Italeri's October items on sale now...
B-52H Stratofortress
Kit No #1442
1/72nd Scale
Model Dim.: 66,4 cm
The B-52 Stratofortress is the most famous long-range jet-powered strategic bomber in aviation history. First produced by the American company Boeing in 1955, it has become symbolic of the ‘Cold War’ period between the U.S.A and the former Soviet Union. It was for many years the backbone of the United States Air Force Strategic Air Command. 
Decal Sheet For 3 Versions
Decals of the kit
The aircraft was also manufactured in a number of different versions over the years to meet ever-changing operational requirements. The B-52H is the most updated version of the famous American bomber and is characterized by the addition of improved engines offering considerably better performance, fuel economy and increased operational range. Other improvements have been made to the avionics, electronic countermeasures (ECM) and weapons systems. The B-52 is currently one of the most enduring aircraft in aviation history.
The sprues of the kit
Mercedes-Benz 450SLC Rallye Bandama 1979
Ki tNo #3632
1/24th scale
Model Dim.: 19,8 cm
Markings included in this box
Decals of the kit
The vehicle was further adapted from the mainstream consumer model to the production of a sports version for car rallying competitions. The chassis was the same, but the rally version introduced a roll-bar, competition rims and aluminium parts and components to reduce the overall weight. All of these factors contributed to increased performance and rallying successes such as the Mintex Rally victory in 1978.
The sprues of the kit
The kit built up and painted from Italeri
PARTISANS
Kit No #6556 - Scale
1/35th scale
Contains 6 Figures
From Esci Originali Moulds
During the German occupation of European countries in WWII, a key role was played by local ‘partisan’ groups. The partisans often had different ideals and political motivations but were united by the same goal to assist with the effort to secure victory against the German occupying forces.
The sprues of the kit
The type of operations conducted by partisan groups were wide-ranging, including both intelligence gathering and support activities to Allied forces, particularly in relation to acts of sabotage against the enemy's logistics and communications infrastructures.
The partisans painted up by the people at Italeri
Sd. Kfz. 251/1 Wurfrahmen Stuka zu Fuss
Kit No #7080
1/72nd scale
Decals For 3 Versions
Contains One Model And 3 Figures
Model Dim.: 8,1 cm
The Sd.Kfz.251 half-track was an armored fighting vehicle (AFV), which was deployed by the Wehrmacht on all operational fronts during the Second World War. Powered by a Maybach 6-cylinder petrol engine it was able to reach a speed of 55 km / h even on ‘off road’ terrain. Produced in huge numbers, it was mainly used to transport ‘Panzergrenadiers’, but during the war several versions were developed to meet differing operational requirements.
Markings included in this box
Decals of the kit
The Wurfrahmen rocket launcher version was built on the Sd.Kfz.251. Equipped with 6 compartments, 3 on each side, intended for the launch of rockets of different sizes, it was nicknamed “Stuka zu Fuss”. Although not precise, it could have an important psychological effect on enemy troops and still proved to be a valid support for ground troops especially in urban fighting.
The sprues of the kit
The kit made by the people at Italeri
FIAT CR.42 Falco
Kit No #2801
1 : 48th scale
Model Dim.: 17,3 cm
Starting from the C.R. 32 "Freccia" success proved by a great reliability and operational efficiency during the Spanish Civil War, the Italian manufacturer Fiat developed, in the late ‘30s, the new C.R. 42 "Falco". The new biplane single-seat fighter had - as its predecessor - the fixed landing gear and the open cabin but was equipped with important innovations such as the alloy and steel frame covered by canvass and metal panelling. Thanks to Its supercharged air-cooled Fiat A.74 radial engine the Fiat C.R. 42 was able to reach 400 Km / h.
6 Markings included in this box
Decals of the kit
It had an extraordinary manoeuvrability, much appreciated by the Italian pilots, but suffered the "biplane" configuration limits. It was able to successful engage the Gloster Gladiators but it was soon outclassed by faster and heavily armed monoplanes as the Hawker Hurricane and the Supermarine Spitfire. Several Fiat C.R. 42, together with G.50 fighters and BR.20, CANT Z 1007 bombers has been used by the Italian Regia Aeronautica during the Battle of Britain within the “Corpo Aereo Italiano”.
The sprues of the kit
SELF PROPELLED M42 75/18 MM
Kit No #6569
1/35th scale
Photo-etched parts included
Full interior kit
Markings in Italian and German forces in the box.
Italeri has a long-awaited Italian Icon of the battlefield coming our way in October - the new 35th scale Self-propelled M42 75/18 mm (commonly known as the Semovente da 75/18). We have a little on the real thing and the kit on the way from Italeri in our preview.
First, the Semovente da 75/18 in history.
