DONE +++ DB601-powered Macchi C.200A escort fighter (CAI, Belgium, late '40)

[nighthunter]

Looking good, my friend!

[Dizzyfugu]

Thank you. I am amazed how good the DB601 matches up with the fuselage, it looks like a natural combo - more C.202-ish than expected!

[zenrat]

There is enough similarity between the C200 & the C202/205 that this is going to be another potential "fooled you" build.

I'm close to the end on my 202 but I bet you finish this first...

[Dizzyfugu]

Well, looks as if the building process will be finished today.

Here's a look at the scheme I have chosen:

1:72 Macchi C.200A, aircraft '83-9' of the Corpo Aero Italiano (CAI) 83° Squadriglia, 18° Gruppo, 56° Stormo, Italian Royal Air Force (Regia Aeronautica); Ursel Airfield (Belgium), Autumn 1940 (Whif/Hobby Boss kit conversion) - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Macchi C.200A, aircraft '83-9' of the Corpo Aero Italiano (CAI) 83° Squadriglia, 18° Gruppo, 56° Stormo, Italian Royal Air Force (Regia Aeronautica); Ursel Airfield (Belgium), Autumn 1940 (Whif/Hobby Boss kit conversion) - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

I wanted something authentic, yet not the typical scheme in sand yellow with more or less green blotches. After some research I found a scheme that was used around late 1940, even by the CAI: pattern 'C3/Reticolo di Macchie Rade Verde Mimetico su altro Verde Mimetico -' a uniform pale green base with dark green mottle on the upper sides, and grey undersides.
Official colors were Verde Mimetico 53192, Verde Mimetico 3 and Grigio Mimetico - no Macchi aircraft was delivered this way, but this is whifworld, after all.

Verde Mimetico 53192 was simulated through a mix of Humbrol 80 and 83, with some 120 and 155 (Grass Green plus Ochre, with Medium Green and Olive Drab added), while Verde Mimetico 3 is simple Humbrol 117 (FS 34102). The underside was painted with FS 36314 (Flint Grey) from Modelmaster. According to contemporary CAI markings the cowling was painted in yellow.

[zenrat]

Nice paint

[Captain Canada]

Gorgeous scheme....I really like the look of that one ! I like the way the radiator housing is painted and the tips of the tanks.

[Dizzyfugu]

Thank you very much. I took the radiator/drop tank detail from later Italian machines, as well as the leading edges that carry the upper colors under the wings. Not certain if this was already practice in 1940, but it's a nice detail, anyway.

BTW, habemus decali...

1:72 Macchi C.200A, aircraft '83-9' of the Corpo Aero Italiano (CAI) 83° Squadriglia, 18° Gruppo, 56° Stormo, Italian Royal Air Force (Regia Aeronautica); Ursel Airfield (Belgium), Autumn 1940 (Whif/Hobby Boss kit conversion) - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

Beauty pics probably next.

[JasonW]

Looks fantastic. I wish I could build at just half the rate you do......

I'm jealous, really.

What paints did you use for the greens on the camo?

[Dizzyfugu]

Pls. check four posts before, all explained there.

[zenrat]

What prop are you using?
The ones on the 202 & 205 are much more attractive than the rather blunt ones on the Bf110.

[Dizzyfugu]

The prop is from the Hobby Boss C.200, the spinner is a leftover part from a Special Hobby He 100 - the diameter fits perfectly (since it belongs to a DB 601). The rather blunt nose is intended, a pointed C.202/205 spinner would IMHO not match with the short Bf 110 engine.

[zenrat]

No, a 202/205 one would be too long.
The one your using looks just right and not german.

[Captain Canada]

Oooh that looks super tasty now ! Great stuff.

[Dizzyfugu]

Thank you. The original prop was just taken because it fits in size to the aircraft, and its shaft had the perfect diameter for the attachachment tube. No deeper meaning, it's whifworld, after all.

[zenrat]

I meant the spinner.  Using a Bf 110 one would have made it more obvious where the engine came from.