The Little World

Not that this aircraft is tropical in any way – it’s just that the kit has come from Singapore. A gift from a friend who took a holiday there.

I always welcome Italeri Italian aircraft, because I know they do them well; it’s a matter of national pride. The parts fit, the moulding is free from flash or sink, and the decals are good. The only small hitch is that I do not do planes with certain liveries, and have to select other colours for the build.

Fortunately, I have a scholarly interest in the air force and airline services of the Kingdom of Ruritania and new planes are always welcome on the landing field of Strelsau. We must see what this Caproni becomes over the next few weeks.

The kit is delicate – and rightly so – the prototype aircraft had a great many windows. Italeri have elected to mould them open and to provide clear styrene parts for the nose. There are two options – a conventional windscreen configuration, and an air-smoothed nose similar to a Heinkel or B-29. Again there will be a decision taken later as to which looks better.

I note that the wheels are retractable, though I will keep them out for landing. Full crew are provided.

The time spent in Singapore before coming to Australia has taken a toll on the kit – the decals and the box lid show evidence of some fungal growth. I am not concerned with either, but have given the lid a short bleach wipe to avoid further spread. This is a message for people who wish to purchase items in the tropical zones – including Darwin – and apparently also applies to goods from Japan. It is humid enough in summer to be of concern.

Here in Western Australia we are arid enough to dry out WC Fields, but damage already done by fungus can still be present in lenses and other gear. I take precautions.