NEWS: Hasegawa + Italian Kits 1/72 Macchi C.205M by Richard Mendes

[Editor]

Here's another interesting build from Richard. 12 nice pics of his Hasegawa + Italian Kits (Conversion) 1/72 Macchi C.205M (Merlin powered Macchi).

Click the image to view:


Enjoy,

[BillShu]

Interesting article, why do you think the G.59 did not perform as well as the G.55 despite the Merlin having more horsepower than the DB.605?

[JeffZ]

The Merlin engine equivalent was bigger, bulkier and heavier and used a carburetor whereas the DB.605 was fuel injected and was able keep its power even during violent maneuvers. The DB.605 was a superior engine.

[Editor]

The G.59 used a Rolls-Royce Merlin 500/20, the rated output was 1,750 hp but Fiat found it actually only produced 1,660 hp max at take off. The Italians and Germans used the same dynamometers so I'm pretty sure the 1,660hp was accurate. Early RA.1050s produced 1,375 hp because of fuel issues even though Italian octane levels in their fuels were higher than German, likely something to do with the quality of the fuel. I doubt however that fuel issues had anything to do with the Merlins in 1948, probably just bad engines. btw English engine tolerances were lower than German and Italian during WWII.

[Editor]

The DB.605 was a superior engine.

I agree! And that's probably why the Egyptians bought C.205Vs and G.55As, they were better planes (engine and airframe) than the Spitfire IX the Egyptians were using in 1948 and early 1949. Heck Italian C.205V pilots said as much when they encountered Spits over Italy.

[BillShu]

How quick was the G.59?

[Editor]

G55 Serie I (DB.605A 1375hp/1475hp) 385 mph max; G.56 (DB.603A 1,750hp) 423 mph max; G.59 (RR Merlin 500/20 1,750hp/1660hp) 369 mph max, it was slower than a C.202 even though it had 500 hp more.