Fiat G.55 Centauro “Sotoserie O”
Italian Late War Fighter
 

Special Hobby, 1/72 scale

Reviewed by Glen Porter

 Special Hobby's 1/72 scale G.55 is available online from Squadron.com
 

The Fiat G.55 is generally considered the best Italian fighter build during the Second World War. Developed from the radial engined G.50, it had a new wing and license built DB 605 engine. The Sottoserie O (pre-production model) had an engine mounted cannon and four synchronised 12.7mm machine guns, two above and below the motor and none in the wings and was only produced in small numbers, only 16 being delivered to the Regia Aeronautica.

 

Click the thumbnails below to view larger images:

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This is the second 1/72 scale Fiat G.55 by Special Hobby, the first, a Series 1, was reviewed by Brett last year and may be viewed by following this link. The plastic in this kit is exactly the same as the earlier one but this one has a different nose to accommodate the extra machine guns and a different fin/rudder, similar to the mid production G.50. Consequently, the nose and fin/rudder have to be cut off and replaced by the resin parts supplied in the kit. The rest of the kit is the same as the earlier one and all comments by Brett in that review can be considered relevant here.

Decals, by Aviprint, are very good with perfect register, good colour density and minimum carrier film. Markings for three aircraft are supplied, two Regia Aeronautica, the second prototype in olive green and sand blotch upper and light grey lower surfaces and a 353a Squadron aircraft with olive green and light grey. The third is an ANR aircraft in Luftwaffe RLM 74/75/76, flown in 1944.

In his review of the initial G.55 release, Brett commented that he thought the Series 1 would be a good example for a modellers first try at a short run kit. I believe that this kit is not suitable for that because of the nose and fin having to be replaced. However, there is nothing that an experienced modeller won't be able to handle, and an unusual and highly detailed model would result.

Recommended.

Thanks to MPM/Special Hobby for the review sample.

Review Text Copyright © 2006 by Glen Porter
Images Copyright © 2006 by Brett Green
Page Created 16 January, 2006
Last updated 16 January, 2006

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