter in the Mk.IIa version – one of the heroes of the Battle of Britain and, alongside the Spitfire, one of the two primary RAF fighters of the early Second World War. Introduced into RAF service in the autumn of 1940, the Mk.IIa variant received the more powerful 1,185 hp Rolls-Royce Merlin XX engine while retaining the armament of eight 7.7 mm Browning machine guns mounted in the wings.

The large 1:32 scale allows highly detailed reproduction of features difficult to capture in smaller scales – including panel lines, radiator intake throat, cockpit interior, landing gear, and the Hurricane’s characteristic tubular rear fuselage structure covered with fabric. This construction method, inherited from earlier Hawker biplanes, distinguished the Hurricane from the all-metal Spitfire.

Inside the box you will find:

• Plastic sprues with fuselage, wings, tailplane, and landing gear components
• Clear cockpit canopy parts
• Water-slide decal sheet with markings
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model technical details:

• Scale: 1:32
• Catalog number: 32MN001
• Manufacturer: MN Hobby
• Finished model length: approx. 299 mm, wingspan: approx. 381 mm
• Difficulty level: intermediate

Note: The kit does not include glue, paints, or modeling tools. The model requires assembly and painting.

Building the model:

The large 1:32 scale is ideal for modelers who enjoy advanced painting and working with fine details. We recommend paying special attention to painting the cockpit interior before joining the fuselage halves – in 1:32 scale the interior remains highly visible through the canopy. A typical 1940–1941 Hurricane Mk.IIa paint scheme uses the RAF Day Fighter Scheme: upper surfaces in Dark Earth and Dark Green in either “A” or “B” pattern camouflage, with undersides painted in Sky or the earlier black-and-white “Night/Sky” finish. Recommended paints include the RAF Dark Earth, Dark Green, and Sky shades from the Humbrol, Mr. Hobby Aqueous, or AK Real Colors ranges.

A gloss varnish is recommended before applying decals (to prevent decal silvering). A satin final finish reproduces the operational appearance of an RAF fighter very well. To further enhance the level of detail, aftermarket accessories available separately in our store may be considered – metal Browning machine gun barrels or resin cockpit upgrade sets provide greater precision and sharper details compared to standard plastic parts.

Essential tools:

• Modeling sprue cutters for removing parts from the sprues
• Modeling knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper for smoothing attachment points
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Precision modeling tweezers
• Paint brushes in various sizes
• Model paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Modeling wash for highlighting details and panel lines

About the aircraft – Hawker Hurricane Mk.IIa:

The Hawker Hurricane was a British single-seat fighter designed by Sydney Camm in the mid-1930s. The prototype first flew on November 6, 1935, and the aircraft entered RAF service in December 1937, becoming the first British fighter capable of exceeding 300 mph (483 km/h) in level flight. The design combined modern yet conservative engineering solutions – retractable landing gear, enclosed cockpit, and monoplane configuration on one hand, while retaining the fabric-covered tubular fuselage structure inherited from earlier Hawker biplanes on the other. This seemingly outdated approach proved highly practical: combat damage could be repaired quickly, and the aircraft was relatively easy to manufacture.

During the Battle of Britain (July–October 1940), Hurricanes formed the majority of RAF Fighter Command aircraft and were responsible for approximately 60% of all German aircraft shot down. Polish pilots of No. 303 “Tadeusz Kościuszko” Squadron – the highest-scoring unit of the Battle of Britain – also flew Hurricane Mk.Is. The Mk.IIa version, introduced in the autumn of 1940, received the more powerful Rolls-Royce Merlin XX engine with a two-speed supercharger, significantly improving high-altitude performance. Armament remained the same as the Mk.I – eight 7.7 mm Browning machine guns mounted in the wings. The Mk.IIa was quickly followed by the Mk.IIb (12 machine guns) and Mk.IIc (four 20 mm cannons), but during 1940 and 1941 it served as a frontline RAF fighter and was also used over Malta, North Africa, and in the Soviet Union under Lend-Lease agreements.

Technical data of the original aircraft (Hawker Hurricane Mk.IIa):

• Length: 9.55 m
• Wingspan: 12.19 m
• Height: 4.0 m
• Takeoff weight: approx. 3,650 kg
• Crew: 1 pilot
• Armament: 8 × 7.7 mm Browning machine guns mounted in the wings
• Powerplant: Rolls-Royce Merlin XX inline engine, 1,185 hp
• Maximum speed: approx. 547 km/h
• Range: approx. 740 km
• Service ceiling: approx. 11,100 m
• Production: total of 14,533 Hurricanes of all variants built (1937–1944)

About the manufacturer – MN Hobby:

MN Hobby is a manufacturer of plastic model kits specializing in World War II aircraft in the popular 1:32, 1:48, and 1:72 scales. The brand offers affordable kits aimed at a broad range of modelers interested in classic military aviation. Its catalog includes RAF, Luftwaffe, and other World War II air force fighter aircraft.