Originally built for SAMI sometime in 2005.

Special Hobby IMAM Ro.57bis

The kit.

The kit contents are the same as the pre-serie boxing, even down to having the same resin items for the prototype and the same decal sheet (the prototype parts can be consigned to the spares bin). The additional items for the 'bis' variant are photo etch and resin parts for the bombs and dive brakes. The instructions are revised to include details on how to fit them.

Construction.

This is a very straight forward kit to build and as anyone who has read the pre-serie review will know, it holds no nasty surprises. No filler was required anywhere and only the unusual undercarriage layout may surprise you. The only difference this time around are the additional dive bomber parts which are, on the whole, quite easy to assemble. Only the application of the photo etch fins to the resin bombs may cause a few problems. What struck me as odd was the way the bombs were cast, being attached to the casting blocks via the nose. This will mean restoring the tips. There are guide holes moulded in the lower wings for the dive brake items. Do NOT drill them out. They do not line up with the dive brakes at all. Use the diagrams to aid positioning.

Colour options.

Not much of an option. All Ro.57bis appeared in the Continental or home defence scheme of overall dark olive green over light blue/grey lower surfaces. I used Humbrol 91 for the dark green and 127 for the grey. The decal sheet gives you the choice of using either the figure 9 or 5 in the white band.

Conclusions.

I feel this is a slightly better choice of subject than the pre-serie kit, the additional dive-bomber equipment adding interest to an already interesting aircraft. Ironically, they were ill-suited for the dive bomber role, having been originally designed as a fighter and as it turned out, never saw action. A very nice model that can be safely recommend to all modellers.

Many thanks to Special Hobby for the review sample.