Questions about the S.M. 79-III

flyingbabydoc · Post by **flyingbabydoc** » Wed Oct 22, 2008 3:17 am

Hello all

For my next project, I am tackling the 1/72 Sparviero III from Italeri (Kit 1243). I have been gathering information before beginning construction, and apparently I will have to use the photo-etched set from Eduard (although it was made for the Sparviero I).

This kit comes with decals for two versions: 81-00 from Gruppo Buscaglia and F2-02 from Gruppo Fangioni. I have tried to find information about other Gruppi that might have used the SM-79 III before September 1943, since I am not that keen on building an ANR model - I would much rather have a RA model. I have found several Tauro model decal sheets, but no camouflage scheme or markings for the SM-79 III in the RA. Does anyone possess such information? Any suggestions would be very helpful.

Thanks a lot,

Alex

Post by **Editor** » Wed Oct 22, 2008 9:30 pm

Good question, as the caption says, 41o Gruppo operated the type during the winter of 1942-43. Also check ADI #11 and the soon to arrive ADI #28.

flyingbabydoc · Post by **flyingbabydoc** » Thu Oct 23, 2008 3:41 am

Hi Vince

Thank you so much for your help! Excellent, I will try and find more information on that 205 - 3 from 41° Gruppo. What do you recon are the colors? Verde Mimetico (FS 34102) and Grigio mimetico (FS 36375)?

Thanks once again

Auguri,

Alex

Post by **Editor** » Thu Oct 23, 2008 6:30 am

Hi Alex,
In 1943 the Taxola X colors were in full effect, so new S.79s were finished in VOS2 Verde Oliva Scuro 2 FS.34052. Undersurfaces were GAC1 Grigio Azzurro Chiaro FS.36307.

Stefano · Post by **Stefano** » Thu Oct 23, 2008 3:21 pm

There is a little bit of confusion around S.79s designations, as the known suffix I (bomber), II (torpedo-bomber) and III (modified t/b) were not official.
RA designations of the SIAI S.79 were:
S.79P (for Passeggeri): prototype I-MAGO
S.79K (Gnome-Rhone K.14 engines)
S.79JR: twin-engined version for Yugoslavia and Romania
S.79M (for Militare or Modificato): standard bomber/torpedo-bomber version for RA. Most part of t/b were just bombers with external racks
S.79TP (for Trasporto Personalità): modified for V.I.P. transport
S.79bis: actually various degrees of modifications to suit the aircraft to torpedo role.

In 1943, the operative RA units equipped with S.79bis were the 41° and 132° Gruppo, other than the Sezione Speciale AS at Istrés for the mission against Gibraltar on 19 June 1943. All those “bis” were exteriorly a standard “79” equipped with Alfa 128 engines, tall radio mast, Wellington-type exhaust, airstreamed DFL, reinforced door, and without belly gondola and bombing devices, as in the bottom photo posted by Vince (note that the examples of 205ª Squadriglia at top were standard production aircraft with just tall mast – see belly gondola and Alfa 126 engines).
The extensive modifications as reproduced in Italeri S.79III kit (hunchback without sliding door, gun windows added/reshaped, etc) were made in 1944 and, since the factories were all in German-controlled territory, only ANR had those aircraft.

In conclusion, if you want to buy Italeri kit no. 1243, the only choice you have is an ANR aircraft. If you want to build 205-3, take the other '79 Italeri kit and add the mast.

I hope to have not confused you...

Best wishes
Stefano

flyingbabydoc · Post by **flyingbabydoc** » Fri Oct 24, 2008 3:01 am

Ciao Stefano

Grazie per la risposta!

I appreciated the thorough explanation. Indeed I will have to build the ANR version (Buscaglia group) but I will certainly use your suggestions in modifying another S79 Aerosilurante kit I have. I am attempting to build a "fleet" of SM79, my favorite aircraft.

I will see if I can find any modifications or decals for different ANR airplanes for this model.

Thank you once again.

Alex