AML 1/72 Fiat G.50B biposto built for a SAMI review article in 2005.

The kit.

The contents of this model are essentially the same as AML G.50bis model. It uses exactly the same tooling, but with the two seater vacform canopy, new decals and instruction sheet.

Contruction.

In this section, I will only hi-light the differences between this and the 'bis' model. The instruction sheet is quite easy to follow and no problems as such were encountered during the initial phase of construction. With two types of fuselage & cowlings plus three rudders to choose from, it's important you select the right parts! Although reasonably well detailed, the very open two seater cockpit still manages to look rather spacious, although the canopy framing will hide this to some extent.  There are 2 upper decks to add to the main fuselage. The rear piece fits nicely, but the front section does not. It needed to be test fitted & trimmed a few times to get a snug fit. At this stage, I also trimmed out the canopy to further check alignment and found that both the canopy and fuselage needed further tweaks to get a good fit. The one other deviation this time around was to utilise the separately moulded ailerons and flaps. Although the instruction sheet does not actually tell you to do this, there is no reason why one should not give it a go. It does involve a bit of surgery to the upper wing halves, but adds extra realism to the model if done properly. The rest of the build is identical to the bis model.

Colour options.

There are three schemes to choose from, the prototype, a trainer with white bands on each wing and a Luftwaffe version with a scheme of overall dark green/grey. I used Humbrol colours throughout, with 63 used as a base and 149 and 118 mottles. Lower surfaces were 140. The minimal decals bedded down nicely on the varnished surfaces. Satin varnish was used to reduce the shine afterwards, but hilighted some silvering on the decals as a result. Rating 8/10.

Conclusions.

Armed with the knowledge that AML's bis model is perhaps the best 1/72 injection G.50 out there, this kit is almost as good. The only problem with this one was getting the canopy to blend into the fuselage contours nicely. Apart from that, this can be recommended to all G.50 enthusiasts.

Many thanks to AML for the review sample.