Italeri – 1481 – MC.202 Folgore Aces

Description:

Unassembled plastic model kit in 1/72 scale of an Italian WWII fighter aircraft MC.202 Folgore.

The Macchi MC.202 Folgore was among the most elegant and effective Italian fighters of WWII, marrying sleek aerodynamics with the powerful DB‑601 inline engine. The Italeri 1/72 kit (catalog number 1439, re‑boxed in 2021) captures this combination of beauty and performance with impressive fidelity.

Modelers consistently praise the Italeri kit for its solid engineering. Build logs on forums like Britmodeller and WW2Aircraft.net highlight accurate fit and crisp detail—from cockpit to engine bay—even in this smaller scale. One builder noted it goes together “quite well” and commended the decal sheet, especially for its “very nice” Italian camouflage markings.

The camouflage “smoke rings” – that irregular mottling pattern unique to Regia Aeronautica fighters – can be challenging at 1/72, but builders have achieved excellent results. One modeler explained they used watercolor pencils to map the pattern first, then applied the paint over it, and others have called the outcome “perfectly” executed. The decals included also offer this pattern, easing the task.

Some minor issues arise—the asymmetric wings that the full‑size MC.202 featured are correctly replicated in this kit, a rarity and appreciated detail. Rivet and panel line depth are well-balanced, though the control surface ribs may be slightly exaggerated. The cockpit and engine are detailed beyond expectations for 1/72, and the decal options are plentiful and sharp.

In summary, the Italeri 1/72 MC 202 Folgore offers a satisfying building experience with excellent surface finish, interior detail, and authentic Italian markings. It handles the intricate camouflage and engineering quirks of the real aircraft impressively—making it a highly recommended kit for those seeking a stylish and characterful addition to their WWII collection.

This 2025 reissue focus on Italian ACE pilots, including 5 markings, dated 1942-1943.