Hasegawa 1/48 Macchi MC. 202 Folgore
Italian Lighting
by Vince Tassone
Undoubtly the most important Italian single-seat fighter of WWII. Although more powerful Italian fighters appeared in 1942 such as the Series 5 fighters, none were produced in the same quantity as the Macchi MC. 202. Still, given this, the number of MC. 202s produced in WWII amounted to approximately 1,100 aircaft. Compare this figure to the number of P51s (15,686), P47s (15,683), Bf. 109s (35,000), Spitfires (20,351) and the Mitsubishi A6M (10,449).  This comparison shows clearly the state of the Italian aircraft industry, as well as the entire Italian industrial complex of WWII to produce modern military equipment in the numbers needed to win a protracted conflict. In fact, aircraft production decreased during this period indicating the general state of the industry.  This situation was due mainly to the lack of strategic raw materials since the Italian aircraft industry was large.  This state of affairs also stymied the military industry's efforts to convert new and competitive types into useful numbers. Nevertheless, given these odds, the MC. 202 distinguished itself well and was respected by both friend and foe alike and is generally considered in the same class, and is often considered superior in some important aspects to the Spitfire Mk. V, the Bf. 109F and the P.38s in which it encountered in the Mediterranean and NA theaters.

This kit is the much sought after Hasegawa 1/48 scale MC. 202 and is the finest example of this model on the market.  What's perplexing to me is why this model is only produced in small batches by Hasegawa and then discontinued shortly after each of its releases, for to find one in a local hobby shop is near well impossible -  ie., the model sells out quickly.

Anyway, construction, like most Hasegawa kits is straight forward and neat, wheel well construction needs attention as does the placement of the cockpit tub.  Detail is magnificant, including interior detail around the cockpit and wheel wells.  Recessed panel lines are perfectly proportioned and the canopy is easy to mask.

The model depicts Red 2 of the 369a Squadriglia, 22o Gruppo Autonomo, 53o Stormo based in Campo Vasubio, Naples.  MC. 202 units were deployed extensively in operations against Malta and in NA as well as on the Russian Front.  The model is painted in the distinctive Macchi smoke-ring camoflauge scheme using AeroMaster Lacquer RLM 70 for Verde Oliva Scuro (FS 34052) over Humbrol 119 (Nocciola Chiaro FS 30219) and Polly Scale Italian Light Gray (Grigio Azzuro Chiaro) FS 36307 undersurfaces.  The interior cockpit and wheel wells were painted Verde Anticorrosione FS 34272.  Aeromaster Decal Sheet 48-189 MC. 202 Folgore Collection was used to complete the kit and the decals reacted well to setting solution. Highly Recommended.

Technical Data:
Aircraft: Macchi MC.202
Manufacturer: Aeronautica Macchi S.p.A.
Type: Fighter
Year: 1941
Engine: Daimler Benz DB 601A-1, 12-cylinder V, liquid-cooled, 1,175hp
Wingspan: 34 ft 8 1/2 in (10.57m)
Length: 29 ft 1 in (8.85 m)
Height: 9 ft 11 1/2 in (3.02 m)
Weight: 6,480 lb (2,937 kg) (Loaded)
Maximum Speed: 372 mph (600 km/h) at 18,050 ft (5,500 m)
Ceiling: 37,700 ft (11,500 m)
Range: 475 miles (765 km)
Armament: 2 x 12.7 mm SAFATs (0.5 in)
Crew: 1

Additional Images:
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