forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com

WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Under Construction => Topic started by: Tim Mixon on November 25, 2025, 12:44:42 PM

Title: Aces Mounts GB 2025 Alberto Bortolozzo. Macchi M.5
Post by: Tim Mixon on November 25, 2025, 12:44:42 PM
My next build will be a foe for my Oeffag Mickle Blue Bird.  Alberto Bortolozzo was the commander of 260 Squadriglia. While there is no documented evidence of Banfield and Bortolozzo dueling over the Adriatic, it is certainly possible that their paths crossed at some point.
I really like the clean lines of the Macchi M.5. It was the best seaplane fighter of the war. The colorful markings of 260 Squadrigilia makes it all the more appealing.

I?ve built a few Pegasus kits in my time. All of them require a certain amount of TLC but this one really is the most demanding kit I?ve encountered yet.
(https://attachment.tapatalk-cdn.com/45241/202511/2970975_9f21738bc359078e1feddb606713b791.jpeg)

(https://attachment.tapatalk-cdn.com/45241/202511/2970975_9c8835d9679c5133dd823d652ca10b84.jpeg)

Here are the kits components. Originally I was going to add the Aeroclub Revelli guns. Later I decided to scratch build the little bit that would be visible instead. 
A little scratch interior framing
(https://attachment.tapatalk-cdn.com/45241/202511/2970975_e4f8017b707bcc837285c37e677dea64.jpeg)
(https://attachment.tapatalk-cdn.com/45241/202511/2970975_efc975a6b0a42c5902efede1a2fb6b23.jpeg)

The fuselage join was particularly troublesome. Pegasus has two concave separate hull parts to add. These did not fit well at all!

(https://attachment.tapatalk-cdn.com/45241/202511/2970975_a26d22eb2e616d19e6262dae1369e593.jpeg)
(https://attachment.tapatalk-cdn.com/45241/202511/2970975_cbdf4bb0c33380e3ce2881918227b0e5.jpeg)
.
(https://attachment.tapatalk-cdn.com/45241/202511/2970975_d2825d707dc16653bfdb270784bdabfc.jpeg)

This is the scheme I plan on replicating. I found some spare skull decals from some Roden Albatross kit that should fit.

(https://attachment.tapatalk-cdn.com/45241/202511/2970975_89c0977b4e083ec4caeffd5da15adb0d.png)
The hull was assembled and painted
(https://attachment.tapatalk-cdn.com/45241/202511/2970975_1cfb67784ca96dd029ae3a5a415e70e7.jpeg)

Some extra details added
(https://attachment.tapatalk-cdn.com/45241/202511/2970975_3239bcafbe71e936e0f4e5cfbb3c9a5f.jpeg)

(https://attachment.tapatalk-cdn.com/45241/202511/2970975_6c5bcf8750d3235cba635be182219052.jpeg)

Masking and painting the stripes
(https://attachment.tapatalk-cdn.com/45241/202511/2970975_cee55ddf92fd31db8e5be3bf256cd452.jpeg)

Stripes are complete. Decals added ( My Pegasus decals completely shattered in water) I had to cobble together all the markings. The Italian rounders are Americal Gryphon. The fuselage rounded should be larger but I didn?t have the correct size.
(https://attachment.tapatalk-cdn.com/45241/202511/2970975_22af5b07092420ca5bcc5682fe55ac13.jpeg)

(https://attachment.tapatalk-cdn.com/45241/202511/2970975_02f53ec069f0d29cca44c21f8f034e14.jpeg)

Engine work completed. I added the rockers and some plumbing. Mesh screen added to the radiator face as well.

(https://attachment.tapatalk-cdn.com/45241/202511/2970975_e978c7408fab6a34489b4d258d9f9298.jpeg)

(https://attachment.tapatalk-cdn.com/45241/202511/2970975_8916998823e26332d00fd516db1ef2ad.jpeg)

This is where it sits today. It?s almost ready for the attachment of the upper wing.
(https://attachment.tapatalk-cdn.com/45241/202511/2970975_8df498db549303c02e0d13f8c6bc6c6a.jpeg)

I modified the wing floats to resemble an earlier production version.

(https://attachment.tapatalk-cdn.com/45241/202511/2970975_0f54df4ac191020b8796fcef0fe6e5fb.jpeg)

Scratched up a wind generator and mounted in front of the radiator face
(https://attachment.tapatalk-cdn.com/45241/202511/2970975_659512087d003ac2e018e16925c67dec.jpeg)

Next post should be the finish!

Thanks for looking in!



Title: Re: Aces Mounts GB 2025 Alberto Bortolozzo. Macchi M.5
Post by: NigelR on November 25, 2025, 07:04:44 PM
Boy, you do like a challenge! But you appear to have conquered this one. It's looking superb, I really like the shading effects on the fabric, especially on the underside where it can be seen on the CDL fabric but is much less visible on the painted areas. Very effective.
Title: Re: Aces Mounts GB 2025 Alberto Bortolozzo. Macchi M.5
Post by: DaddyO on November 25, 2025, 08:14:55 PM
Lovely work on this one Tim. 8)
I bought this one a couple of years ago along with some Pheon decals for it so I'm a bit spoilt for schemes. Got to admit although I've had a closer look a few times I've always popped it back on the shelf; maybe its time to dig it out again

Paul
Title: Re: Aces Mounts GB 2025 Alberto Bortolozzo. Macchi M.5
Post by: RAGIII on November 26, 2025, 08:05:33 AM
Beautiful Work!
RAGIII
Title: Re: Aces Mounts GB 2025 Alberto Bortolozzo. Macchi M.5
Post by: KiwiZac on November 26, 2025, 09:38:00 AM
Golly, that's a handsome looking machine and scheme. Terrific work so far Tim and bravo for persevering - it's paying off in spades.
Title: Re: Aces Mounts GB 2025 Alberto Bortolozzo. Macchi M.5
Post by: ScottJ on November 26, 2025, 01:50:19 PM
This is looking really good!  Really like the engine and engine housing.  The radiator screen is a great looking addition.

Scott...
Title: Re: Aces Mounts GB 2025 Alberto Bortolozzo. Macchi M.5
Post by: Scaleber on November 28, 2025, 01:36:32 PM
Beautiful work indeed, especially given the poor fit / Ian
Title: Re: Aces Mounts GB 2025 Alberto Bortolozzo. Macchi M.5
Post by: Alexis on December 22, 2025, 02:20:55 AM
Looking really good so far Tim  :)



Alexis
Title: Re: Aces Mounts GB 2025 Alberto Bortolozzo. Macchi M.5
Post by: Allan31 on December 23, 2025, 02:43:21 PM
Loverly as usual. Wish I could find one in 1/48 scale.
Title: Re: Aces Mounts GB 2025 Alberto Bortolozzo. Macchi M.5
Post by: Dirigible-Al on December 24, 2025, 01:38:23 AM
(http://Loverly as usual. Wish I could find one in 1/48 scale)

Fly do one in 1/48 and I've seen them for sale. Blue Max too, the BM ones come up occasionally on Evilbay.
Alan.