Scratch-built 1/72 Savoia Marchetti S.64 - 1928
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Introduction
Long range planes were in vogue in different countries at the time when
the record fever was burning high.
This elegant monoplane was designed by Alessandro Marchetti aiming to
conquer the endurance and distance records. First flown in 1928, the unusually
configured machine demonstrated that the potential was there to implement
the planned feat
The S.64 was a sort of motor-glider, with a large wing area and minimal
extras, capable of accommodating a crew of three in a small pod blended
with the wing, on top of which the engine –a Fiat A 22T- was enclosed
inside a streamlined gondola. Construction was mostly of wood –even
the wings were covered in plywood- and the struts were metal.
It conquered the distance and endurance records in closed circuit and
later, in a flight to Brazil, in straight distance.
In 1929 a second machine, the S.64bis, with minor modifications, re-conquered
the records that by then were in the hands of France and Germany. None
of the machines survived long
The model:
The usual stuff plus the experimental addition of the fuselage pod and
engine gondola are made of Fimo, a malleable plastic that you “bake”
in the kitchen oven. Both parts were hand modeled, “baked”and
then sanded, drilled, carved and glued. The in-process photos will clarify
doubts or generate more. If the last is the case I am not at home.
The engine is an adaptation of an Engine & Things resin product,
the propeller blades came from a cannibalized Aeroclub Models item and
wheels came also from that source.
Struts are from Strutz (metal) and again Aeroclub (plastic). The wheel
spats were an adaptation of parts coming from one of the wonderful Khee-Kha
vac kits –Thanks, Lars!
I enjoyed tons with this model, and also had to re-paint it five –
yes, five - times. Lovely.
Thanks to Fabrizio D’Isanto, Jim Schubert and all the modelers
that helped with information and advice.
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