Italian
Macchi M.5 by Pegasus Models, 1/72nd scale, Short Run Injection mold
When Italy and Austro-Hungary declared war against each other on May 24, 1915, both countries launched attacks on each others coastal cities. From then on, each nation conceived single seat flying boats capable of escorting bombers and fighting off enemy aeroplanes attempting to intercept the bombers. Although Austro-Hungary took the lead with their Lohner M, Italy would soon surpass them in both quality and quantity with the Macchi M.5. The M.5 could best any land based fighter and would become the most widely produced flying boat fighter of all time.
Records have been lost but it seems the first prototype flew in late 1916 to early 1917. The M.5 was ordered into production on February 17, 1917 and the first combat missions were flown in June 1917. A total of 348 M.5s were built and the last one was withdrawn from active service on July 15, 1924.
The kit depicts Macchi M.5 serial number M.13016 operating out of Valona, Albania 1918, with the standard Macchi company color scheme. The kit was built out of the box in June, 1998. The kit included all decals and metal parts and I do not recall any problems in construction.
Ansaldo SVA5 by Pegasus 1/72 scale short run injection mold.
When the SVA made its maiden flight on March 3, 1917, it marked a significant step forward by the Italian aviation industry. It was considered by many to be the best all-purpose aircraft of WW1 and the SVA was to continue in useful service into the 1930's.
The model represents an aircraft from the 4a Squadriglia of the 2nd Aviation Group and is decorated with the Visconti Crest. The color scheme is typical of SVA units operating around Milan in the latter months of WW1.
Pomilio PE by Libramodels 1/72 scale vacuform.
The PE was the most successful variant of the Pomilio P class and went into sevice in Feb 1918. Powered by a 300hp A-12bis engine with frontal radiator, forward-firing machine gun and one or two Lewis guns on a Scarff ring.
This plane represents an aircraft of the Corpo Aeronautica Militare, spring 1918.
Ansaldo A.1 Balilla by Joystick Models 1/72nd scale vacuform
In mid 1917, Ansaldo began construction of a single seat fighter with a shortened SVA fuselage, an inline SPA 6 engine and vertical radiator. Modern sources states the first flight was on 11/30/1917. Various modifications were made and eventually the A.1 entered service in late 1918. About 100 A.1's were built but very few made it to front line squadrons.
The model depicte is 16558 of 70 Squadriglia and it was possibly aboard this aircraft on 10/08/1918 that Tenente Leopoldo Eleuteri scored the only victory credited to an A.1 during the war.
The kit included metal parts (wheels, radiator and prop) and decals, mainly for at least three Polish aircraft. The fuselage color is Testor's Dark Brown. The wings are unbleached linen with brown and green patches, trying to simulate a short bristle paintbrush. The cowling is hand painted Model Master Aluminum. Rigging is DURAS and the decals are Americal. The rudder is hand painted.