AZ Models 1/72
Breda 27 “Metallico” Prototype
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History
The first of three prototypes of the Breda Model 27, nicknamed “Metallico”
for its all-metal skin, was built to the design of engineer Cesar Pallavicino
in 1931. Changes accumulated quickly; the resulting modifications leading
to three prototypes being built in short order. The AZ kit represents
the third, and definitive, prototype, which was essentially identical
with the production airplanes. The Regia Aeronautica were impressed with
the 27’s speed and strength but, preferring the maneuverability
of the traditional biplane, they placed no orders for Italian use. In
1935 the Breda Sales Department succeeded in selling 18 of the type to
the Nationalist Chinese government. Only 11 of the 18 were built and delivered
as the Chinese were now very concerned with the Japanese and preferred
more modern airplanes. In 1936 the third, and sole remaining, prototype,
M.M.218, was finally purchased by the Regia Aeronautica as a trainer.
The structure was based on a welded, tubular steel truss within the
fuselage, to which formers were attached to carry the aluminum skins.
The two-spar all metal wing and tail group had chord wise battens at each
rib station over the aluminum skin. These battens make the wing and tail
look like they are fabric covered.
Most sources aver that engineer Pallavicino was inspired by the structure
of the Travel Air R “Mystery Ship” and by the all-metal Boeing
P-26 “Peashooter”. There are certainly a lot of similarities.
By any lights it is, esthetically, a very attractive airplane and is especially
so in the prototype’s striking white with red livery.
The Kit
19 parts injection molded in medium gray styrene are presented on one
sprue tree. There are six parts cast in medium gray resin. One photo-etched
brass fret contains 15 parts and a small clear sheet has the windscreen
and instrument panel printed on it. The simple decal sheet, by Legato,
provides markings for the Third prototype but does not include the plane’s
M.M. number.
The parts are typical of well made, limited run kits and are acceptably
sharply detailed. I believe the wing battens should be more sharply defined
with no radius between the batten and the wing skin. A completely satisfactory
model of the attractive subject can be built straight out-of-the-box.
Conclusion
This is a well-executed kit of an obscure but very interesting and good-looking
subject.
I paid $29.98 plus 8.9% sales tax for mine at Emil Minerich’s
Skyway Model Shop in Seattle.
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