**** DONE: GB-63 1/32 Macchi MC.202 Folgore – Stormy Weather

[Vic Balshaw]

Username: Vic Balshaw
First name: Vic
Category: Advanced
Scale: 1/32
Manufacturer: Italeri 2518

Extras: ASK 200-M32078 Scale Mask. Maybe a bit of scratch.

I have decided to do Sergeant Gualberto Benzi's aircraft MM.9454. He was with 396 Squadriglia, 154 Gruppo Autonomo C.T. based at Gadurrà Airfield near Kalathos, Rhodes in the Argean. The period is late 1942, early to mid 1943.

 

[Vic Balshaw]

I can find no information on Sergeant Benzi save for one portrait photo.

What is interesting about this plane is that the squadron within a few months changed the positioning and colouring of the squadron number, badges and line code.

Initially the number 396 was in black and in front of the white band with the line number in red on the band and there was no Gruppo insignia. Then the Gruppo insignia (the pierced chicken) was painted in front of the white band with the Gruppo name in black. The squadron number was moved to the white band, initially in blue with the line number in red behind the white band.

Finally, the squadron number reverted to black on the white band and the Gruppo insignia name was changed to white. Sometime during all these changes, the name "Mirka" appeared on the cowling nose cover and is believed to be one of several female names used by the squadron.

I can find no timeline of these changes and just because I like the colour, I'm going to do the blue squadron number on the white band.

 

[Vic Balshaw]

I'm also lucky enough to have the smoke ring decals for this machine which I will probably use as I don't think I've the gumption to try a hand spray of these. The kit also comes with a large sheet of photo etched detail.

 

[Crimea_River]

Looking forward to seeing this larger version of my kit.. I might steal some detail info from you.

 

[Wurger]

 

[Ralph Haus]

Like Andy, bigger is always (well usually) better. Detail is very manufacturer dependent, and will be interesting to see Italeri's. Smoke ring camo....only the Italians!

 

[Vic Balshaw]

First progress shot. the parts for the engine, wheel bay and undercarriage painted up and ready for the start of the build.

 

[Wayne Little]

Good stuff Vic, those smoke ring decals are by cartograph, they will go done nicely mate.

 

[Wurger]

 

[Crimea_River]

So organized.

 

[Gnomey]

Nicely done so far Vic!

 

[Vic Balshaw]

Thanks for dropping by folks and for the nice comments. Had a good day today and got a heap of bench time.

Engine assembly in stages, this being a Alfa Romeo RA.1000 R.C.41-I "Monsone" which is in effect the Daimler-Benz DB 601A built under license.

This is now ready for fitment to the firewall bulkhead which is the next stage of the operation.

Between engine construction I've also assembled the main undercart legs which are fitted even before the cockpit is assembled.

Finally I took out time to organize, spray and paint the cockpit components.

 

[Jock Tamson]

Nice work. The engine looks pristine.

 

[Vic Balshaw]

Thanks Greg.

 

[Wurger]

 

[Crimea_River]

Got a good jump on things there Vic. Nice details.

 

[Gnomey]

Good work so far Vic!

 

[Vic Balshaw]

I'm on a roll guys. Engine fixed to bulkhead and landing gear in place. A lot of pipework in this Italeri kit. I've done it on the F1 cars and big scale bikes and the pipes never seem to fit well particularly in the larger bore where the plastic tubing is quite stiff.

Engine attached and will be displayed on the finished model.

Nose guns fitted and will be part displayed on the finished mode.

 

[Wurger]

 

[le_steph40]

Really nice start