1/700 Macchi C.200 Saetta Fighter - (x5) 3D Printed - Superbo!

Description

NO RESERVE. We're offering here a beautifully detailed set of five 1/700 scale Macchi C.200 Saetta ('Lightning') models that have just come out of the 3D printer! The C.200 began to enter service in October 1939 and about 150 machines had been delivered to the Regia Aeronautica by the time Italy entered World War II in June 1940. Although lacking much of the elegance of such fighters as the Spitfire and Messerschmitt Bf 109, with their liquid cooled engines, the C.200 proved to possess exceptional maneuverability for a monoplane. The first combat missions flown by the type were as fighter escorts for bombers attacking Malta in Autumn of that year where they encountered the Hawker Hurricane for the first time. The Saetta was only slightly slower than the British fighter but could outdive and outturn the Hurricane with ease. C.200s also saw service in Greece and Yugoslavia and they were used extensively in North Africa were they replaced the Fiat CR.42 in 1941. A number were also operated by two gruppos on the Eastern Front in 1941-1942 where they scored an impressive kill to loss ratio of 88 to 15 against Soviet aircraft.
The C.200 was previously offered as a 1/700 resin cast model by White Ensign but it's been out of production for several decades. Unfortunately, production of relatively esoteric aircraft like the C.200 (particularly
in 1/700 scale!) are just too costly given the relatively small size of the audience. We think that these beauties easily rival (and probably exceed) the quality of the excellent WEM product by a wide margin but we've posted some high resolution photos so you can judge for yourself. While photography of these little gems is a challenge for our equipment and limited skills, check out the well proportioned model including the fuselage with the open cockpit and engine cowl that even has those distinctive cylinder bulges(!), wings complete with the retracted landing gear as shown in photo #8, tail assembly and even the tiny tail wheel!
While the surfaces are not perfectly smooth (3D printing is done in layers), the plastic used can be sanded and painted much the same way you would handle resin or styrene. The models may still have some powder and oil-like agent on them that needs to be removed by washing in warm water with a drop of detergent in it. While the landing gear is represented in the retracted, in-flight position, it should be fairly straight forward to add photo etch parts for a "gear down" rendition, perfect for an air base diorama.
These superb C.200 models should be a welcome addition to any WW2 wargamer's or 1/700 modeler's collection, particularly those interested in Regia Aeronautica fighter operations. Please take a look at the other 1/700 scale aircraft models that we have on auction as well. We're always happy to combine shipping for multiple purchases to save whenever possible. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions whatsoever.