RNZAF Macchi MB.326

[KiwiZac]

Hi team,
No big backstory for this one, just a simple premise: what if the Royal New Zealand Air Force had replaced the De Havilland Vampire with the Macchi MB.326 in 1970, rather than the BAC Strikemaster?

We ended up replacing the Strikemaster with the Aermacchi MB.339CB in 1991, so perhaps this idea makes a bit more sense?

This is the Supermodel 1/72 kit reboxed by Italeri with a great decal sheet. I was planning to make it a real world RAAF Roulettes machine OOB, but the included RAAF roundels are awful to my eye, so I started thinking...

No real issues with the kit that weren't my fault - I used superglue to mount the wings but used too much, and the ventral airbrake on Supermodel Aer/Macchis REALLY doesn't suit beingbuilt closed! Ventura decals for the national marks, kit decals for the stencils and Italeri OH-6A for the numbers. I used the practice bombs and racks from the Hasegawa Harrier, I'll take more pics soon to show these off 

[rickshaw]

Nice.  Never did understand the RNZAF's decision to by Strikemasters....   

[Captain Canada]

Yup, I'd say it would look just like that ! Well done Zac. What colours are those ? They look perfect together !

[zenrat]

Cool.

[Dizzyfugu]

Nice one. Simple and subtle - and it looks good! 

[comrade harps]

That is beautiful! 

[KiwiZac]

Thanks gents! I've already done Airfix's new Gnat using the Airfix Strikemaster decals and this paint scheme. CC - it's all Tamiya acrylics, I use these three + Light Grey as my standard SEA camo. I'll get the numbers and names tonight after work for you :-)

Flyer - I'd only seen video of the Roulettes from the 1988 Richmond show, but that scheme looks great on them. A7-025, being restored to fly in Oz, flew at that show in the team and will fly in Roulettes colours. Meanwhile I have the markings left over from the kit....and Airfix has released a 1/48 Gnat....

Rickshaw - my guess is "buy British". They served us well though and we now have three flying here as warbirds. It's been a real thrill to see them fly as I was all of 4yo when they retired!

[KiwiZac]

So! The SEA camo colours are XF-49 Khaki, XF-27 Black Green, and XF-13 JA Green.

[KiwiZac]

Guess what? Some years ago a friend found newspaper clippings talking about the RNZAF buying some Australian-build MB.326s! Turns out this WAS close to being a reality!