This article was originally prepared way back in 2006 for the Stormomagazine website. The E.P Originals 1/48 RE.2001 resin kit was a fine model but it was only avialable for a short while and for many years it was the only one in this scale along with their RE.2001 model.

Then Italeri released a 1/48 kit of the RE.2002 but it was a bit of a dissapointment to say the least. So much so Vector Resin was compelled to create 3 upgrade sets for it and Quickboost even did a corrected spine (which is about 5mm too long). The RE.2002 was fiited with a modified version of the wing fitted to the RE.2001 and the wing panel detail on both Classic Airframe kits was also based on the RE.2001. This means that it is possible to convert the original Classic Airframe RE.2000 kit using the Vector and Quickboost parts to get possibly, the most accurate RE.2002 in 1/48 scale. For those who prefer 1/72 there is the Sword kit, who also released an RE.2002 'ultimo'.

Anyway, on with the article...

I bought this E.P. Originals RE.2002 1/48 resin kit quite a number of years ago, can't remember exactly when, probably about 1997. Even back then, the model was quite expensive, but it did have a good quality feel about it. It had very fine panel engraving, a 'straight-through' one piece wing, thus doubling up as the cockpit floor, together with separate control surfaces and flaps. The fuselage was split vertically and was a good, snug onto the wing. The radial engine detail was excellent, complete with push rod detail. The undercarriage legs were cast out of very strong metal, much more so than the soft white metal usually used for these parts. The vacform canopy lacked any frame detail, but the weakest part of the model is the rather crude internal details on the flaps. Ultimately I modelled them closed. I had no problems with the construction as such, apart from losing the intake on the top of the cowl. With E.P. Originals no longer a 'going concern' even back then, this ruled out any hope of getting hold of a replacement so a new one was fashioned out of Milllput.

At the time, I still had a lot to learn about how to finish up with a good looking model. My main problem started at the painting stage. Back then, a lack of good reference material meant I had no clue as to what the correct colours should be. I ended up using a grey that was too dark and an olive green that was, well, too green. As E.P. Original kits did not come with any decals, I used Co-Belligerante markings from a SkyModels Reggiane sheet. They, for obvious reasons, would not settle on the ill-prepared paint surface at all. The project effectively stalled at this point and would remain so for some time to come.

Over time, regular visits to various internet websites, forums and a subscription to a modelling magazine enabled me to improve my modelling skills somewhat. The RE.2002 however, still languished in an unfinished state. Being loathe to buy another SkyModels Reggaine sheet, and preferring a Regia Aeronautica machine anyway, I was still hampered by a lack of good reference material and suitable spare decals.

Very recently, a sixth edition of the Ali e Colori series was printed, the subject being dedicated to 'Caccia Reggiane' aircraft. In it are a dozens of good quality profiles, covering nearly all the Reggiane types. Of the RE.2002 profiles, one was just right for my model. With a fresh coat of WEM's VOS2 and GAC paint, and a combination of spare & home made decals, I was able at long last to complete the model.

To my knowledge, it is the only 1.48 RE.2002 kit ever produced. There was a rumour of a Classic Airframe  RE.2002, probably due their to releasing other Reggiane kits. A long term listing in the Hannants 'Future Release' section, since removed, also fuelled this rumour. At the moment there are only 1/72 options (Supermodel & Alitaliane). I would not like like to comment on their accuracy or overall quality.