Caproni-Vizzola F.6M

S.B.S. Model, 1/72 scale

Reviewed by Luke Pitt

The German Daimler-Benz DB 605A liquid-cooled V-12 engine had a dramatic effect on not only the performance but the artistic appeal for a range Italian fighter aircraft produced during the Second World War.

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The Caproni-Vizzola F.6 design was the result of a project to adapt the airframe of the Italian Caproni Vizzola F.5 fighter with the German engine  To accomplish this, the Caproni company retained the earlier F.5 fuselage but designed metal wings to replace the wood wings of the F.5. The new aircraft was designated F.6M, with "F" standing for Fabrizi, the designer of the F.5, and "M" for Metallica. It was designed to carry twice the offensive armament of the F.5, with four instead of two 12.7-millimeter (0.50-inch) Breda-SAFAT machine guns; the prototype F.6M flew with two of these mounted in the fuselage and provision for two more in the wings, although the wing guns were never mounted.

The F.6M prototype first flew in September 1941, using a large radiator mounted under the nose, just behind the propeller. Flight testing showed that this location produced significant aerodynamic drag, and the prototype was reworked to mount the radiator on the belly, aft of the pilot position. Only one prototype was produced.

The model is presented in S.B.S.’s now familiar white top opening cardboard box with first class rendering of the aircraft on its face.

The kit is made up from 36 finely cast light grey resin parts, two brass undercarriage legs, two crystal clear and thi resin canopy parts, a small fret of photo etch for the cockpit and undercarriage doors, and a small acetate film for the cockpit instrument dials.

The kit is rounded out with a 4-page foldout instruction booklet, a double-sided colour painting guide and a small decal sheet for the sole prototype aircraft.

One of the hallmarks of any S.B.S Models product is the casting quality, which is in a word flawless with no imperfections whatsoever.

The canopy parts are a classic example of the same. Not only are they perfectly clear but they are also commendably thin and comes in two pieces so they may be posed open if you choose.

When presented this model for review I jumped at the chance. Why, you ask? Well, having reviewed S.B.S. models in the past I knew the product would be good and this one was no different.

Admittedly the kit is expensive but it could hardly be bettered in any medium.

Our thanks go out to S.B.S models for the review sample. www.sbsmodel.com

Text Copyright © 2024 by Luke Pitt
Images Copyright © 2024 by Brett Green
Page Created 26 March, 2023
Last updated 26 March, 2024

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