Supermodel 1/48 CR.42 LW & AB 41 Autoblinda
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Overview
Supermodel is a name from the past, long associated with classic Italian
subjects. The name has returned as part of the Italeri line, and this
boxing starts things off with not one kit, but two. The first is the well-known
Italeri 1/48 Fiat CR.42, while the second is a new 1/48 AB 41 armored
car. As these are two distinct kits, I’ll review them separately,
but the dual kit boxing really makes this release an affordable option
for both of these subjects.
The Fiat CR.42 LW
 Italeri’s
CR.42 kit is a nice model out of the box, molded in light gray plastic.
Although identified as a Luftwaffe release, with open wheel spats, the
parts also include the full spats as well. Other options include the night
fighter exhausts and two styles of spinners. The decal sheet provides
markings for three Luftwaffe night fighters.
Starting with the cockpit, this is surprisingly well detailed, with
a detailed instrument panel/forward fuselage structure, separate rudder
pedals, sidewall inserts, and an upper fuselage tubular structure piece.
With the small cockpit opening, the kit cockpit will be more than adequate,
especially with some careful painting and weathering. With the interior
done, the fuselage assembly is simple, with just the addition of the cockpit,
tailwheel, and headrest being the only additions. With the halves together,
a separate upper cowling completes the main fuselage assembly. For the
engine, this comes with both rows, separate pushrods, an exhaust collector
ring complete with exhaust stubs, and a four-part cowling.
 Moving
on to the wings, these are probably the weakest part of the kit, in that
they have very pronounced ribs on both the upper and lower sides to each
wing. While there may be some representation of ribs on the upper side,
the lower should be smooth. Luckily, this is an easy fix, simply sand
the rib detailing down. For both the upper and lower wings, they are split
into top and bottom pieces. The strut location pegs look to be solid,
but some careful test fitting is essential here to ensure a perfect fit.
With some care, it will be possible to build this up without assembling
the struts until after painting.
 Flipping
the kit over, the landing gear is nicely detailed, whether you opt for
the open spats or not. The main wheels are split in half and have nice
hub detailing. The cross bracing has a very solid attachment, both on
the struts and on the centerline fuselage fairing. Italeri has done some
excellent work with the engineering here to make sure that assembly would
be both simple and sturdy. The final details include control horns and
cables, a venturi, the windscreen, and wing bomb racks.
For decals, as noted this release has three Luftwaffe examples. All
three are painted in a similar scheme consisting of a mix of Italian and
German colors. In all three cases, the undersides have a disruptive pattern
painted over the RLM 76 color. All three options are from Nachtschlachtgruppe
9 in Italy during the spring of 1944.
The Autoblinda AB 41
 Italeri
loves the AB 41, having released kits in both 1/72 and 1/35 of this armored
car. Now, with this edition, they have tapped into the growing 1/48 armor
market. Molded in a tan plastic, with vinyl wheels and a metal chassis,
this kit is well detailed and even includes some opened hatches. The decals
provide markings for four vehicles: one German and three Italian.
Assembly is really straightforward on this kit. The first step involves
assembling the chassis, which has you screwing the metal frame to a plastic
piece, trapping two suspension arms in between. The more fastidious modelers
will want to fill in the screw holes, but since this is on the underside,
it will not be noticeable.
 The
body is made up from quite a few pieces. The two side pieces are set apart
precisely by four spacers. The upper decking consists of no less than
six pieces, with the front and rear adding two more. For the underside,
there are two filler pieces to take care of the spots between the chassis
and the body. The turret is molded in one piece, with separate hatches
and a basic gunner’s position. The gun itself is quite well done,
and is even hollowed out. For details, this kit is quite rich. Headlights,
shovels, antennae, handles, visors, hooks, it’s all there. Toss
in the vinyl wheels and this little gem is ready for some paint.
 For
marking choice, the options are varied, although all are in Italian colors.
There are two that are overall Italian Sand, one of which has the Italian
green, white and red colors on the front, rear, and top. The other solid
color example has no markings other than the license plates and a unit
marking on the side. For the camouflaged examples, these are finished
in Sand, Olive Green, and Dark Brown. The German example is from the 162nd
Infantry Division, while the Italian example is from the 15° rgt.
Cavalleggeri di Lodi. The decals are well printed and should pose no problems
in application.
Conclusion
Singly, these would be excellent models to pick up. Coupled together
like this, though, and we have a box that will be very difficult to pass
by. Whether you are an aviation modeler or an armor modeler, this release
will provide an excellent crossover option. My thanks to MRC
for the review sample. |
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