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LF/KORA Models 1/72 SAIMAN 202M Communications by Richard Mendes |
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This small but fairly fast machine was one of the most common light aircraft in service with the Italian Air Force. The first production models of the S.A.I.M.A.N. 202 appeared in 1936 but they had a long operational career. During the war they were used almost exclusively as communications air- craft. Those aeroplanes that survived the Second World War were withdrawn in the early 1950s and sold to civlian flying clubs. The type 202 was a small low-wing monoplane, with wood structure and composite covering. It carried two people in a closed cockpit. The aeroplane was powered by a 120 hp Alfa Romeo air-cooled in-line engine. The maximum speed was about 145 mph (233 km/h). The 204 model was slightly larger than the 202 and could carry four people, including the pilot. It was powered by a 185 hp Alfa engine. The two aircraft were used for communication on all fronts. The first production aircraft were 202bis’ incorporating minor cabin changes for civilian aircrew training followed by the 202/I with improved fuselage design and repositioned tailplane. To compete in a 1939 touring aircraft rally the 4-cylinder air cooled 130hp Alfa Romeo 110-powered 202 RL and four-seat SAIMAN 204 R with lengthened cabin and longer nose powered by a 6-cylinder 205hp Alfa Romeo 115 engine were built. To meet an urgent operational requirement for military trainers in October 1939 the Regia Aeronautica ordered a simplified version of the 202 RL as the 202/M, Compagnia Nazionale Aeronautica building 85, Societá per Azioni Costruzioni Aeronavali 65 and SAIMAN 215. |
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The 1/72 scale 2018-vintage LF/KORA Models injected plastic KPK72101 SAIMAN 202 "I-BOTT", KPK72102 202bis, KPK72085, 72086, 72093, 72094, 72102, 72103 202/M single, KPK72095, 72096, 72097 202/Ms doubled with Messerschmitt Bf 109G-6s and early 2000's-vintage Italian Kit Wings resin IW08 "SAIMAN 202" are the only known model kits of these cabin monoplanes in any scale the latter out of production. Adequately molded with good cockpit detailing, clear plastic cargo windows for the KPK72102 202bis the apparent sole parts difference amongst the others installing them necessitating having to cut out scribed areas inside fuselage halves, it and the 72086 202/M were purchased direct from LF Models on June 7, 2020 the main variants in RAI service during WWII as well as the newest Italian aircraft model subjects of my kit collection.
Model painting likewise was straightforward; cockpit interiors Testors Flat Black and White 15:1 mix enamels "light gray" approximating that surrounding an Internet photo of the post-WWII restored Museum of Aviation Rimini, Emilia-Romagna Italy's 202/M, entire LF/KORA 202/M model exterior Testors Flat Black, White, Light Blue 1:15:5 enamel mix approximating light blue finish of the Rimini 202/M, fuselage and main wing white bands with pre-WWII Italian Tri-Color rudder replicating Generale (Ministro dell'Aeronautica) Rino Corso Fougier's (1894-1963) personal aircraft at Roma-Centocelle April 1942. Fougier commanded the Regia Aeronautica from 1941 to 1943. Note Fougier's blue command pennant on both sides of the fuselage ahead of the white fuselage band and emblazoned with a golden eagle and staff. Kit decals used for this model over-sprayed with Testors Clear Semi-Gloss Lacquer.
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Aircraft: S.A.I.M.A.N. 202 Manufacturer: Societa Anonima Industrie Mecchaniche Aeronautiche Navali (Caproni) Type: Communications/Training Year: 1936 Engine: Alfa Romeo 110, 4-cylinder in-line, air-cooled, 120 hp Wingspan: 35 ft 7 in (10.85 m) Length: 25 ft 3 in (7.70 m) Height: 6 ft 7 in (2.05 m) Weight: 2,046 lb (928 kg) (Loaded) Maximum Speed: 143 mph (230 km/h) Ceiling: 16,400 ft (5,000 m) Range: 435 miles (700 km) Armament: None Crew: 2 |
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