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IMAM Ro.44

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History
The IMAM Ro.44 was a fighter seaplane developed in Italy, a single seater derivative of the Ro.43 that first flew in October 1936. While the Ro.43 had serious problems, the Ro.44 was an utter failure. Armed with two 12.7 mm machine guns fitted in the nose, the rear fuselage of the R.43 was redesigned to dispense with the observer's position, and changes were made to the tail. Overall, performance remained almost identical to that of the Ro.43, although the Ro.44 was more maneuverable.

Although it was fast enough to intercept machines like the Fairey Swordfish and Fairey Seafox, its actual performance (and sea-keeping capabilities) was so poor, that out of 51 ordered, only 35 were produced. They were used only in the Aegean Sea, with 161 Squadriglia having seven examples in service at the beginning of World War II but was soon retired from the front line and sent to seaplane schools. This was the last OFM/IMAM biplane to be designed.

History shamelessly stolen from Wikipedia.
The Model
This is the new Special Hobby kit in 1/48 scale built straight from the box.
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About the Author

About jean Barby (MS406C)
FROM: LANDES, FRANCE

I am Jean Barby modeler from France. I did my first model at the age of seven on the table of the dining room, an Airfix Lysander! It was love at first sight and has ever been since then! I do mostly WWII planes with a certain predilection for Italian Regia Aeronautica planes and camouflages. I am a...


Comments

Like
JUL 10, 2016 - 01:15 PM
Hi Jean Wonderful stuff as always! All the best Rowan
JUL 10, 2016 - 02:33 PM
Lovely hydroplane, one of the most appealing ever made IMO. Too bad it broke that unwritten law of airplanes "if it is beautiful, it must fly well". Superbly made Jean!
JUL 10, 2016 - 06:36 PM
Jean, Bellissimo! Forza Italia, Nice metal finish. Love Italian aircraft, now I need to get me that one.
JUL 10, 2016 - 09:51 PM
Jean, exceptional model, what a beauty! I am also amazed that a company would make a kit of a subject with just 35 airframes. Thanks Special Hobby.
JUL 12, 2016 - 09:11 AM
Well, let's be fair. As an airplane, it probably flew very well. It's only upon being considered as a fighter aircraft of its era that it fell short of the required standard.
JUL 12, 2016 - 11:03 AM
Jean, Very nicely done of a rather unusual aircraft. I really like the finish which looks like aluminum Dope, as the the aircraft except for the floats look like they're fabric covered. Joel
JUL 14, 2016 - 12:30 AM
Jean, simply a superb build. A beautiful aircraft, indeed.
JUL 16, 2016 - 05:53 AM
Hi all many thanks for your comments. And no the model is not OOB! There are a couple of mistakes with the kit, mainly the two front arms of the main float 7mm short (I did scratch them) and a lot of tricky fits! Not to mention the rigging and the very poor quality of the plastic! Not for rookies for sure!
JUL 22, 2016 - 01:43 PM
Not over weathered!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Nice!
MAR 16, 2017 - 03:34 AM