Xotic-72 1/72 Savoia Marchetti SM.84

XOTIC-72 1:72 SAVOIA MARCHETTI SM.84

Reviewer: Chris Busbridge (rec.models.scale)
Kit Review submitted: 24 April 2003

Kit Details:

Xotic-72 (Aviation USK) Savoia Marchetti SM.84.

Brief History:

With hindsight, the Regia Aeronautica's requirement for a successor to the S.79 was an ill-fated one. A common complaint of the S.79, which only became a torpedo bomber by default, was the cramped conditions of the narrow fuselage, plus the fact that it could only fly effectively with one torpedo (flying two-up severely restricted its performance).

The SM-84 shared a similar wing platform, but everything else was dramatically altered. A larger, more streamlined fuselage combined with a twin tail fin arrangement was used to gain a roomier fuselage and better load capability. The engines were changed from the reliable Alfa Romeo units to Piaggio P.IX RC 40's, which proved to be its Achilles heel. In fact, in its intended torpedo role, it was considered a failure and was therefore relegated to more conventional bombing duties. This meant that the S.79 was re-instated and was able to confirm its status as one of the finest torpedo bombers of WWII, something that the SM.84 never could.

The Kit:

This review is based on the original AviationUSK issue of the SM-84. USK's recent "Xotic-72" incarnation is essentially the same kit, if the preview images are anything to go by. As far as I can tell, the ONLY difference is the box it comes in (the same should apply to other Xotic72 kits). The quality of the parts are typical of the older limited run kits, very restrained recessed panel lines and very thick trailing edges. This fine engraving meant that all the control surfaces need more definition, which is easily solved with a few passes of a scriber. The trailing edges, however, need laborious thinning.

Construction:

Internal detail is minimal, although a nice brass instrument panel is included. It's academic, visibility through the various small fuselage windows is very poor. The side gunner windows are best closed off, using the roller-shutter kit parts, as anyone wishing to add internal detail in this area will probably find references hard to come by.

After the fuselage halves were joined and their seams smoothed out, the cockpit canopy is next. It is supplied as two vacform halves and proved to be a very difficult part of the construction. Careful application of both filler and super glue was needed to get a good strong, smooth join, not only to the two halves but to where it mates to the fuselage. The vac-form gondola was next. Its tiny front window was too small to show any internal detail, so it was not necessary to open up the fuselage where it sits.

Attaching the wing and empennages proved trouble free although some filler was needed around the wing/fuselage join. The resin engines lacked sufficient depth and was devoid of any push-rod detail, but at least the cowlings fitted quite nicely over them. Fixing the cowlings in place was a bit troublesome though, as there were no positive location points. I found that by gluing the rather crude exhausts in place first, they in effect become those much needed location points! The propellors are not very good at all, in fact I binned mine and replaced them with a set from an old Supermodel Z.1007 kit, which had similar Piaggio style propellors and were much more accurate, even down to the opposite rotation of the starboard prop. The undercarriage was very sturdy, although I made a new tailwheel out of spares.The aileron/elevator mass balances are supplied as flat brass etch items and are inaccurate in shape as well as being too flat! New ones will have to be made. There was no attempt at providing detail for the gun turret mechanism, which makes it difficult to attached both the gun and the counter balance arm. The Italeri Caproni Ca.311 kit has a similar turret that has more detail (albeit crude) and can be used as a pattern.

Colour Options:

Looking at various photo references show that this aircraft had two types of propellors, as well as two cockpit canopy styles. This had to be borne in mind when choosing a colour scheme from the kit decals. A much wider choice of Italian markings can be found on the SkyModels Italian bombers decal sheet.

The scheme I chose to do was based on a photo I saw in a reference book. The fuselage band, cowlings and rudder crosses were sprayed first before tackling the 3-colour mottling, which was done with a combination of Humbrol and Xtracolor enamels. Despite glossing the surface before the decal application, I still managed to get silvering under the wing fasces.

Conclusions/Recommendations:

Aviation USK are to be congratulated on releasing these lesser known types, despite limited references. This makes their accuracy a rather contentious issue, especially in the case of their Fiat RS-14 kit which suffers terribly in this respect. Fortunately, the SM-84 kit seems to have got away with it and USK have captured the rather unusual appearance of this aircraft quite well.

Overall, this model can only be recommended to fans of tri-motor Italian aircraft modellers of above average ability. Novices will definitely find it a frustrating experience.

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