Dora Wings 1/72 Savoia-Marchetti S.55 'Torpedo Bomber' Kit First Look

By David L. Veres

First Look

Dora Wings has released a “Torpedo Bomber” version of their amazing Savoia-Marchetti S.55.

The stunning 1/72-scale kit sports 188 parts on 12 trees in gray and clear styrene. Like the previous “Record Flight” package, aftermarket-quality photoetch, resin, clear-film details, and vinyl masks accompany kit plastic. And colorful decals and detailed assembly instructions complete contents.

Kit-specific components include a torpedo, defensive armament for four hull machine-gun positions, and a dorsal starboard wing generator.

Strikingly subtle raised scribing characterizes styrene pieces. Dora Wings’ ribbed effect convincingly replicates fabric-covered surfaces. And the occasional sink-marks and flash of the previous package largely vanished on my sample.

As with Dora Wings’ first boxing: carefully study – and follow – assembly instructions!

To pack over 200 items into a compact 12” x 8” x 2” (deep) [305 mm x 203 mm x 51 mm (deep)] box, the manufacturer employs the same clearly complicated engineering to achieve its amazing level of detail.

Wings, for instance, comprise eight parts – including internal spars. The powerplant pylon consumes at least 15 details. Engines themselves add about 30 more. And both hulls require over 30 parts each.

Dora Wings’s colorful, 16-page instructions include a capsule history, parts maps, 39-step assembly sequence, and three color & markings guides for machines from three squadriglie: the 191˚, 170˚, and 192˚ bombardamenti marittimi. Decals for all three sport excellent printing and color registration. But missing, unfortunately, are the first release’s handy isometric rigging views.

Dora Wings’ Savoia-Marchetti’s S.55 blends terrific detail with astonishing engineering. More, Dora Wings – please!

With thanks to Dora Wings for this review sample!