1:144 Fiat G.50 'Initial Series'

Fiat G.50 Initial Series 1:144 — a Mark I plastic kit

An injection-molded plastic kit of the Italian Fiat G.50 fighter in the early production series guise, in 1:144 scale from Mark I. The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted; to finish it you will need cement for plastic and modeling paints. The particular contents of the package, the number of parts and the number of decal schemes are stated on the box and by the manufacturer — go by those.

The real subject

The Fiat G.50 Freccia was the first Italian all-metal fighter monoplane with retractable landing gear. It was powered by an air-cooled radial engine and the armament was concentrated in the forward fuselage. Machines of the first series had an enclosed canopy, which crews criticized because of the restricted view, so later guises went back to an open cockpit. The type was agile, but it lagged behind contemporary opponents in both performance and armament.

Building and painting tips

In 1:144 scale clean work with small parts is decisive. Separate them with a sharp knife or a fine photo-etched saw, sand the flash and the parting seams down with the finest abrasive paper and glue with thin cement for plastic, which is drawn into the seam by capillary action. Apply a thin primer before painting; it unifies the surface and reveals imperfections. Painting with an airbrush and well-thinned paint keeps the detail better than a brush; mask the clear parts beforehand. Use a gloss clear coat under the decals and, once dry, unify the surface with a matte or semi-matte varnish.

Who the model is for

• Collectors of 1:144 aircraft who build for a display case with little room
• Anyone interested in the Regia Aeronautica of the turn of the 1930s and 1940s
• Modelers used to small parts and fine sanding
• Filling out a collection of prewar and early wartime fighters

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.