1:72 Macchi MC 72 'World Speed Record' full kit

The real subject

The Macchi M.C.72 was an Italian racing floatplane built with a single purpose, namely to fly faster than anyone else. It was powered by the Fiat AS.6 engine, made up of a pair of coupled V12 engines, which drove two contra-rotating propellers so that the torque was canceled out; a machine of that power could hardly have been held in straight flight otherwise. The fuselage was therefore extremely long and slender and the whole aircraft wore a striking red finish.

In 1934 Francesco Agello set the world speed record for seaplanes with it. That record still stands, so the M.C.72 remains the fastest piston-engined seaplane in history. The surviving machine is displayed in an Italian aviation museum, and among modelers it is one of those subjects that call for a slightly different approach than an ordinary combat aircraft.

How the kit is supplied

This is a complete kit in 1:72 scale, that is a whole model rather than an add-on set. It is supplied unassembled and unpainted; the range of parts and the sequence of work are given in the instructions from the manufacturer.

Building and painting tips

What matters most is the geometry of the floats and their struts. It is best to dry-fit the assembly and to glue it only after checking it head-on and from above, so that both floats lie parallel and at the same height. A deep red finish is demanding on the surface underneath, because every flaw will show, so the surface should be carefully sanded and sprayed in thin covering coats. Thanks to its color and its shape the finished model is a striking piece even among much larger aircraft.

Paints, glue and tools are not in the box, unless stated otherwise.