SPA Modeler

Unfortunately a lot has been going on in my life and not much of it has been good so far. But I've managed to carve out a little time here and there in my evenings to at least build something.

This isn't a spectacular kit, but it is a a rare and little modeled subject. What attracted it to me is the lines of this small aircraft. It is reminiscent of P-35's and P-36's with it's shape and form. It's just a beautiful Italian aircraft. So without further boring you, this is what I've done with it up to now.

[image]http://www.use.com/images/s_2/74f61cd6305117481a54_1.jpg[/image]

[image]http://www.use.com/images/s_2/74f61cd6305117481a54_2.jpg[/image]

[image]http://www.use.com/images/s_2/74f61cd6305117481a54_3.jpg[/image]

[image]http://www.use.com/images/s_2/74f61cd6305117481a54_4.jpg[/image]

[image]http://www.use.com/images/s_2/74f61cd6305117481a54_5.jpg[/image]

Like I said, beautiful lines. Plus it has the distinction of being a pre-war aircraft design. It was judged to not be worthy of an Italian front line fighter at the time and was sold to Sweden and Hungary.On entering the war many of them were converted for the war effort and made it into fighter squadrons and the Navy as scout planes.
It was quickly replaced and I don't believe any of them saw any front line action for the Italians.

So far it has been a straight forward build with minimal flash and good fitting parts with just a touch of putty in a few places. I know this one will be an excellent addition to my collection.

Thanks for taking a peek.

Great start on a pretty little aircraft.

That is an old kit but it looks like you are on your way to make a very nice model out of it.

Thank you, all. I think it will turn out worthy of my tiny A/C museum. Now the only question is wether I chose the box art scheme or something a little more colorful with camo and a big yellow nose.

Well The build stage is out of the way and I've got primer on it.

[image]http://www.use.com/images/s_2/f23e547b592954cb3e1c_1.jpg[/image]


[image]http://www.use.com/images/s_2/f23e547b592954cb3e1c_2.jpg[/image]


[image]http://www.use.com/images/s_2/f23e547b592954cb3e1c_3.jpg[/image]

So after this cures I'll spray for the white tail band.

I'm going to ask you guys for opinions on the paint scheme. Feel free to toss out your thoughts about it.

Hooray, Mike is back!

Looking good so far! IIRC, this design was inspired by the Seversky racer. Which was developed into the P-35.

Very nice!

Mikey wrote:
I'm going to ask you guys for opinions on the paint scheme. Feel free to toss out your thoughts about it.

Here are a few found on Wings Pallette website:

http://wp.scn.ru/en/ww2/f/227/32/0#2

How about the Red 7 with the red cowling from Sicily in March 1942?

Mikey wrote:
[image]http://www.use.com/images/s_2/74f61cd6305117481a54_3.jpg[/image]

That looks painful...

Stikpusher wrote:That looks painful...

Ahem... Yes...

It is striking how much this little gem reminds me to a Seversky or P-47. I wonder who was this clever to place the large intake on top of the cowl, just in the sight line of the pilot...

Good to see this rarity build!