Hi all,
I was thinking to build a Caproni ca.313 r.p.b.1, I just love the shape of this old Italian aircraft with all those little windows around the nose and body... Unfortunately, I didn't find any good info regarding its paint scheme.
I've found a lot of info about the one in the Swedish air force, and also of course on the r.p.b.2 type, not to mention on the ca.311 with those radial engines with similar nose look... but I've found almost nothing on the ca.313 r.p.b.1 on the Italian side. Why is that ?
Can someone please guide me what type of camouflage is the correct one for the ca.313 r.p.b.1 on the Italian side ? maybe give me some options to choose one from ?
I'll appreciate any help of course.
Thanks a lot.
Guy.
What type of camouflage for the ca.313 r.p.b.1 is correct ?
Re: What type of camouflage for the ca.313 r.p.b.1 is correct ?
Hi Guy, welcome to the Stormo Forums.
There was only one Ca.313 RPB1 in RA service. Counting the prototype MM.402, 200 RPB1 (designated as RPB-F) were ordered by France, 5 were eventually delivered before June 10 1940 and the rest of the order was diverted to Sweden (RPB-S), 84 in total to Sweden. 15 RPB1 were ordered by the RA, 1 MM.12050 (Verde Mimetico 3: FS.34102) was sent to Nucleo Addestramento Siluranti at Gorizia for torpedo bombing trials; the plane performed well however there were doubts about its ability to absorb battle damage. Torpedo mounts were present on 313s destined for coastal patrol but there are no records of the plane's use in this role and these planes were all RPB2. The 14 remaining RA RPB1 (MM.11916-11929) were converted to Ca.314C - combat version with 4 x 12.7mm SAFATs fixed forward-firing guns, one Scotti-IF 12.7mm in a Caproni-Lanciani Delta E dorsal turret, a 7.7mm Scotti-IF in a ventral position and a 400kg bomb payload. The prototype MM.402 was finished in the pre-war Caproni Serie Mimetica colors: Giallo Mimetico 3 (FS.33434), Verde Mimetico 3 (FS.34102) and Marrone Mimetico 2 (FS.30076). Below photos and a profile (ref. ADI #24) of the prototype and the single example RA RPB1 sent to Gorizia.
If you want to build a glazed cockpit Caproni "bimotori" in RA wartime markings consider the Ca.311 (if you're building 1/72 - use the Italeri or Special Hobby kits), here's Jean's Italeri 1/72 Ca.311 (click the image):
Its worth mentioning that pilots preferred the stepped-nose design e.g., 311M, RPB2 because the fully glazed cockpit exhibited reflections from inside the cockpit as well from the air and on the ground, as well as causing thermal issues and may explain partially why we didn't see many of these types of designs in WWII.
There was only one Ca.313 RPB1 in RA service. Counting the prototype MM.402, 200 RPB1 (designated as RPB-F) were ordered by France, 5 were eventually delivered before June 10 1940 and the rest of the order was diverted to Sweden (RPB-S), 84 in total to Sweden. 15 RPB1 were ordered by the RA, 1 MM.12050 (Verde Mimetico 3: FS.34102) was sent to Nucleo Addestramento Siluranti at Gorizia for torpedo bombing trials; the plane performed well however there were doubts about its ability to absorb battle damage. Torpedo mounts were present on 313s destined for coastal patrol but there are no records of the plane's use in this role and these planes were all RPB2. The 14 remaining RA RPB1 (MM.11916-11929) were converted to Ca.314C - combat version with 4 x 12.7mm SAFATs fixed forward-firing guns, one Scotti-IF 12.7mm in a Caproni-Lanciani Delta E dorsal turret, a 7.7mm Scotti-IF in a ventral position and a 400kg bomb payload. The prototype MM.402 was finished in the pre-war Caproni Serie Mimetica colors: Giallo Mimetico 3 (FS.33434), Verde Mimetico 3 (FS.34102) and Marrone Mimetico 2 (FS.30076). Below photos and a profile (ref. ADI #24) of the prototype and the single example RA RPB1 sent to Gorizia.
If you want to build a glazed cockpit Caproni "bimotori" in RA wartime markings consider the Ca.311 (if you're building 1/72 - use the Italeri or Special Hobby kits), here's Jean's Italeri 1/72 Ca.311 (click the image):
Its worth mentioning that pilots preferred the stepped-nose design e.g., 311M, RPB2 because the fully glazed cockpit exhibited reflections from inside the cockpit as well from the air and on the ground, as well as causing thermal issues and may explain partially why we didn't see many of these types of designs in WWII.
Re: What type of camouflage for the ca.313 r.p.b.1 is correct ?
Thanks a lot for your detailed answer. I've seen of course these photos already, but when I've read the word "prototype" I was afraid that this is just one unique example and not something that represents all of the aircrafts. That's why I've decided to ask the experts here.
I've never knew that the ca.313 r.p.b.1 was in such small numbers in the RA service. According to your answer, maybe it's better to build the r.p.b.2 / ca.314 instead.
Guy.
I've never knew that the ca.313 r.p.b.1 was in such small numbers in the RA service. According to your answer, maybe it's better to build the r.p.b.2 / ca.314 instead.
Guy.
Re: What type of camouflage for the ca.313 r.p.b.1 is correct ?
The Regia Aeronautica placed an order for 120 Ca.313 RPB2, received in two batches of 60 each. Total production of the Ca.313 amounted to 211 with another 346 Ca.313G for the Luftwaffe that was similar to the RPB2. See the table below.