SuperModel

1/48 CR.42 LW & AB 41 Autoblinda

Kit Number: 10-501

Reviewed by  Chuck Bush, IPMS #42838

MSRP: $23.00 Website: www.modelrec.com This double kit from SuperModel contains Italeri moldings. It is packaged in an end-opening box with a photograph of the completed kits on the front and a full color 3 view drawings of the subjects on the back. There is a well-done set of instructions for each model, each with a parts map and paint and decal guides. The sprues for each model are in separate bags. The decals for both models are on one sheet.

CR.42 LW: I have not built an airplane in years and I'm afraid it shows. I had problems mainly with the wing struts. However, I think an aircraft modeler would have no problem with this kit. This was an all metal biplane with an A.74, 840 hp engine. It was used as a night fighter through out the war, and the decals provide markings for 3 of these planes. The kit contains 2 sprues of parts molded in gray plastic. The molding is crisp and the detail is very good. There is also a clear windshield. The cockpit is very nice. Detail includes seat, control stick, side and front instrument panels, rudder peddles and a tubular frame to top it off. There are decals for the instruments and they look good. The cockpit and tail wheel are trapped inside the fuselage halves. The engine is made up of 7 parts with a 4-part cowling. There are exhaust extensions provided, and these add to the overall look of the model. It took me forever to be satisfied with the alignment of the upper wing and the struts. But I think that was just me. There are a pair of cowl mounted machine guns provided, along with 2 bomb racks, but no bombs. Because I had gotten so far behind, I painted the airplane a simple 2-color scheme to and applied the decals. Airplanes are not my thing, but this kit has a lot to offer. I would recommend it to any aircraft modeler.

Autoblinda AB 41: Introduced in 1941, the AB 41 was armed with a 20mm Breda 35 cannon, it's 2 spare wheels were mounted in neutral to help get over obstacles, and was capable of over 70 Kph on the road. The kit contains 4 sprues of parts in tan plastic, a metal frame, 6 vinyl tires, and 2 small screws for attaching the frame. I found the molding to be crisp and detail to be good, including the rivet detail on the body. There is no interior detail for the body and the side doors are molded closed. The turret has separate hatches to show off the gun breach, gunner's seat and traversing wheel. There is some detail molded inside the hatches, but also a few ejector pin marks that will be a pain to clean up. The exterior tools are nicely done, and there are 4 jerry cans with molded on straps. Construction is straight forward and the instructions are clear and well thought out. My sample was missing part B 52, which is the entire underside of the body plus the bottom half of the axles. Dave was unable to get a replacement part, so I did a bit of creative gluing and was able to complete the model. I painted and marked the car for Regio Esercito, Libya, 1942. The decals are good quality and went on with no problem. I enjoyed building this model and would recommend it to anyone.

I believe that both these models have been released separately by Italari. I wish to thank IPMS USA and MRC Academy for the review kit.