The Little World

And their new SM.81 general service aircraft – set to deliver the liquid products of Ruritania as far away as Switzerland and Holland.

The converted 1930’s Italian bomber that has just joined the RRAAF in the Transport Service started life with 6 machine guns and two bomb bays. It now has two bottle bays ( Ruritanian turnip brandy ) and everything else blanked off or shut up. Less wind resistance and no prying eyes of customs officials in other airports.

The Italeri kit was a beauty to build, and only exhibited one flaw. The instruction sheet showed the control actuators mounted in a reversed position. Real-life photos of the SM.81 on the net were clear enough, so the horns could be mounted correctly and the actuator arms trimmed to match the position of the flaps.

The window glazing went perfectly – the canopies also fit amazingly well for a cheap kit. The wheels in their spats turn and have flat spots upon which to rest.

It is a fine addition to the royal fleet and encourages one to look further over on the Italeri shelves to see if there is a larger tri-motor as well.