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.
Click on
images below to see larger images
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
Click on
images below to see larger images
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