SBS Model Macchi MC 72 'Early Version' - 1:72 SBS Model

[Julien]

Macchi MC 72 'Early Version'

1:72 SBS Model

 

The Macchi MC72 was an experimental seaplane designed by Macchi in the 1930's. Originally Macchi made warplanes but later decided to move to racers and aiming to win Schneider Trophy. Sound familiar with another famous company? To this aim the company hired aircraft designer Mario Castoldi. A series of aircraft were built with the M39 winning the trophy in 1926 with a speed of 246mph.  The company though failed to win again and from this MC 72 was designed. It was a streamlined aircraft with the radiators faired into the wings and pontoons. However due to engine problems in 1931 which would turn out ot be the last race. Despite this the aircraft did manage to set a world speed record of 440.7mph which remains as the record to this day for a piston engined seaplane. This world record aircraft survives in the Italian Air Force Museum. 

 

The Kit

The kit from SBS is a full resin kit, with resin clear parts, photo-etch and decals.  The resin is very well moulded with no problems. The kit will require some 0.3mm steel rod, and some 0.3mm brass rod to complete which is not offered in the kit (but separately from SBS if you want). Construction starts with the basic cockpit. The seat, stick, rudder pedals and a few other control are added. The instrument panel is a sandwich of PE and film. Once the cockpit is in the main fuselage can be closed up, and the resin front screen added.

 

 

 

 

The tail and rudder are then added followed by the tail planes and main wings. The main wings are each braced with two 0.3mm brass wires. The prop can then be assembled and added. Next up the floats are added. Each float has two resin legs. The floats are braced each side with three 0.3mm steel wires on the outboard side, one on the inside and two wires to the each other. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Decals

The decals are sparse but well printed in house and should pose no problems.

 

 

Conclusion
This is a fairly simple little kit, much like the real aircraft. If should pose no problems to a competent modeller and maybe a good starter into resin models. Highly recomended.

 

 

 

Review sample courtesy of

 

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