forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com
WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Completed models => Topic started by: Brad Cancian on July 30, 2019, 05:08:47 PM
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Hi all – here is my latest completion, the Spin Models 1/48 Caproni Ca.20.
(https://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b387/bradcancian/1-48%20Caproni%20Ca20/CA2022_zps7ol8ymz7.jpg)
The Caproni Ca.20 is considered the first true fighter plane (hence the title on the base). It was (apparently) the first to mount a machine gun (in this case a Lewis gun) over the propeller arc, aligned with the line of flight, making shooting relatively easy. There was only one prototype, flown in 1914. It was evaluated and apparently performed quite well, being faster than contemporary German and Austrian designs. The aircraft was not put into production by the Italian military, as they wanted Caproni to focus on bombers rather than fighters - imagine what could have been if it had gone into production...
(https://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b387/bradcancian/1-48%20Caproni%20Ca20/ca20-4_zps564fx3ip.jpg)
(https://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b387/bradcancian/1-48%20Caproni%20Ca20/the-flighter-monoplane-caproni-ca20-HKDBME_zps9cjpsnqw.jpg)
The prototype has famously survived in its original condition and resides in the Seattle Museum of Flight, after the Caproni family kept the aircraft stored away safely in a dry environment for 85 years - http://www.museumofflight.org/aircraft/caproni-ca20
There are some interesting things to note when viewing contemporary photographs versus the preserved prototype - the aircraft was clearly modified at some point. The cheek panels were removed at some stage, and ailerons added. The spinner also looks to have had some fairings added over the propeller blades. The kit represents the earlier version of the aircraft, with metal cheek panels, no ailerons, and no fairings over the propeller blades.
This kit is by Spin Models and is limited run. It’s made in that hard, brittle, yellow resin that seemed to be in vogue a number of years back. There is lots of flash, uneven surfaces, and clean up needed, as well as LOTS of air bubbles to deal with all over the airframe. Though it looks relatively simple, the kit is a little tricky and not for the beginner. The kit needed a scratch built interior, as well as some new wheels, upper A-frame, gun, and other details. In-progress build pictures are here:
https://forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com/index.php?topic=10352.0
Anyways, here are some more pictures (apologies for the one slippery turnbuckle that slid up its rigging line during photography at some point…!):
(https://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b387/bradcancian/1-48%20Caproni%20Ca20/CA2023_zpsruktejyf.jpg)
(https://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b387/bradcancian/1-48%20Caproni%20Ca20/CA2025_zpsfv3jcoiu.jpg)
(https://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b387/bradcancian/1-48%20Caproni%20Ca20/CA2024_zpsyufkclgm.jpg)
(https://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b387/bradcancian/1-48%20Caproni%20Ca20/CA2027_zpsltfqlyap.jpg)
(https://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b387/bradcancian/1-48%20Caproni%20Ca20/CA2028_zpshx2edrrj.jpg)
(https://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b387/bradcancian/1-48%20Caproni%20Ca20/CA2030_zpsqps8wwdd.jpg)
(https://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b387/bradcancian/1-48%20Caproni%20Ca20/CA2032_zpszrkj0pmm.jpg)
(https://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b387/bradcancian/1-48%20Caproni%20Ca20/CA2029_zps0by2mr4r.jpg)
(https://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b387/bradcancian/1-48%20Caproni%20Ca20/CA2031_zpss1lvdpvw.jpg)
(https://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b387/bradcancian/1-48%20Caproni%20Ca20/CA2012_zpsnrf5mrpx.jpg)
(https://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b387/bradcancian/1-48%20Caproni%20Ca20/CA2026_zpscwbu2sjo.jpg)
Overall, I had fun building this relatively obscure, yet important, little aircraft.
All feedback welcomed!
Cheers,
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Superb and unique model. Chapeau for this gem.
Bye,
Manni
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Very nice model, Brad, knowing what you had to work with.
I imagine the short stubby wings made it fast and probably a handful to fly.
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Beautiful presentation!
Gene K
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Outstanding build and build log Brad, you are to be congratulated on another mini-masterpiece.
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Fantastic model!
Cheers,
Frank
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A superb model. I especially like the figure and base as it really brings the whole thing to life. Another type I knew nothing about hitherto so an education as well as eye candy.
Stephen.
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Outstanding job Brad , she is beauty :) Spin models has some interesting subjects in their line .
Terri
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A masterpiece, Brad
Excellent work throughout
Er me
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Thanks for your kind words everyone, much appreciated ;D
Cheers,
BC
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A superb model. I especially like the figure and base as it really brings the whole thing to life. Another type I knew nothing about hitherto so an education as well as eye candy.
Stephen.
I agree wit Stephen completely! I wasn't familiar with the aircraft either. As always your build was great to follow. Outstanding results and display!
RAGIII
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racy-looking little beast, innit?