Manufacturer: Vintage Models
Kit: FIAT G55-A "Centauro"
Scale: 1/48th
Medium: Resin, with white metal & etch detail parts and vacform canopy.
Decals: Supplied with an Aeromaster decal sheet.
Pros: Accurate overall shape and panel lines.
Cons: Some poor white metal mouldings & vacform canopy.

History:
The G.55 was FIAT's DB605 engined "Series 5" fighter, built in conjunction with the Macchi C.205 and Re.2005, although it was originally hoped to use an Italian in-line engine design. It was a quantum leap over its predecessor, the workmanlike G.50. It's large wing area made it ideal for high altitude flying and the Germans were so impressed after it beat the Bf109 and Fw190 in testing, they wanted them in the Luftwaffe (they oversaw the development of a G.56, which was built around the even more powerful DB603 engine). 

The Kit:
This resin kit appeared to be a re-issue of the OOP RCR kit and, if so, it was a welcome return. For a while, the only other 1/48 was the Classic Airframe G.55 which was riddled with inaccuracies particularly to the nose, spinner and rear stabilisers, which all had an inaccurate profile. The cockpit detail was a bit suspect too. Happily, the RCR kit is devoid of such problems and because of its apparent simplicity, it is an ideal first time resin kit. The only setback is some poor quality white metal mouldings (especially the propellers) and a suspect vacform canopy. The canopy problem is easily fixed by using Falcon's replacement canopy (designed for the CA kit) which fits perfectly. I used spare blades from various Hasegawa C.202 and Falcon RE.2005's made in the past. Fortunately most of the white metal parts can be cleaned up to reasonable standard and look fine once painted and installed. If I was being really picky, criticism can be levelled at the engraved panel lines, which are a bit on the heavy side, and to the wheel wells, which are rather plain and lack sufficient depth. I strongly recommend the additional purchase of the Ali d'Italia #10, which has plenty of reference material and includes a very good set of plans that will be of great help.

Construction:
Cockpit detail is very good and includes an etch instrument panel (but no film). There is plenty of depth to the resin side wall and floor parts. Most of the kit can be assembled in virtually no time at all. However, there is a fit problem between the one piece wing and fuselage that needs a fair amount of test fitting. Constant referral to the Ali d'Italia book was necessary to make sure that the relationship between the two parts are properly maintained. It can be easy to get it all wrong and end up with a very odd looking aircraft. 

Painting & Decaling:
The most commonly used colour scheme was the rather drab overall Verde Oliva Scuro 2/Grigio Azzurio Chiaro 1 defence scheme, although some were overpainted in a Luftwaffe inspired mottled grey and a few had an experimental geometric style camouflage. The AeroMaster decal sheet supplied with the kit covers all of these options. I chose the scheme sporting a small "G. Bonet" signature, in honour of Capt. Giovanni Bonet, KIA whilst in command of the Squadriglia. This practise was quite common, as pilots held such inspirational leaders in high esteem. Perhaps the most famous example of all is Francesco Barraca, KIA in WWI. His name appeared on many a 4° Stormo Macchi C.202 fighter. The Stormo's "Cavallino Rampante" emblem was inspired by Baracca's personal insignia, which was also donated to Enzo Ferrari. Xtracolor X109 was used for the Verde Oliva Scuro 2, being the best enamel match that I have found. An alternative enamel is Humbrol 91 or for acrylic users, Tamiya XF27. For the Grigio Azzurro Chiaro, I used Xtracolor X134. I do not know of any other suitable enamels, as the recommended Humbrol 141 is no longer available. A good Tamiya match is XF-19.

Conclusions:
Despite its price, this is the only accurate 1/48 G.55 you can get. Vintage have also released the same kit in its torpedo bomber guise. Incidentally, there are no accurate 1/72 kits at all, except the OOP Misterkit resin model (which ought to be re-issued).