Supermodel 1/72 Reggiane Re.2002 Ariete

SUPERMODEL 1:72 REGGIANE RE.2002 ARIETE
'INBOX Review'

Reviewer: Richard Stracey (rec.models.scale)

Kit Details: Supermodel 1/72 #10-004 - Reggiane RE 2002 Ariete

Aircraft: The RE2002 first flew in October 1940 and was a development of the RE2000/RE2001 being a radial engine, strengthened RE2000 mated to RE2001 wings. Although it was a good aircraft (the Luftwaffe intended to produce them with a DB inline engine) it proved no match for the Spitfire during the invasion of Italy. In all approximately 225 were built, the Luftwaffe taking about 60. The Ariete was powered by a Piaggo RC45 radial engine of 1175hp and was armed with 2 12.7mm Breda SAFAT machine guns in the nose and 2 7.7mm Breda SAFAT machine guns in the wings. As a fighter bomber it carried one 650kg bomb on the centerline and two 160kg bombs under the wings. The length was 8.2m (26’9”) and wingspan 11m (36’1”). They were used by the Regia Aeronautica, Luftwaffe and later the Italian co-belligerent air force.

The kit: This kit probably saw the light of day thirty years ago as Supermodel has been out of business for many years. I tried to find out more by typing “Supermodel” into Google but got sidetracked by young ladies in bikinis! The kit consists of 43 parts in crisp dark green plastic with fine raised panel lines and 2 clear alternative canopies and two part stand. The single page instructions provide a sprue map, four step construction guide, brief history in four languages and painting details for the three decal options. The box is end opening sealed in cellophane, quite attractive but flimsy. The kit, instructions and decals are all sealed in a cellophane bag resulting is slight scuffing of the clear canopy.

Construction looks simple and standard, cockpit detail is nonexistent consisting of a basic seat and pilot. Not a big deal as I suspect not much can be seen once the canopy is in place. The two part twin bank engine is very nice and detailed unfortunately little will be seen of it under the tight cowling and with the spinner in place. The two exhausts (37+38) need drilling out or replacing and the wheel hub detail is minimal. Two optional canopies are provided and the painting guide shows which one to use.

All three decal options have dark green topsides, the two Italian machines having grey undersides and the German one light blue. The co-belligerent one is shown carrying a bomb but it doesn’t mention the bomb colour. The decals look to be first class and include swastikas. Supermodel give no clue to the colours either FS numbers or Humbrol etc.

Conclusion: I think this will turn out to be a very nice little kit of a quite handsome aircraft. I wonder what happened to the dies? There is quite a bit of information on the internet and from photos and artwork it is obvious that other camouflage was used although the green and grey/light blue seems to be the most common. Italeri also produce a 1/48 kit which was also released by Tamiya. Supermodel made a RE2000 (#10-002) and a RE2001 (#10-003). I discovered this kit at Continental Model and Toys at 345 Nathan Rd., Kowloon, Hong Kong just near Temple St. market. They had/have a mountain of second hand old kits as all the new stuff, don’t take any notice of the price tag, bargain!

RHS/09

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