1/700 Piaggio P.108 Italian Heavy Bomber - (x2) 3D Printed - Magnifico!

Description

NO RESERVE. We're offering here a beautifully detailed set of two 1/700 scale Piaggio P.108B bomber models that have just come out of the 3D printer! The P.108 was the only four engine heavy bomber employed by the Regia Aeronautica. Sometimes compared to the American B-17, the P-108B was a robust all-metal modern design with heavy defensive armament including innovative, remotely operated gun barbettes located above the outboard engines. While too few (only 24 produced) were built to play a significant role in the war, the only unit operating the type, 274 Squadriglia , conducted some spectacular night attacks against the British fortress at Gibraltar beginning in June 1942 . In all, there were 5 such missions consisting of one to four aircraft that resulted in little damage to the target and a 33% loss rate for the attackers. Following the Allied invasion of French North Africa, 274 operated eight P.108Bs against targets in Algiers, Blinda, Maison Blanche and Oran, flying 28 sorties in December 1942 but losing 6 aircraft in the process. The P.108 saw combat for the last time over Sicily, flying 12 sorties against the invasion force there between 11 and 22 July 1943, damaging one ship and losing at least four aircraft to Beaufighter and Mosquito night fighters. Interestingly, Italian dictator Benito Mussolini's second son, Bruno,
died in the crash of one of the first P.108s delivered to 274 Squadriglia on 7 August 1941.
It not surprising that this is the first model of the P.108 ever offered in 1/700 scale given the relative obscurity of this rare bird. We think that these 3D printed models easily rival (and probably exceed) the quality of comparable WEM resin and Pit-Road white metal models produced in the past but we've posted some high resolution photos so you can judge for yourself. Note that the ruler in photo #12 is calibrated in millimeters. While photography of these little gems is a challenge for our equipment and limited skills, check out the well proportioned model including the detailed glazed nose, canopy, the engines, the remotely-controlled gun barbettes on the outboard engine gondolas and the two "gunners" positions staggered on top of the fuselage, tail assembly and the landing gear complete with a tiny tail wheel!
The surfaces are not perfectly smooth (3D printing is done in layers) but the plastic used can be sanded and painted much the same way you would handle resin or styrene. The models may still have some powder and oil-like agent on them that needs to be removed by washing in warm water with a drop of detergent added to it.
These outstanding P.108B models should be a welcome addition to any WW2 wargamer's or 1/700 modeler's collection, particularly those interested in Regia Aeronautica bomber operations. Please take a look at the other 1/700 scale aircraft models that we have on auction as well. We're always happy to combine shipping for multiple purchases to save whenever possible. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions whatsoever.