The Fiat G.50 was Italy's first all metal fighter with retractable landing gear. The prototypes and early series builds also had fully enclosed canopies, but the pilots felt 'trapped' inside them and subsequent aircraft went to a smaller windscreen-only arrangement. Initially developed in 1936, the G.50 was hampered by a low-powered engine and weak armament of only 7.7mm machine guns. These two traits were to be a trade-mark of Italian aircraft until late in their war. However, like most things Italian, it was beautifully constructed and flew like an angel.

Some early series aircraft were used in the Spanish Civil War where it showed promise. By the time Italy entered WWII in June of 1940, there were 118 G.50s in service. This rather slow production rate, was also a trademark of Italian weapons. The aircraft did well in its engagements in the Balkans and North Africa, but was replaced by a very similar, but better aircraft, the Macchi C.200. G.50s were then sent to secondary units, used for home defense or converted into ground attack aircraft. Of the 785 produced, some were used with much success by Finland and a few others were used by Croatia, but made no impact on the war.

THE KIT

You don't really get much plastic in this one. When you open the box, you get two large sprues and one that is a bit smaller. A tiny sprue has the windscreen (not shown). Detailing is finely engraved panel lines and my copy is totally devoid of  flash and the only sink area I could find was on the enclosed tail wheel fairing. There are some ejector marks on the wheels and a few other places, but only the wheels will need the builder's attention.

The G.50 is a pretty simple aircraft so it is not surprising that there really isn't much to it. I'd have liked a decal to go along with the instrument panel, but I doubt if much can be seen of the interior through the tiny opening. The engine is pretty lame and I'd recommend a resin replacement if you can find one. There are several options depending on the version you are going to build. That includes a prop spinner or not; different fuselage tail fairings, and whether to use a spatted tail wheel or not. There is also a shorter fin/rudder, but I don't think it is applicable to this boxing as that was only used on the very early aircraft. If you want a radio, you'll have to add the mast from the spares box.

Instructions consist of 12 well done construction steps. Color info is given and I think it also provides Gunze paint numbers, but there is no chart. Markings are for 6 different aircraft; 5 Italian and one Croatian. Decals appear to be well printed, though the blue looks a bit more turquoise than I'd like. I'd also be willing to bet that the whites are a bit transparent. All of the exterior colors are given as a mix of paints and an FS 595a equivalent is provided. Today, we have a wide selection of Italian colors to choose from that were not there in 1991 so I'd suggest using those.

 

CONCLUSIONS

It really looks like it would be a simple build, however, I've been forewarned by a number of people that Secter kits are not as they seem and are more like a short run kit than a Hasegawa one. Regardless, this is the only injected 1/48 G.50 that I'm aware of and I've seen them made into superb models.

REFERENCES

Kit instructions.