History of the Semovente da 75/18
Before the start of the Second World War, the Italian Royal Army expressed the need to have mechanized artillery units able to support the infantry and armoured units. The self-propelled 75/18 was developed on the hull of the medium tank "M", which proved to be the Italian armoured vehicle most feared by the allies during the conflict. In fact, thanks to its 75mm howitzer installed in the casemate, it proved to be an effective anti-tank weapon capable of annihilating even the most powerful and heavily armoured British and American tanks. In addition to its good firepower, far superior to that of the M-13 and M-14 tanks, the “Self-propelled” was appreciated for its low profile which made it more difficult to spot and its overall good running performance.
The Semovente da 75/18 is an Italian Self Propelled Gun developed in part on Germany’s successful use of the StuG III during the French campaign. The first prototype delivery occurred on 10 February 1941. Pleased with the results, the Regio Esercito ordered 60 units. Delivery occurred in 1941 and shipped to the Italian divisions in Libya by January 1942.
Crews used spare track links to improve protection - this tank was no exception
In 1942, Ansaldo built 162 75/18 M41 units using an upgraded chassis. In 1943, the Semovente da 75/18 M42 began using the chassis and engine. Ansaldo built 190 units. The Semovente M41 da 75/18 can be distinguished from its predecessor by longer fenders. On the Semovente M40 da 75/18, they only covered the front part of the tracks.
The vehicle-mounted an obice da 75/18 mod. 34 field gun fixed in the superstructure. The front armour comprised of two 25 mm plates bolted together. Although mainly used as artillery, this Self Propelled Gun was quite effective against the U.S. built M3 Grant and M4 Sherman medium tanks utilized by the British Army. Although these machines were not widely known, the vehicle performed well in its role.
Semovente da 75/18 during the North African Campaign, 1942.
Though it was technically similar to the StuG III, it had a totally different role, serving as divisional artillery instead of a pure assault gun. The organic structure consisted of two artillery groups for every armoured division, with two batteries each (four 75/18 each and a command vehicle). The total was of 18 75 mm L/18 (included two in reserve) and 9 command vehicles, which were characterized by additional radio equipment and a Breda 13.2 mm heavy machine gun mounted instead of the main gun. The number originally ordered, 60 total, was enough for the three armoured divisions.
These units were of good quality and respected in the campaign in North Africa. In an , the 75 mm EP (Effetto Pronto; Ready Effect, or HESH rounds), was capable of piercing 3.14 inches (80 mm) of armour plating at 500 m.
You can see the rounds on the top of this tank that was abandoned after becoming immobile
Indian troops inspect a captured Semovente in German markings in Forli, 30 January 1945.
Variant Differences
Semovente 75/18 M40: weighed 13.1 tons, a max speed of 20 mph (32 km/h). The powerplant is a V8 SPA 8 T M40, 11,140 cc with 125 hp. Maximum Range is 210 km. Armament includes an additional 6.5 mm Breda 30 MG.
Semovente 75/18 M41: weighed 13.5 tons and a max speed of 21 mph (34 km/h). The powerplant is a V8 SPA 15 T M41 11,140 cc with 145 hp. 6.5 mm Breda 30 MG upgraded to 8 mm Breda 38 MG.
Semovente 75/18 M42: weighed 15 tons, max speed of 24 mph (38.4 km/h). The powerplant is an 8 cylinder SPA 15TB with 190 hp. Max Range is 200 km. Upgraded armour of 70 mm on front casemate, 45 mm on sides and 50-55 mm on the front nose.
Carro Comando: Command tanks lack the obice da 75/18 mod. 34 and have additional radio equipment.
Semovente da 75/18 M41 Specifications
Model Semovente da 75/18
Crew 3
Horizontal Traverse 40°
Vertical Traverse -12° to +22°
Rounds 44
Muzzle Velocity Approximately 450 m/s
Firing Range 9,500 m
This new-tooled kit from Italeri:
SELF PROPELLED M42 75/18 MM
From Italeri
Kit No #6569
1/35th scale
Photo-etched parts included
Full interior kit
Markings in Italian and German forces in the box.
Available in October
A full interior kit, this new mould kit from Italeri is of course made in 1/35th scale, and features a surprisingly small amount of sprues for a tank.
It looks like a posable suspension and three figures of crewmen (Italians) are included in the kit. Spare Jerry cans are included in the kit also.
We are struggling to find the internal parts of this kit - but it IS there - in the form of crewman seats, controls and other smaller parts harder to see.
As well as these sprues you also have a photo-etched sheet with scale-thinness parts to add to the tank.
Test Kit Build Up:
We have some pictures of the final test kit - both inside and out for you. You can see the interior of the kit here in this spot pretty well. The open turret top lends itself to this full interior kit quite nicely as you can see with he tank's turret off.
Italeri has promised new rubber materials that make up the tracks of this tank. They are reportedly easy to glue and paint. There are some tools and photo-etch included to enhance the look of the tank, however.
These new kits are now for sale from Italeri directly from their website or from their distributors worldwide
