1:72 Caproni Campini N.1 (What If)

Caproni Campini N.1 (What If) 1:72 – Valom

An injection-molded short-run kit of the Italian experimental aircraft Caproni Campini N.1 in the What If version in 1:72 scale from the Czech maker Valom. The What If release offers fictional combat markings, as if the machine had reached operational service. The kit is usually complemented by resin and photo-etched parts and is intended rather for more experienced modelers. The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted; the exact contents of the package are given in the instructions.

The real subject

The Caproni Campini N.1 was an Italian experimental aircraft of the early 1940s, driven by what is called motorjet propulsion: a piston engine in the fuselage drove a ducted fan, which compressed air for combustion and thrust. It was therefore not a true jet engine in the later sense. Only two prototypes were built, the performance fell short of expectations and the type never entered series or combat service. The What If version is therefore purely fictional.

Building and painting tips

On a short-run kit, count on cleaning off the flash and dry-fitting the parts; the fuselage joints may need filling. Bond the resin and photo-etched parts with super glue and cut the vacuum-formed canopy out with a margin. Paint the cockpit before you close the fuselage. The fictional combat scheme comes into its own with an airbrush over a primer, complemented by a restrained patina.

Who the model is for

• For lovers of experimental and rocket or jet aircraft
• For collectors of unconventional and What If subjects
• For more experienced modelers used to short-run kits
• For fans of Valom

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.