1:48 Fiat G-55 Centaur0

Modeling Subjects Aircraft
1

Hey guys and gals,

Those who know me, know I have a passion for Italian WWII planes. Not sure why, I just do. And lately, I have embraced the “dark Side” and begun modeling German subjects, although until now its just been armor. Well, now it has come full circle with a plane, so to speak. Its an Italian Fiat G-55 Centauro. Its the Classic Airframes 1:48 kit, and let me tell you…its plagued with problems. From excessive flash, to horrible fit. I replaced the entire main gear struts with brass rod and tubing, with formed brass oleo scissors. I also replased ALL gun barrels with brass tubing. The kit versions were almond shaped and beyond salvage. The arial hookup on the tail was scratchbuilt, as the kit doesnt include it.

This is one of three Italian planes powered by the German Daimler-Benz DB-605 engine. This was also one of the few italian fighters to feature a German paint scheme.[which I opted for] The paint scheme gave me some trouble, and I dont know if it looks right or not, But I like it. anyway, here are a few pics. comments and critiques are always welcome.

2

SHe looks amazing!!! Especially given all that you’ve had to scratchbuild, I think she is a first rate build!!! Incredible…[8D]

One thing that catche my eye are the markings on the wings. I know nothing of the Italian WWII aircraft, but they are definately different than the markings you might find on a C.202 Macchi. (the square insignia vs. the round ones). I take it they weren’t standardize like other countries? Just curious…

3

Wow! I difinitely want to build one of those! The paint finished it’s so neat! wonderful build!

4

Thanks guys.

IIRC, the difference is:

The round markings belong to the Regia Aeronautica, which was the Italian Air Force from 1923-1946.

The square markings belong to theAeronautica Nazionale Repubblicana, which was the Socialist Airforce, which was closlying linked and supported by the German Luftwaffe.

5

I was just pondering this kit in the squadron flyer this weekend! Sounds like a challenging build. Well done with her, you have definately turned a sow’s ear into a silk purse. Bravo! [:D]

6

Wow that looks great! Getting that kind of result from less than steller kits takes some guts!

7

Very nice job indeed. This has to be one of the ‘Prettiest’ looking planes in the Italian airforce, for sure. A real Ferrari looking bird.

The paint scheme is great. Ive never seen it before on one of these.

Did the kit not have any panel lines molded in as i cant see any on the plane?

…Guy

8

It must be very satisfying when you take a tough build and it comes out that good. Greta work

9

Thanks guys.

Luftwoller- yes, there are some panel lines. Unfortunately they are so light, that they were all but obliterated by the paint job. And after the pounds of putty and the pack of sandpaper [ok, it was really only a couple tablespoons of putty and an entire sheet of 400grit paper], I wasnt in the mood to rescribe them.

10

Very sharp, Rob! Nicely done. I don;t know much about the Italian birds, but the more I see of builds like this sure builds the interest!

11

She looks great ! so maybe, having a “bad” kit was in your favor, as it has to be better than if you had used “ok” kit parts :slight_smile:

12

Ah hah! I see! Very well done![8D]

13

Super job. I especially like Italian airplanes too.

14

Rob, with all the problems you did a great job, looks great[tup]

15

Rob, with all the problems you did a great job, looks great[tup]