1/48 Reggiane Re. 2001
This is the new Sword kit. It’s a completely new mold and shares nothing with the old Classic Airframes model of this plane. The plastic moldings on this kit are top notch, smooth surfaced, and fit well. The only things that indicate that it’s a limited run kit are lack of locator pins, vague landing gear attachments, and butt joined stabilizers. I drilled the later out and strengthened them with brass pins. Everything fit together very nicely on this model, better then some mainstream kits that I’ve built. I drilled out the gun ports, added Eduard seat harnesses, and made the antenna wiring from EZ line. I used Humbrol enamels for everything except the topside green. That is Xtracolor RLM 70, which is a decent match for Italian Verde Olivia Scuro. I think it looks better then the Humbrol #91 that I used on my Re. 2005. The kit decals were excellent. I did learn that two of the three options offered have inaccurate codes done in gray. They should be blue. I chose the final option with correct codes in white. A light coat of Testors semi-gloss clear and some pastel exhaust stains finished it up. It represents a Reggiane based in Sicily that was involved in the Malta campaign. This was a very enjoyable project that built quickly. Highly recommended.
13 additional images. Click to enlarge.
Spiros Pendedekas said on February 1, 2021
This is a top job, John @j-healy!
The Sword kit might have succeeded the CA one, but it still is a challengiing one to build. Kudos to your quick and efficient work!
John Healy said on February 1, 2021
Thanks, Spiros. It was a fun project. We really do live in a great time for this hobby when kits like this are available.
Erik Gjørup said on February 1, 2021
Very nice little quick build John @j-healy.
John Healy said on February 1, 2021
Thanks, Erik!
Jim Altergott said on February 1, 2021
Another great job John. Your production of Italian WW2 aircraft has piqued my interest in Regia Areonautica modeling subjects. I look forward to seeing the He-111 you are currently working on.
John Healy said on February 1, 2021
Thanks, Jim. Blenheim ad Heinkel both inching along.
John vd Biggelaar said on February 1, 2021
Very nice build, John.
Those Italian WWII birds are very attractive, and yours clearly shows that.
Well done.
John Healy said on February 1, 2021
Thanks, John. They have a grace all their own. Especially the ones with Daimler engines.
Bob Bailey said on February 1, 2021
Great job, John, on a very cool looking fighter. The WW2 Italian a/c...great looking fighters, the bombers not so much, but interesting/challenging to build in plastic.
John Healy said on February 1, 2021
Thanks, Bob.
Robert Royes said on February 1, 2021
Looks great, I agree the Italian fighters were some thing to look at.
John Healy said on February 1, 2021
Thanks, Robert.
Tom Cleaver said on February 1, 2021
Very nice work John. Thanks for the inspiration. I have been considering this.
John Healy said on February 1, 2021
Thanks, Tom. I’m trying to reduce the stash but had to spring for this one when Sprue Bros. got some in stock last month. Well worth the $30.
dale travis said on February 1, 2021
Looking good John!
John Healy said on February 1, 2021
Thanks, Dale!
Louis Gardner said on February 2, 2021
John, @j-healy
I picked this same kit up when Sprue Brothers had their sale a little while ago. It looks very nice when it's built up. You did a magnificent job with it.
John Healy said on February 2, 2021
Thanks, Louis. It’s a fun kit. Enjoy.
George Williams said on February 2, 2021
I always like Italian models, they have a certain something, and you've done a neat job with this new offering, definitely liked.
John Healy said on February 2, 2021
Thanks, George!