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Model built through a series of Malta 1940 - 1943: Fiat CR.42CN, commander of 377 Squadriglia Autónomo capt. Luciano Marcolin, Palermo-Boccadifalco, Autumn 1942.
source: Ali d'Italia, Fiat CR.42
Background
The organization of the Italian night aviation was different then Nachtjager or RAF. Italians formed night fighters sections (flights), which were "set" by the Districts Aviation (Squadra Aerea). Similar sections were created in Sicily, Sardinia, Albania and the Dodecanese islands. Depending on the size of those sections numbers of used aircraft were 3-12 planes. The first this type flight were call in May 1941. A year later in the first line was already 16 operational flights with average of 4 Fiat CR.42CN. Typically, night fighters flight were assigned to the "normal" day fighter units operating in current area. At the end of 1941 were formed the first full night fighters squadrons (group). The first unit - 171 Gruppo CN Autónomo were founded in Sicily and was composed from 301 and 302 Squadrigili CN. Gruppo commander was Major Giovanni Buffa. The equipment, tactics and the nature of night operations conducted by the RAF during the night made that Italian success were not (to put it mildly) significant. I have not found information about the Italian night ace.
Except 171 Gruppo on Sicily during the 1942-43 was operatedas well a night-fighters section from the 377 Squadrigia Autonoma. My model presents a plane flown by a commander of the squadron - capt. Luciano Marcolin. He was an experienced pilot who made the first combat flights during the Spanish Civil War. But for me capt. Marcolin and 377 Sqn. are known primarily from use the Reggiane Re.2000 in the battle over Malta. Capt. Marcolin is the only one who received on the Re.2000 a combat air victory - 24/05/1942 in the fight over Pantelleria he shot down a Malta’s Blenheim. 377 Sqn generally haven’t got a numbers of pilots, who can demonstrate the victories in aerial combat. On my list I have only two: Giorgio di Solaroli Brion (16 + 7 probable) and Luigi Torchio (5 + 7 probable). In one 377 Sqn is unique - as same as in case of Re.2000: almost every Fiat from the night section was different. Differences were not only painting but also the equipment. For example, my "6" is presented in two versions: the number "6" is a black or red. In the pictures below you can see a wealth of "variations" – it’s amazing due to the fact that the number of planes usually used by units was four...
source: Courage Alone - Italian Air Force 1940-43
source: Courage Alone - Italian Air Force 1940-43
source: http://www.asisbiz.com
source: http://members.tripod.com
source: http://members.tripod.com
Model.
I built model from Supermodel (Italeri) kit. The assembly was not particularly onerous. Stressful moment was mounting the upper wing and the correct alignment of struts. Airbrush painting made using Agama acrylic paints and varnish. Decals is a mix of what I had in stock, flights emblem was hand-painted. Soiling and wash done with MIG neutral wash, exhaust impurity were applied in the engine area is a mix of Vangogh oils (Raw Umber and Vandake Brown). Scratches made a dry brush (Humbrol 11) and a silver pencil artist. Scratches on the propeller made by accidentally reversing the order of colors used - silver Humbrol first, then Agama black acrylic, at the end whole was lightly dulling acute fabric.
source: Ali d'Italia, Fiat CR.42
Background
The organization of the Italian night aviation was different then Nachtjager or RAF. Italians formed night fighters sections (flights), which were "set" by the Districts Aviation (Squadra Aerea). Similar sections were created in Sicily, Sardinia, Albania and the Dodecanese islands. Depending on the size of those sections numbers of used aircraft were 3-12 planes. The first this type flight were call in May 1941. A year later in the first line was already 16 operational flights with average of 4 Fiat CR.42CN. Typically, night fighters flight were assigned to the "normal" day fighter units operating in current area. At the end of 1941 were formed the first full night fighters squadrons (group). The first unit - 171 Gruppo CN Autónomo were founded in Sicily and was composed from 301 and 302 Squadrigili CN. Gruppo commander was Major Giovanni Buffa. The equipment, tactics and the nature of night operations conducted by the RAF during the night made that Italian success were not (to put it mildly) significant. I have not found information about the Italian night ace.
Except 171 Gruppo on Sicily during the 1942-43 was operatedas well a night-fighters section from the 377 Squadrigia Autonoma. My model presents a plane flown by a commander of the squadron - capt. Luciano Marcolin. He was an experienced pilot who made the first combat flights during the Spanish Civil War. But for me capt. Marcolin and 377 Sqn. are known primarily from use the Reggiane Re.2000 in the battle over Malta. Capt. Marcolin is the only one who received on the Re.2000 a combat air victory - 24/05/1942 in the fight over Pantelleria he shot down a Malta’s Blenheim. 377 Sqn generally haven’t got a numbers of pilots, who can demonstrate the victories in aerial combat. On my list I have only two: Giorgio di Solaroli Brion (16 + 7 probable) and Luigi Torchio (5 + 7 probable). In one 377 Sqn is unique - as same as in case of Re.2000: almost every Fiat from the night section was different. Differences were not only painting but also the equipment. For example, my "6" is presented in two versions: the number "6" is a black or red. In the pictures below you can see a wealth of "variations" – it’s amazing due to the fact that the number of planes usually used by units was four...
source: Courage Alone - Italian Air Force 1940-43
source: Courage Alone - Italian Air Force 1940-43
source: http://www.asisbiz.com
source: http://members.tripod.com
source: http://members.tripod.com
Model.
I built model from Supermodel (Italeri) kit. The assembly was not particularly onerous. Stressful moment was mounting the upper wing and the correct alignment of struts. Airbrush painting made using Agama acrylic paints and varnish. Decals is a mix of what I had in stock, flights emblem was hand-painted. Soiling and wash done with MIG neutral wash, exhaust impurity were applied in the engine area is a mix of Vangogh oils (Raw Umber and Vandake Brown). Scratches made a dry brush (Humbrol 11) and a silver pencil artist. Scratches on the propeller made by accidentally reversing the order of colors used - silver Humbrol first, then Agama black acrylic, at the end whole was lightly dulling acute fabric.
