Preview: Italeri's new-tooled 32nd scale Macchi MC.200...

After their release of the Macchi M.C. 202 Folgore, Italeri presented us with the Macchi C.200 Saetta, also in 32nd scale. We have art, CADs & some features in our preview...

Preview: Italeri's new-tooled 32nd scale Macchi MC.200...

Macchi MC.200

From Italeri

No #2516

100% new moulds

1/32nd scale

Photo-etch & 3D-printed decals included

Markings TBA

Available TBA

Product Link on the Italeri Website

The Subject:

The Macchi C.200 Saetta was an Italian monoplane fighter aircraft that served in the Regia Aeronautica during World War II. Designed by Mario Castoldi, the C.200 was praised for its excellent manoeuvrability, strong airframe, and reliability, which made it a favourite among Italian pilots, despite having less firepower than its Allied counterparts. 

The aircraft saw extensive combat service in theatres including North Africa, the Mediterranean, the Soviet Union, and Greece. The Saetta was powered by a Fiat A74 radial engine, which gave it a top speed of over 310mph, but limited its overall performance compared to fighters with more powerful, liquid-cooled engines. Its initial armament of two 12.7 mm machine guns was a significant drawback, though later variants could carry a light bomb load. 

Macchis also served on the Eastern Front. Here are some partially screened-in makeshift shelters in what looks to be summertime in Russia.

Despite its limitations, the Saetta's robust and reliable radial engine made it a capable ground-attack aircraft and bomber escort, particularly in environments where liquid-cooled engines were more vulnerable. While the C.200's design was modern, its limitations in speed and armament became apparent as the war progressed, and it was eventually outmatched by newer Allied fighters. However, the C.200's excellent handling characteristics and strength meant it could still hold its own in combat against slower fighters, and it was a workhorse for the Italian air force, flying more operational sorties than any other Italian aircraft from 1940 until the armistice. Its design also served as the basis for subsequent, more powerful Macchi fighters, such as the MC.202 Folgore. 

Cockpit view of the Macchi MC.200 Saetta in the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force World War II Gallery

The restored version in the USAF museum.

The new-tooled Macchi C.200 kit in 32nd scale from Italeri

The Macchi C.200 Saetta in 1/32nd scale from Italeri is a completely new kit design. A release one might think in the start of the new year in 2026. 

We have several CADs of the kit showing the stripped-back workings and internals and showing us the features already of this still-in-development kit.

A full Fiat A74 radial engine is included; maybe just some wiring harnesses need to be added.

From the rear you can see the rear engine mount and bulkhead structure is included in some detail.

The internal firewall area behind the engine is shown in this illustration.

The detailed landing gear and internal gear bays are shown, with extensive detail in the drawings. We hope this transfers over to the plastic.

The rather rudimentary cockpit of the Macchi is also included in full. We think this one will have 3D-printed instrument panel included

The cockpit side of the canopy can open just like the real thing

No word on if the flying surfaces are posable yet; we would think and hope so if they follow the earlier Macchi kits in the same scale.

We will present more news on this kit as it comes to hand. For more on Italeri's kits, check out their website...