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.
12 additional images. Click to enlarge.
david leigh-smith said on February 10, 2018
Bel Sparviero, Paolo.
Allan J Withers said on February 10, 2018
Nicely done Paolo, looks good, very color-full.
Craig Abrahamson said on February 10, 2018
Very nice...don't believe I've ever seen one of these before...I like it.
John Healy said on February 10, 2018
That’s beautiful.
Louis Gardner said on February 10, 2018
This is a beautiful plane, and one I have never seen built before. Well done ! I like it a lot...
Robert Royes said on February 10, 2018
Now this is something different! Beautiful build!
Bernard E. Hackett, Jr. said on February 10, 2018
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.
Marc Barris said on February 11, 2018
man, this loks good, I love the paint scheme, its really eye catching. Great job on this.
Paolo Ruffato said on February 11, 2018
Thanks to all, my friends
Phil Steele said on February 11, 2018
Looks great !
Gábor Szabó said on February 11, 2018
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!
Rob Pollock said on February 11, 2018
Very elegant aircraft design, and very well modelled.
Anthony Conway said on February 11, 2018
Nice one. Great colour scheme.
Tom Cleaver said on February 11, 2018
Always thought these looked great and your model confirms it. Nice work.
George Williams said on February 11, 2018
A very nice little bit of Italy!
Greg Kittinger said on February 12, 2018
Very sharp-looking build! Well done.
Jeff Bailey said on November 14, 2018
Beautiful model of a very handsome aircraft!