Description
Italeri Macchi MC.202 Folgore Early Series 1/32 Model Kit
The Italeri Macchi MC.202 Folgore Early Series (2524) is a 1/32 scale plastic model kit of one of Italy’s most important Second World War fighter aircraft. Representing the early production version introduced in 1941, this release includes new parts, photo-etched components, 3D decals, a super decal sheet and a masking sheet.
The completed model measures 27.6 cm and depicts the Macchi MC.202 in its original production configuration, retaining features closely related to the first experimental aircraft. The kit combines the distinctive appearance of the Folgore with additional detailing materials for assembly and finishing.
The Macchi MC.202 Folgore
The Macchi MC.202 Folgore marked a significant development in Italian fighter aircraft design. Built for the Regia Aeronautica, it combined an aerodynamically refined airframe with the German-designed Daimler-Benz DB 601 inline engine, manufactured under licence by the Italian aircraft industry.
This engine represented a major change from the radial powerplants fitted to earlier Italian fighters, including the Fiat G.50 and Macchi MC.200. Together with the strength of the airframe and its aerodynamic design, the new powerplant gave the Folgore substantially improved flight performance.
Capable of reaching approximately 600 km/h, the MC.202 offered the speed and manoeuvrability needed to compete with contemporary Allied fighters. Its combination of performance and handling made it an important addition to the Regia Aeronautica’s fighter units during the Second World War.
Early Series Configuration
Production of the Macchi MC.202 began in 1941. The first series retained a configuration closely related to the experimental aircraft, distinguishing these early machines from subsequent production versions.
The early Folgore was armed with two 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns installed in the nose. This arrangement formed the aircraft’s principal armament while preserving the streamlined design that contributed to its improved performance.
Italeri’s Early Series kit focuses on this initial production configuration, providing a 1/32 scale representation of the aircraft during an important period in Italian fighter development.
Model Kit Features and Contents
This release includes several additional detailing and finishing components alongside the plastic model parts. The photo-etched fret and 3D decals provide further options for reproducing smaller details, while the masking sheet assists with the painting process.
- 1/32 scale Macchi MC.202 Folgore Early Series
- Early production Italian WWII fighter aircraft
- Completed model size: 27.6 cm
- New plastic parts
- Super decal sheet
- 3D decals
- Photo-etched detail fret
- Accessories bag
- Masking sheet included
Detailing and Finishing
The combination of photo-etched components, 3D decals and conventional decals gives modellers several methods of adding detail to the finished aircraft. The included masking sheet provides a further aid during painting, particularly where clean separation between painted areas is required.
With its early production features, nose-mounted Breda-SAFAT armament and distinctive inline-engine design, the completed 1/32 scale Folgore represents the generation of Italian fighters that entered service with the Regia Aeronautica from 1941.
