Hasegawa 1/48 Macchi C.205 Veltro

Felt by many to be the finest product of the Italian aviation industry, the powerful and sleek MC. 205 traces its ancestry back to the rather stodgy MC.200 Saetta. This plane was developed into the MC.202 Folgore, thanks to the addition of a German DB.601 engine. Though still hampered by rifle-calibre machine guns that had difficulty bringing down enemy planes, the 202 was well liked and a real improvement over other aircraft in service. Later these planes had 20mm cannon installed which gave it the firepower it needed, but the added weight of the guns hampered performance. To quote Tim Allen, what was needed was "..more power..". This was finally provided by the DB.605 and resulted in the Macchi C.205 Veltro.

Other than engine, the 205 was virtually identical to late production 202s. In fact, many 202s were converted to 205 standard with the inclusion of the DB.605 and extra fuselage fuel tank. The Veltro entered production in late 1942. Thanks to the glacial production capabilities of Italian factories, few saw service with the Reggia Aeronautica. However, a few planes were used by the German-backed ANR after the armistice of 1943. In addition, many of 205s were also used by the newly formed co-belligerant air force and went into action against the Luftwaffe. Post-war, the 205 was a major type used initially as a front line fighter and later as a fighter trainer.

This is a superb kit. Having built the MC.202, I can tell you that it is probably one of the best kits that Hasegawa has ever designed. It is virtually identical to the 202 kit, differing only in the sprues with the new lower cowling, prop and spinner. The kit itself is representative of a late series  airframe with twin 20mm wing cannon.

The kit is typical of modern Hasegawa kits in that it has engraved panel lines, a fairly well detailed cockpit and wheel wells, and an opening canopy. It also has the slight fiddlyness that comes with a kit designed for several variants. Fortunately, those are confined to the lower cowl, tail wheel section and the prop. That is why this is such a good kit. No need to have multiple inserts to mess with.

Decals are designed by Cartograf, so there should be none of the trepidation of using setting solutions as with standard Hasegawa kit decals. It also means that the whites are the right color! You have two examples. Both of these aircraft (one with the 88th and the other with the 360th Squadriglia) are camouflaged in the 'smoke rings' scheme.

Truth be known, I've had this kit for over 20 years. I only popped the shrink wrap from it for this preview as I fully plan on building this one using the superb Stormo Decals I recently reviewed.

August 2020

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