WW2 Reinforcements for the Italians

I have been putting together a piece for Dave's WW2 western desert force.

It's been on the back burner for a while and I finally completed it.

Here is the decal and paint info sheet.

The model is a Fiat CR32 biplane fighter used with great success in the Spanish Civil war and deployed in north-west Africa as well as in Abyssinia. Regarded as out of date by late 1930's it still was a superb acrobatic plane in expert hands and caused problems although it was eventually used as a ground attack plane until relegated to training roles.

Well the instruction seemed simple enough, what could possibly go wrong?

Optimistically cleaning off the parts and pre-painting where necessary, I started the project full of vigour.

Of course once the body was joined the wings were attached ..  so far so good.

Then the problems started.... the upper wings didn't want to sit with the correct geometry so drastic measures were called for.

Pulling the entire wings and struts apart structural support was applied... good old fashioned elastic bands !

Of course the undercarriage decided to protest at this treatment ... grrrr

Once the model wings were all attached, the desert camouflage was applied over the base coat of sand and decals applied.

I had pre-painted a rudimentary instrument panel prior to fitting the body together.

Some light dusting over the surfaces completed the weathered look.  

Next up some Italian armour !