Ciao Vince,
These are my observations about 278-3 MM 23945. Although not definitive, I think they could be of help for anyone who is interested to this subject.
I find that the profile in Squadron in Action no. 1071 has the spots too thin. The original photo in same book, page 40, in facts, was overexposed.
The camo pattern is better represented by another Reggiane-built example of the same period (MM 23881, of the previous serie XIII): the 278-3 of Cap. Oscar Cimolini (this aircraft had a brief and tragical career that should be interesting to tell another time)
Note that in these aircraft the upper camo extended under the leading edge and rear the lateral engine cowlings. Colours used by SIAI in that period were Giallo Mimetico 3 (FS 33434), Verde Mimetico 53192 (FS 34128) and Marrone Mimetico 53193 (FS 30140), but Reggiane used either Giallo Mimetico 3 or 4 (FS 30266), Verde Mimetico 2 (FS 34092) and Marrone Mimetico 1 (FS 30118) or 2 (FS 10076 matt), so the latter factory could have used a combination of these colours. In my personal opinion, grey contrast in b/w photos of Reggiane-built ‘79s suggests the use of Verde 2 (the darker), Marrone 1 (and perhaps #2) and Giallo 3. Undersides in 278-3 were Alluminio (Matt Aluminium), despite most sources indicate Grigio Mimetico (FS 36231). The same for the interiors: the only two surviving ‘79s show that the all-metal cockpit area was in Verde Anticorrosione (a primer, usually FS 34558), while the metal/fabric rear fuselage was sprayed in a light grey (probably FS 36307 or 36321). Reggiane, at least on its fighters, used Verde Anticorrosione FS 34227 for the structure, and FS 34230 for some details (ammo boxes, etc), so it is possible that it used these hues also in S 79s. The individual number on the nose was white, not red, as typical in this Unit. By the image is not possible to establish if the Squadriglia badge –four cats on a torpedo- had been applied on the fuselage. This badge was seldom applied on 278ª’s aircraft. It was born by Cimolini’s MM 23881. Kubrt had an educated guess and applied it, and I think this is not wrong. Engine cowlings were freshly painted yellow. Note that RA used at least two hues of this colour: a lemon yellow identical to RLM 27 (FS 33655) and an orange yellow (FS 33538). The light shade of it in this b/w photo suggests it probably was the first of them. Spinners in MM 23945 were also yellow as per official indications, with red tips. Front surface of the propeller blades were light blue, very similar to RLM 65, while the rear were painted anti-glare matt black.
For some reasons, 278-3’s torpedo is lacking of detachable fins, but in operational use this feature was necessary, for it ensured the correct dive angle. Even in other aircraft in this period this lacking can be observed. It is not known if it was due to a sort of shortage or to a temporary change in releasing technique.
The MM, in about 5cm-high black characters, was usually placed below the rudders in this way:
SM 79
MM 23945
Wing insignia were of various types. It seems this aircraft had the following
-Sorry, I'm not so practical to insert images and it seems this is a bit too large!-
Of course, any discussion on these observations is welcome.
Stefano
