MN Hobby 32MN002 - 1:32 Hawker Hurricane Mk. IIb

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

MN Hobby 32MN002 is a self-assembly model kit representing the British Hawker Hurricane fighter in the Mk.IIb version – a variant introduced into service in 1941 with strengthened armament consisting of twelve 7.7 mm Browning machine guns mounted in the wings. In addition to serving as a conventional escort fighter, the Hurricane Mk.IIb also became an effective fighter-bomber capable of carrying two 250 lb or 500 lb bombs, or two 45- or 90-gallon external fuel tanks under the wings. This bomb-carrying configuration was commonly nicknamed the “Hurribomber”.

The large 1:32 scale allows accurate reproduction of structural details – including panel lines, radiator intakes, cockpit interior, landing gear, and the characteristic fabric-covered tubular rear fuselage construction. This design feature 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: 32MN002
• 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 carefully painting the cockpit interior before joining the fuselage halves – in this scale the cockpit remains highly visible through the canopy. Typical Hurricane Mk.IIb paint schemes from 1941–1942 include the RAF Day Fighter Scheme (Dark Earth/Dark Green upper surfaces with Sky undersides) for aircraft operating over Europe, as well as the “Desert” scheme (Dark Earth/Mid Stone over Azure Blue) for aircraft serving in North Africa and the Middle East. Recommended model paints include RAF Dark Earth, Dark Green, Sky, Mid Stone, and Azure Blue 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 coat reproduces the operational finish of an RAF frontline fighter very well. To further improve the level of detail, aftermarket accessories available separately in our store may be considered – metal machine gun barrels provide significantly sharper detail and greater realism 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.IIb:

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. Its design combined modern solutions (retractable landing gear, enclosed cockpit, monoplane configuration) with a conservative fabric-covered tubular fuselage structure inherited from earlier Hawker biplanes. The Hurricane became the principal RAF fighter during the Battle of Britain in 1940 and was responsible for more than half of all German aircraft shot down during the campaign.

The Mk.IIb version, introduced into service in the spring of 1941, received strengthened wings housing twelve 7.7 mm Browning machine guns – four more than the Mk.IIa. In addition, the Mk.IIb featured a reinforced fuel system allowing the carriage of external fuel tanks or 250/500 lb bombs under the wings. Large numbers of this variant were exported to the Soviet Union under Lend-Lease and served on the Eastern Front. British Mk.IIbs also fought in North Africa, where the tropicalized Mk.IIb Trop version (equipped with a Vokes air filter) served with the British Eighth Army. Together with other Mk.II variants, the Hurricane Mk.IIb was gradually withdrawn from the frontline fighter role during 1942, but as a ground-attack aircraft it remained in service until the end of the war – especially in Burma and the Far East.

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

• Length: 9.55 m
• Wingspan: 12.19 m
• Height: 4.0 m
• Takeoff weight: approx. 3,650 kg
• Crew: 1 pilot
• Fixed armament: 12 × 7.7 mm Browning machine guns mounted in the wings
• External stores: 2 × 250 lb (113 kg) or 500 lb (227 kg) bombs, or 2 × 45/90 gallon external fuel tanks
• Powerplant: Rolls-Royce Merlin XX inline engine, 1,185 hp
• Maximum speed: approx. 547 km/h
• Range: approx. 740 km (significantly greater with external fuel tanks)
• 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.