A little bit of Italy – SM. 79T Corsa
Hi guys, I’m back with an old model. But just a little bit of history.
The tri-motor S-79T was a long-range version of the S-79C with increased fuel capacity and Alfa Romeo 126 KC34 engines. Three S-79Cs were converted to S-79Ts, the T standing for Trans Atlantic. These were prepared for a South Atlantic crossing on route where scheduled airline service was being planned.
The identity of the three S-79Ts was as follows: MM359 I-BIMU became I-BISE, after pilot Attilio Biseo and Amadeo Paradisi MM358 I-CUDA became I-MONI and MM356 I-FILU became I-BRUN indicating each airplane commander. After detailed preparation, the three S-79Ts took off on January 1938 for record flight to Rio Di Janeiro, Brazil, via Dakar, Senegal, which was the route of many previous pioneering ocean flights.
The ‘Green Mice’ S-79T I-BISE, formerly I-5 I-BIMU had markings that are mixed with civil registration and I for Italy on the rudder and also the military shield on the white rudder stripe.
The three ‘Green Mice’ flew almost 10,000 Kilometres at an average speed of 248 mph, landing in Rio on the evening of 25th January with one S-79 being slowed down by propeller trouble. The flight was possibly the final act of the Golden Age of aviation prior to the outbreak of the Second World War.
The starting kit is Italeri nr 1243 and I used the upgrade kit of Pavla for the conversion.
Not so easy, but a good conversion.
I built this model some years ago, and today, when I shoot these photos, I discover a lot of little mistakes… Well, look at to the future and to next model.
Bel Sparviero, Paolo.
Nicely done Paolo, looks good, very color-full.
Very nice...don't believe I've ever seen one of these before...I like it.
That’s beautiful.
This is a beautiful plane, and one I have never seen built before. Well done ! I like it a lot...
Now this is something different! Beautiful build!
Paolo, prettiest scheme on the Sparviero. I first saw this in the old Profile years ago. I thought, Hmmm... Great to see it done, really different.
man, this loks good, I love the paint scheme, its really eye catching. Great job on this.
Thanks to all, my friends
Looks great !
Beautifully done! I have exactly the same kit with the Pavla conversion half-made (actually I cut the fusalege to pieces andalter the engines but not more) avaiting further inspiration. Your excellent Corsa could be that! Thanks!
Very elegant aircraft design, and very well modelled.
Nice one. Great colour scheme.
Always thought these looked great and your model confirms it. Nice work.
A very nice little bit of Italy!
Very sharp-looking build! Well done.
Beautiful model of a very handsome aircraft!