Macchi C.202 Folgore
by Przemystaw Skulski

MMP Books

Reviewed by Brad Fallen

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The Macchi C.202 Folgore is a less popular modelling subject than it deserves to be, given its streamlined appearance and competitive operational record.  C.202s were finished in a wide range of camouflage schemes – some dauntingly complex, but others simply green or sand over grey or even overall silver.  This Orange Series book from Mushroom Model Publications presents nearly 50 of these schemes, and complements them with useful historical, technical and walk around information that is aimed squarely at modellers.  The book updates and expands a 2005 book on the same subject that has long been sold out on MMP’s website.

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Author Przemystaw Skulski has tackled his subject in the following sequence:

• Development.  This is a low-key heading for a very informative chapter that examines the Folgore from concept to production (Serie I to Serie XVI), as well as reconnaissance and experimental versions.  Skulski's analysis is backed up with a useful selection of period photos (some in colour), full colour profiles of nine different C.202s and black-and-white 1/48 scale plans.  (The same plans are supplied in 1/72 scale on a separate A4 insert.)

• C.202 survivors.  A brief but useful chapter that presents the history of the two surviving C.202s – in Italy and the USA – and points out at least one of these machines (the Italian example) was restored using some parts from the Folgore's successor, the C.205.

• Combat use.  This 40 page chapter takes up nearly half of the book and describes the Folgore's operational use, from its debut over Malta in 1941 to its service with both post-armistice Italian air forces, the Luftwaffe and Croatia.  Again, there are plenty of good quality period photos as well as lots more profiles – 40 of them, including several interesting captured machines.

• Technical description – a one-page chapter that describes the C.202's key features and provides relevant technical and performance data.

• Detail photos.  This chapter contains nearly 150 walk around photos and technical drawings, which will provide anyone modelling the C.202 with plenty of information for adding further detail.  The material is broken down logically into sections focusing on the fuselage, engine, canopy, cockpit, wings, tail, undercarriage, and armament, as well as some overall ‘general view’ photographs.

While the quality of the text is fine – Skulski’s writing is clear and easy to follow – this book is really all about the images.  Krzysztof Wolowski and Karolina Holda’s beautifully rendered colour profiles are the stars of the show, and should provide plenty of modelling ideas and inspiration for further research.  Reinforcing the profiles is a good balance of contemporary wartime photographs and images of restored machines (allowing modellers to decide for themselves which components of the latter are original and which may have been sourced from C.205 parts!)  The wartime photos are mostly good quality, particularly the colour images that provide useful (but not definitive) clues in relation to camouflage and finish.  The contemporary technical drawings are also clearly reproduced.  Finally, the 1/48 and 1/72 scale plans offer a quick identification guide to C.202 variants from the prototype to Serie XI.

MMP’s revised ‘Macchi C.202 Folgore’ is a comprehensive examination of this famous Italian fighter, and will be a very useful source of information to anyone modelling the type.  I now need to find myself a 1/48 Hasegawa C.202 kit and order some Mike Grant smoke ring decals…

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to MMP Books  for the sample.

All MMP Books are available direct from the publishers, who now accept credit cards (Visa, MC, Amex, Switch)  

North American distributors are MMD, Australian distributors are Platypus Publications. In Europe, the books are available from any good bookshop (via our UK distributors, Orca). Contact MMP direct in case of difficulties. 

Thanks to Roger at MMO Books  for the sample.

Review Copyright © 2014 by Brad Fallen
This Page Created on 17 February, 2014
Last updated 17 February, 2014

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