Review: Classic Airframes 1/48 IMAM Romeo Ro.37bis
by Vince Tassone
Kit Specs:
Catolgue No.: 469
Model: IMAM Romeo Ro. 37bis
Manufacturer: Classic Airframes
List Price: $50.00 US
Subject Type: Reconnaissance
Year (kit): 2005
Scale: 1/48
Plastic Parts: 47
Resin Parts: 11
Clear Parts: 5
Photoetched/Accessories: 1 PE Sheet + film
Target Audience: Medium Skilled - Skilled
Decals: Microscale, markings for 3 aircraft
Tooling: New Tooling
Panel Lines: Recessed
Weighted Tires: No

Rating:
Box Art: 5
Flashing: 4
Sprues: 5
Quality of Recessed Panel Lines: 5
Quality of Plastic: 5
Quality of Resin Parts: 5
Quality of Photoetched Parts: 5
Instructions: 4
Brief History (Instructions): 5
Decals: 5
Suggested Color/Camo Accuracy: 4
Overall Detail: 5
Overall Accuracy: 5
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Bang-for-your-buck: 5
Consistent with its recent run of high quality RA plastic kits, Classic Airframes (CA) introduced earlier this year the IMAM Ro.37bis in 1/48 scale. A biplane reconnaissance aircraft that made its combat debut in the Spanish Civil War, the Ro.37 was used extensively throughout WWII by the Regia Aeronautica. The 'bis' version of the Ro.37 represented the radial engined version of the Ro.37. Both the inline and radial engined versions of this aircraft are avaiable from Classic Airframes.

Upon opening the box, the modeler is welcomed to quiet allot of plastic and accessories.  There are four main sprues and the plastic is clean with little or no flashing.  Recessed panel lines are proportional and consistent with no need for rescribing. There are no signs of injector marks, mistakes or depressions in any of  the moldings.  The radial engine is beautifully cast as a single piece and separate resin interior parts are provided including the rear gunner machine gun.  The PE frets are spectacular; and interesting PE wheel spokes are provided adding a dramatic effect to the overall appearance. The PE set also includes seat belts as well as a highly-detailed instrument panel with two film sheets for gauges.  Five clear parts are provided for the pilot and rear observation windows. The decals are fabricated by Microscale and three color options are provided. The recommended FS colors should be adjusted for the machine circa 1938 to Giallo Mimetico 3, Verde Mimetico 3, and Bruno Mimetico for the three tone color camouflage scheme as carried by all IMAM aircraft until 1941. For undersides, Aluminum or Grigio Mimetico are suggested instead of Grigio Azzuro Chiaro (36307) which did not make its appearance until 1941. Please consult the Stormo RA Color Guide. The instructions are well laid out and a brief and interesting History is provided of the aircaft, typical of all CA Kits.

Overall a tremendous effort by Classic Airframes of a lesser known aircraft but an important RA type nonetheless. Highly Recommended.

Well I'm off to build this aircraft so stay tuned for mid construction articles and updates during the build up. Ciao for now.
click the images to view aircraft markings