Scratchbuilt 1/72 Macchi M.67 racer

Gallery Article by Gabriel Stern on Oct 26 2010

 

   Since I was at it with the Macchi M.C.72, I decided to also go for the M.67, which was a slightly earlier -1929- machine equipped with an Isotta Fraschini ASSO 18cyl in “W” of 1,800 hp. The particular configuration of the engine determined the shape of the front fuselage. Three machines were made and experienced the multiple problems associated which such complex pieces of engineering.

   Like the M.C.72, the M.67 was a pure bred racer seaplane, conceived to compete for the Schneider trophy. The lines and general arrangement are similar to those of the MC72, also having radiators on the wings, floats and struts, besides the fuselage sides and the oil cooler under the chin. It had a three-blade propeller that of course created some torque, so one float carried more fuel than the other and the wing was very slightly asymmetrical to try to compensate. The design was not fortunate due to technical problems, but one machine survives at the Vigna Di Valle museum.

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   How to build an Italian racer:
   Firstly, you must know that the secret is in the tomatoes. The right ones will give the finished model that characteristic bright red racy hue.

    Secondly, you must knead your modeling material appropriately and then cook it “al dente”. Not too soft, not too hard.

    Thirdly, you must gesticulate profusely before, during, and after assembly, especially when other modelers are around. You may accompany said gesticulation with convenient New Jersey-Italian-accented phrases that you can learn watching The Late Late Night Show with Craig Ferguson, like “What's a come and a go”.

   But seriously:

   The model followed the same methods as the similar MC72 posted here before, one difference being the shapes created for the engine cylinder bank fairings. As it is sometimes the case, the carving and sanding of these particular parts and their fit over a compound-curve surface required some attention and time. Aeroclub vac floats were adapted removing a section and re-joining their front and back halves which matched the plans very well. A cockpit interior was created of which little could be seen once the fuselage halves were closed. The fuselage needed several sessions of puttying, sanding and priming –see images-. The fuselage side radiators were engraved on thin alu foil that was painted brass later on and added to the finished fuselage. Struts for the floats were adapted from Contrail streamlined stock. A leftover bomb from a kit was put to better use creating the conical spinner, and blades were re-shaped from a white metal prop. Spars were located on the fuselage to align and secure tail and wing halves. Decals, 77 of them, were home made.

    The fantastic lines of this racer look like a sculpture influenced by Carra, Balla and Boccioni of Italian Futurism fame.

    No wonder Miyazaki was inspired by these wonderful machines to create his famous “Porco Rosso”.

Gabriel Stern

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Photos and text © by Gabriel Stern