The Italians were leaders in strategic bombing during the 1930s and continued to produce advanced designs through out the war years which included designs such as the CANT Z.1018 and the Piaggio P.108.  Entering the war Italy had on hand three main bomber designs, the SM.79, the Fiat BR.20 and the CANT Z.1007.   The CANT Z.1007 was the most modern of the three appearing in 1938. The first large-scale use of the CANT three-engine bombers took place in the Greek campaign including the raid on 13 April, 1941 involving 300 fighters and bombers of the Regia Aeronautica attacking Mostar and the arsenal of Cattaro.  Later the bomber operated in the Mediterranean from Sicilian and Sardinian airfields, the Aegean, North and East Africa as well as being present on the Russian front and employed over the Channel.

This is the 1/48 CANT Z.1007 bis from Alpha Flight.   It was a difficult task constructing the kit for about two cold months - here in Milano in Northern Italy - but I'm satisfied with the overall result.
In my opinion the quality of this kit is not in line with the Italian price of € 200,00 (about US$260.00) but not to worry, you'd be lucky to find just one in a shop here! In any case because this kit remains "the only game in town" as Jean Barby has already noted, it does provide modelers an opportunity to model a very interesting subject.   The kit was finished in the three tone camouflage scheme and painted in the distinctive CANT style of the period.  Only one decal option is available.

If you have plenty of time and lots of patience this model can be very formative for a modeller's career!
Technical Data:
Aircraft: CANT Z.1007bis
Manufacturer: Cantieri Riuniti dell'Adriatico
Type: Bomber
Year: 1938
Engine: Three Piaggio P.XI RC 40, 14-cyclinder radial, air-cooled, 1,000hp
Wingspan: 81 ft 4 in (24.80 m)
Length: 61 ft (18.59 m)
Height: 17 ft 1 in (5.22 m)
Weight: 38,200 lb (17,327 kg) (Loaded)
Maximum Speed: 283 mph (456 km/h) at 15,100 ft (4,600 m)
Ceiling: 26,500 ft (8,100 m)
Range: 1,243 miles (2000 km)
Armament: 4 MGs; 2,430 lb (1,100 kg) of bombs
Crew: 5

Additional Images:
Alpha Flight 1/48 CANT Z.1007 bis
Alcione (Kingfisher)
by Stefano Bagnasco
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