SIAI-Marchetti
SF-260M/AM/W

Special Hobby, 1/72 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

Background

The SIAI-Marchetti SF.260 (now Leonardo SF-260) is an Italian light aircraft which has been commonly marketed as a military trainer and aerobatics aircraft.

The SF.260 was designed by Italian aircraft designer Stelio Frati, while production work originally performed by Milan-based aviation manufacturer Aviamilano.

On 15 July 1964, the first prototype performed its maiden flight (then designated F.260). Shortly thereafter, responsibility for production was transferred to SIAI Marchetti, who had purchased the rights to the design; manufacturing continued to be performed by this firm until the company was bought by Aermacchi in 1997.

The SF.260 has been largely sold to military customers as a trainer and light combat aircraft.

In addition, there have been limited civil sales to private operators; during the late 1960s, the type was marketed in the United States under the name Waco Meteor.

Armed military versions, sold as the SF.260W Warrior, proved to be popular with smaller air forces, which could arm the type for use in the close air support role.

Both piston-powered and turboprop-powered models have been developed.*

Special Hobby has released a brand new 1/72 scale SIAI-Marchetti SF-260M/AM/W.

The kit comprises 68 parts in grey coloured plastic (including five parts not used); one part in clear; markings for four aircraft plus full stencil data.

This boxing represents the early version. The later version, with a more bulged canopy, will be released by Special Hobby in the future.

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Thumbnail panels:

It is interesting to compare this new Special Hobby kit with their 1/72 scale Messerschmitt Bf 109 E-4 reviewed last week. While the Bf 109 E-4 featured intricate surface textures and a very high level of detail, the SIAI-Marchetti SF.260 looks more like you would expect of a Special Hobby kit - smooth, quite clean moulding, recessed panel lines and no locating pins.

This is by no means a criticism. I think the simpler approach to surface texture without rows of rivet lines is more appropriate for this shiny modern subject. It is also logical that more traditional limited run production techniques will be used for a niche subject such as the SIAI-Marchetti SF.260 compared to the bigger investment that can be afforded for the Bf 109 E-4.

It's horses for courses.

Assembly of this particular pony commences in the cockpit with all the main fixtures and fittings such as alternative instrument panels, centre console, control columns, ruder pedals (supplied in pairs), seats, rear bulkhead and shelf.

Decal dials are supplied as an option for the instrument panels.

The kit is designed conventionally with left and right fuselage halves, full-span lower wing including the lower nose (don't forget to glue the nose wheel well in place before fitting the lower wing), port and starboard upper wing halves, and horizontal stabilisers with locating tabs.

All control surfaces are moulded in neutral positions.

Options are provided in the areas of avionics and under wing rocket launchers. The instructions clearly point out the appropriate configuration for each option.

The canopy and windscreen are moulded as a single part.

The clear part is quite thin and free from distortion but will require some careful surgery with a razor saw if you want to pose it open.

Instructions are supplied in a 12-page A5 folded and stapled booklet. Assembly is called out in 13 steps. Full colour marking options are shown with four view and scrap view diagrams.

Markings

Three marking options are included:

• Belgium 2000s, overall yellow with red flying surfaces, wing tip tank and red and white striped spinner.

• Italian Air Force 2009, overall orange with black ant-glare strip.

• Irish Air Corps 1993-2004, overall green with orange forward cowl, spinner, fin and stabiliser tips and wing tip tanks.

Wing walkways, stencil data, harness straps and instrument dials are also included.

Register is perfect. There is no indication of who printed the decals.

Special Hobby has delivered a nice model of this attractive little trainer.

* Historical text adapted from Wikipedia.

Thanks to Special Hobby for the sample.

Review Text & Images Copyright © 2020 by Brett Green
Page Created 23 December, 2020
Last updated 23 December, 2020

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