Italeri’s 1/72 FIAT CR.42 makes its fifth comeback since debuting in 2006, with a whole new decal sheet. CHRIS CLIFFORD gives his verdict on this styrene sesquiplane.
While not always the most attractive, Italian Air Force aircraft from World War Two are often interesting and characterful, and make excellent modelling subjects. Having produced several Italian wartime types over the years, FIAT’s CR.42 Falco (Falcon) was an obvious progression for Italeri, although it’s something of a mixed bag. Yet, it’s arguably the best of a limited selection regarding quality and buildability; just Revell, Pavla, Matchbox and Mister Kit are the only other manufacturers to tackle the subject in 1/72 scale.
Italeri’s kit (1437) comes on two grey styrene runners and a small clear frame. Design and moulding standards vary, with a high point being the fuselage and its fine panel lines/rivets, and scalloped finish to portray stretched skin sitting over ribs. Also praiseworthy is the double-bank radial engine, being good for the scale and with deeply recessed exhaust stub ends. There are also weighted-effect tyres moulded around the wheel hubs, the latter having delicate bolt detail.
Above: Delicate panels lines, an integrally moulded tailwhee…
