The latest edition from Mushroom Models Publications is on the Macchi C.202 'Folgore'. Considered by many to be one of the more esthetically pleasing aircraft designs of WWII, the 202 appears to be simply a C.200 with an inline engine. In fact, other than the wings, there is little in common between the two aircraft as the inline was narrower and so allowed for a thinner fuselage section.

Designed around the German DB 601 engine that was later produced by Alfa Romeo, the Folgore was a potent aircraft that was able to best the Allied Hurricane and Tomahawk when it met those types in the North African desert. However, the introduction of the later Spitfire and Kittyhawk types put the C.202 at a disadvantage, especially when it came to armament. The Folgore was handicapped through much of its production run with insufficient weapons, comprising of but a pair of machine guns. This was insufficient to bring down the Allies bombers that were met later in the war and required expenditure of almost all available bullets to knock down an Allied fighter. The type was later improved with the use of DB.605 engines and the inclusion of cannon wing armament to become the C.205 'Veltro'.

This book follows in the now-standard format of a history of the type followed by a detailed inspection of aircraft now held in museums. In this case, there is a C.202 in the National Air and Space Museum in Washington DC and one in the Italian Air Museum in Rome. Both these airframes were extensively photographed for this book. This large section is also interspersed with drawings from the technical manuals of the C.202. Finishing up this excellent reference are page after page of profiles and three views, the sort of thing that modelers love.

Overall, another outstanding book from our friends at Mushroom Models and one that I can recommend without reservation.

March 2005

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