1/48 Special Hobby Breda 65 A80
Aircraft from Aviazione Legionaria 1937, Spanish Civil War. If you have no experience with limited run kits don’t try this one as your first attempt. Extra detail was added to engine and cockpit with kit guns replaced by Master barrels. I vacuformed a replacement canopy hood as the kit part was too thick to pose in the open position. The decals for the fuselage numbers, black roundels with the M and fin squadron insignia were custom made by Bob Norgren.
17 additional images. Click to enlarge.
david leigh-smith said on April 8, 2019
Technically superb, Dale, and lovely artwork on the camouflage. The canopy turned out great, but, boy is that a bad canopy design – how could those pilots see anything?
‘Liked’
dale travis said on April 8, 2019
Thanks for your positive comments. David it was not just the canopy that was poorly designed, it was the entire aircraft! This, along with its stable mate the Ba. 88, are among the worst attack aircraft of W.W.II.
Pedro L. Rocha said on April 9, 2019
Yep, and despite being a complete flop, it has an awkwardly sexy looks 🙂 it’s a great build Dale, wonderfully made
dale travis said on April 9, 2019
Thanks Pedro. I’ve also like the look of this plane and also the K14 version. I’m still hoping SH does the Ba. 88 in 1/48.
bob mack said on April 9, 2019
beautiful model
dale travis said on April 9, 2019
Thanks Bob, I appreciate your comment.
Michael Gosse said on April 9, 2019
Very nice build and finish, Dale. And thank you for that article also because I do have that kit in my stash and no idea until now about it….I will take yours as an inspiration.
dale travis said on April 9, 2019
Thanks Michael. One thing you need to look out for in this build is the landing gear is 2-3 m.m. too long. If not adjusted the plane will sit very noticeably nose high. Also make sure the cowling opening diameter is right. I’ve seen a build where it was too small and it really throws the look of the engine way off.
Erik Gjørup said on April 9, 2019
Well done! Is there any chance of a vacform tutorial on iModeler 🙂
dale travis said on April 9, 2019
Thanks Erik. I just have an old Mattel machine and use the kit parts as a master. I fill the inside of the part with art plaster to strengthen it so it’s not damaged in the forming process. As far as tutorials, I believe there are some on the internet that are far better than I could do!
Robert Royes said on April 9, 2019
Great job! love the engine detail.
dale travis said on April 9, 2019
Greatly appreciated Robert!
Tom Cleaver said on April 9, 2019
Nice work from what I know personally is a dogmeat kit. Excellent result.
Greg Kittinger said on April 9, 2019
beautifully done! I’ve got one of these in 1/72 – will use yours as reference!
David Mills said on April 9, 2019
Great work Dale !
Wonderful to see these Italian subject being built.
dale travis said on April 9, 2019
Thanks gentlemen for the positive comments!
John Healy said on April 10, 2019
Nice work, Dale. I enjoy these offbeat planes too.