Savoia Marchetti SM-82 Libyan Clipper. Finished pics pg 5.

[Rheged]

Must admit I've a weakness for most things Italian.

I'm sure you do, Chris!    

Barolo, Bardolino, Chianti, Frascati, Gambarella, Soave,  Valpolystrippa Valpolicella,  Sophia Lauren,  Claudia Cardinale  and no doubt several other Italians too.  I suspect that linguini and cutoletta Milanese  might possibly hit the list too.

[zenrat]

I have a weakness for Italian trimotors.  I've already built an SM-81 and have an SM-79 and a Z.1007 in the stash.

Single or twin fin? Or does the kit supply both options? I prefer the twin fin version but if the kit has the option for either I'd be tempted to make it a triple fin.

Twin.  Supermodel released separate kits of the two subtypes.

I may have found and ordered a Z.506 on evil-bay last night.

[Flyer]

Nice! Three engines and floats, that may be a good addition 

Italian designer's in the 30's and 40's seemed to have had a good eye for proportions, I cannot think of an aircraft by them in that era that I don't like the look of. They may have been slightly underpowered and/or light on armament but they looked good.

[Old Wombat]

Italian designer's in the 30's and 40's seemed to have had a good eye for proportions, I cannot think of an aircraft by them in that era that I don't like the look of. They may have been slightly underpowered and/or light on armament but they looked good.

Always an important consideration for Italian designers: Looks, then Function!

[Pellson]

Italian designer's in the 30's and 40's seemed to have had a good eye for proportions, I cannot think of an aircraft by them in that era that I don't like the look of. They may have been slightly underpowered and/or light on armament but they looked good.

As an ex-Alfa Romeo owner, I'm inclined to agree. That said, the Alfas were always much loved. 

Always an important consideration for Italian designers: Looks, then Function!

[zenrat]

Cleared her today.  Should get the transfers on tomorrow.
Painting of fiddley bits progressing.
CPA shows removal of masking on glazing followed by remedial paintwork is biggest potential f**kup and delay.

I think she'll be finished by St Val's Day but it's going to be tight and I don't think i'll get the planned jeep hoist built and fitted into the bomb cargo bay.

[zenrat]

Masking removed without major f**kup.
Looking promising.

[Flyer]

Good 

[NARSES2]

Looking promising.

I'm touching all the wood possible for you 

[zenrat]

I'm calling this done enough to post.
There are still a number of small bits and pieces to attach and paint, and the jeep cradle mechanism to scratch up, and some light weathering but it's together enough for Post Office duties.

Savoia Marchetti SM-82 Libyan Clipper.  Gambut Main February 1942.

Left behind by retreating Italian forces a Savoia Marchetti SM-82 Marsupiale was pressed into service by 450 Sqn RAAF, repainted,  and used to fly beer and jeeps (both vital supplies) from Alexandria to Tripoli and other points in North Africa.

Savoia Marchetti SM-82 Libyan Clipper 95%  - 1 by Fred Maillardet, on Flickr

Savoia Marchetti SM-82 Libyan Clipper 95%  - 6 by Fred Maillardet, on Flickr

Savoia Marchetti SM-82 Libyan Clipper 95%  - 3 by Fred Maillardet, on Flickr

In reality the Libyan Clipper was a Ju 52.

[PR19_Kit]

That is splendid! I especially like the dropped flaps, I rarely do that and perhaps I should. 

[NARSES2]

Looks good mate 

[Old Wombat]

Great result, Fred!

And good to see they had their priorities right!

[Wardukw]

Love it Fred...another of your builds mate..excellent as usual 

[loupgarou]

Beautiful build of an interesting plane.