Torresi's 1/48 Re 2005

[nimbus109]

Evidently there were two 362a Squadriglia, 22° Gruppo, 42° Stormo 2005s with the same 'white 2'. Both with different MM codes. Toressi's was MM 092345. I would like to build Torrresi's re.2005 in 1/48 scale, but have held up because of the conflicting information. I know Minguzzi flew the two prototypes in combat, MM494 and MM495, both, I believe, with wing-mounted MGs and not 20mm cannons. Any sources for this or info on other successful pilots who flew the Sagittario. Thanks.

[Editor]

There's a well known partial restoration of Re.2005 "White 2" MM.092351 - see below. 22° Gruppo was briefly attached to 42o Stormo 10 May - July 1, 1943 but was autonomous from January 1942 to the armistice when 52o Stormo was disbanded. There isn't much on MM.092345 other than it was damaged in a bombing raid at Capodichino on 26 June 1943 - also coded White 2.

We only know for certain magg. Vittorio Minguzzi flew MM.494 in combat and scored in this plane shooting down a B-24 on 2 April 1943 and sharing in others. Both prototypes MM.494 and MM.495 were armed with wing-mounted 12.7mm MGs. MM.495 was later fitted with 20mm wing canons during armaments testing at CSA/Furbara although MM.092352 (also sent to Furbara), part of the pre-production batch of Serie 0 planes was used to determine the final configuration and armament in June 1943.

[nimbus109]

Any thoughts on how I can replicate the 494 prototype canopy?

[Editor]

Dip in future and mask the two upper ribs. Note the plane that saw service, the cockpit was shortened by 19cm the same as Serie 0 planes and also note the Reggiane oval logo on the rudder. I'm not sure if this plane was equipped with a single cannon that fired through the propeller hub. The plane went to Furbara fitted with two 12.7mm wing guns and two in the upper forward fuselage.