1/72 Matchbox Aeritalia G 91 Y - Yankee

Gallery Article by Silvio Pietropaolo

 

      

The Aeritalia G 91 Y, called "Yankee" was an improved version of the Fiat G 91 R built for the Aeronautica Militare Italiana.

The Yankee was an airplane with an increase in wing area of 10% and an improved thrust/weight ratio obtained using two J 85/GE-BA with after burner respect the G 91 R. The prototype flew in 1966 and the type entered service in 1971. The model reproduce an aircraft of 32nd wing of Italian AF based on Brindisi - Casale airport in 1978.

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The Matchbox kit in 1/72 was produced 20 years ago and it has various mistakes to correct.  The wingspan is 3 mm less than right, the tailwing are 2 mm too long, the profile of canopy is too low, the fin has a wrong profile, the cockpit is sparse. I have corrected the wingspan, tailwings and fin.  I built the ejection seat and instrument panel, I cut the canopy from wind shield and I've put the canopy in the open position to mask imperfections of the profile. I detailed the interior of the canopy, Defa cannons, landing gear and I painted model with Humbrol enamels with airbrush. (It is my first model painted with an airbrush)

This Kit is the only one that reproduce the G 91 Y in polystyrene plastic. The airplanes of Brindisi airport were very dirty and faded because they was in parked all the day under the sun of south Italy, so the model is very faded, in particular the grey colour. I used the kit decals and all the details are scratchbuilt. The weapons load is two rocket launchers from my "magazine" and two additional fuel tanks from a Revell 1/72 Fiat G 91 R/3 kit. I hope you enjoy my little model of a little known Italian warplane.

Silvio Pietropaolo

Photos and text © by Silvio Pietropaolo