SH72541 Caproni Ca.312 ‘Italian Export Bomber’ 1/72

SH72541 Caproni Ca.312 /Italian Export Bomber/

The Italian company Caproni began production of the light twin-engine Ca.310 bomber and the more powerful Ca.311 for the Italian Air Force in the late 1930s. These aircraft also attracted foreign customers. Belgium ordered the Ca.310, while Norway selected the Ca.311 fitted with more powerful engines. Caproni initially offered Belgium the Ca.312 Belge based on the Ca.310, but production aircraft for both countries were later planned on the Ca.311 airframe.

The aircraft differed mainly in the nose design. Belgian machines were intended to feature a stepped nose, while the Norwegian version received a smooth glazed nose similar to the Heinkel He 111. Compared to the Ca.311, the new aircraft also featured larger engine cowlings, three-bladed propellers and modified landing gear. By the time Belgium and Norway were occupied by the German Wehrmacht, Caproni had completed only two Ca.312 aircraft, and both contracts were cancelled. The unfinished batch of 24 aircraft was subsequently taken over by the Italian Regia Aeronautica. These aircraft served in the transport role in Italy, Africa and on the Eastern Front. Two machines operating on the Eastern Front were converted into ambulance aircraft and carried an overall white finish with red cross markings.

The kit combines plastic parts with 3D-printed components, resin parts and photo-etched details representing the engines, cowlings, landing gear and interior. The decal sheet includes markings for a Norwegian prototype with the smooth nose and three Italian aircraft with stepped noses. Two feature camouflage schemes — one from Italy and one from Africa — while the third aircraft is finished overall white as an ambulance aircraft operating in the Caucasus area.

KIT CONTENTS: SH72541 Caproni Ca.312 /Italian Export Bomber/

• Plastic sprues
• Photo-etched parts
• Resin parts
• 3D-printed parts
• Painting masks
• Decals

Marking options: 4

FEATURES:

• Model kit of a very interesting and unusual aircraft version
• Includes 3D-printed parts, resin components, photo-etched details and painting masks
• Eye-catching colour schemes and markings