Stormo! Online Magazine's recent decals have all focused on Messerschmitt Bf 109s as flown by Italian aces, but their early sheets featured their home-grown mounts. Produced several years ago, the "Italian Aces" series has only been released in 1:48 and the three sheets are a real goldmine for quarterscale modellers interested in the Regia Aeronautica and ANR.

Part 1 is almost sold out now and wasn't available for review, but Stormo! very kindly sent us Parts 2 and 3 along with their latest release.

Between them, the two sets of decals here offer a selection of aircraft covering virtually the whole history of Italy's fighters in WW2, from opportunistic beginnings in the wake of Germany's victories in 1940, through bitter fighting in North Africa and Russia, and ending with the desperate defence of the homeland against overwhelming Allied forces.

Part 1 features:
1. Fiat CR.42 flown by Sottotenente Franco Bordoni Bisleri, Mirafiori, 1940
2. Fiat CR.42CN flown by Tenente Luigi Torchio, Palermo, 1943
3. Macchi C.200 flown by Sottotenente Giuseppe Biron, Soviet Union, 1942
4. Macchi C.200 flown by Maggiore Ettore Foschini, Soviet Union, 1942
5. Fiat G.50 flown by Capitano Furio Nichlot Doglio, Ciampino-Sud, 1940
6. Reggiane Re.2001 flown by Capitano Salvatore Teja, Santo Pietro di Caltiagirone, 1942


Part 3 features:
1. Macchi C.202 flown by Tenente Emanuele Annoni, Comiso, 1941
2. Macchi C.202 flown by Capitano Mario Pinna, Abu Haggag, Egypt, 1942
3. Macchi C.202 flown by Tenente Giorgio Solaroli, Abu Haggag, Egypt, 1942
4. Macchi C.202 flown by Tenente Giulio Reiner, Fuka, Egypt, 1942
5. Fiat G.55 flown by Tenente Ugo Drago, Cascina Vaga, 1944
6. Reggiane Re.2005 flown by Maggiore Vittorio Minguzzi, Sigonella 1942

The decals are custom printed by Cartograf, so the quality almost speaks for itself; pin-sharp registration and great colour depth and accuracy. The items are thin and glossy, with minimal carrier film.

The sheets are intended to be used in conjunction with the kit decals and each sheet carries personal and unit markings for every aircraft featured along with a healthy supply of national insignia. The instuctions are somewhat simpler in these early releases than Stormo! have done on their recent Bf 109 sheets, so while each scheme is illustrated by a full colour side profile accompanied by a detailed description with colour notes, there are no plan views. This isn't a problem because, instead, you are referred to Stormo!'s extensive range of online articles, along with a list helpful list of printed references. Finally, there's are suggestions for suitable model kits (some of which were limited run, so you may have to hunt around a little nowadays if you don't already have them stashed away).

Italian WW2 Aces Parts 1, 2 and 3 cost $14.99 each and are available direct from Stormo! Online Magazine

Conclusion

Stormo!'s Italian WW2 Aces decals are excellent quality, and with such a tempting range of camouflage styles among the featured aircraft, from simple mottles and challenging "poached eggs", to the three-colour splinter scheme adopted by some Fiat G.55s, you have months of satisfying modelling to look forward to. Highly recommended for all fans of quarterscale Italian WW2 subjects.

Please remember, when contacting retailers or manufacturers, to mention that you saw their products highlighted here - on AEROSCALE.