Originally built for SAMI and appeared in the August 2005 issue.
Flying Machines 1/72 Macchi C.200
The kit.
Released around the same time the Special Hobby early serie kit, if not before, it is in fact exactly the same kit, albeit with different fuselage and canopy parts to cater for the later style semi-enclosed cockpit. The decal sheet and instruction are unique to this kit, of course, and gives a choice to build one of three schemes.
Construction.
The build process is the same as the Special Hobby kit, so please refer to the that article. All that needs to be said is that the vacform canopy does not quite fit and may need a bit of manipulation to do so.
Colour options.
Three schemes are provided. My choice was done using Humbrol paints, 63 for the base with 149 mottles. 127 was used on the lower surfaces. The fuselage band was sprayed and I fear the location is not quite correct my model, as it is a little too far forward (should have checked the diagram more carefully!). The decals are fine, but feel that the blue used on the fuselage fasce and Gruppo insignia is a little too pale.
Conclusions.
Another fine 1/72 C.200 model and should prove very popular, being the more widely known version of this aircraft. There are a multitude of other schemes that can be applied to this model, provided appropriate markings can be found on after market sheets. Again highly recommended.
Many thanks to Flying Machines for the review sample.