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LF Models 1/72 Caproni Vizzola F.6MZ Prototype Fighter by Richard Mendes |
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The Caproni Vizzola F.6MZ was the last in a line of mixed wood and metal constructed
swallow-like interceptor fighters designed by F. Fabrizi commencing with the F.5
(14 built) powered by a 870hp FIAT A.74 9-cylinder radial engine first flying on
February 19, 1939 followed by the similarly constructed F.4 (1 built) powered by
a 1,085hp Daimler-Benz DB 601A 12-cylinder inline, first flying in July 1940. The F.6M (Metallico-Metal, 1 built) featuring all metal-construction incorporated the F.4’s steel tube frame, flush riveted duralumin clad fuselage with metal mainwings powered by a 1,475hp DB 605A 12-cylinder inline engine first flying in September 1941. The F.6MZ (Zeta, 1 built) powered by a 1,250hp Isotta-Fraschini Zeta R.C.24/60 24-cylinder X inline in August 1943, was the only aircraft known to have been powered in flight by this engine. The stillborn Caproni Vizzola F.7 was an extensively revised and lightened F.6 powered by a 1,175hp Alfa Romeo RA.1000 R.C.41 Monsone (Monsoon, license-built DB 601A), further development ending with the September 8, 1943 Italian Armistice. Whilst Caproni was designing the F.6M, work commenced on the F.6MZ which could be armed with four 12.7mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns, two in the fuselage and two in the wings, although the wing-guns were not mounted on the prototype. Problems with the Zeta engine delayed the latter’s first flight for two years. Flight testing the F.6MZ MM.495 during August and early September 1943 demonstrated that the Zeta rated for 1,500hp produced 1,250hp; the Italian Armistice brought the development of the F.6M and the F.6MZ to an end. |
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The resin LF Models Caproni Vizzola F.6MZ is the only 1/72 scale model kit of this uniquely powered WWII Italian warbird; construction was straightforward though gluing on the propeller spinner assembly to the Zeta engine was nightmarishly difficult. Painting was straightforward; fuselage interiors Humbrol 78 Matt Cockpit Green + Testors Flat White 50/50 mix replicating Verde Anti Corrosione, exteriors Humbrol 91 Matt Black Green (Verde Oliva Scuro 2) and Testors 1726 Light Sea Gray (Giorgio Azzurro Chiaro 1) each lightened 36% with Testors Flat White enamels. The "non-standard technology" inkjet-printed kit decals were employed, exercised great care putting them on; they’re increasingly commonplace, all must be gingerly handled!
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Aircraft: Caproni-Vizzola F.6MZ Manufacturer: Caproni-Vizzola Type: Fighter Year: 1943 Engine: Isotta-Fraschini Zeta R.C.24/60 X-24 liquid-cooled piston engine, 1,250 hp (930 kW) Wingspan: 38 ft 9 1/2 in (11.82 m) Length: 29 ft 6 3/4 in (9.01 m) Height: 9 ft 10 2/3 in (3.01 m) Weight: 9,022 lb (4,092 kg) (Loaded) Maximum Speed: 404 mph (650 km/h) Ceiling: 34,450 ft (10,500 m) Range: 590 miles (950 km) Armament: 4 × 12.7mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns Crew: 1 |
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September, 2018 STORMO! © 2018 |