This book in the Orange Series from MMP describes the Italian WWII Macchi C.202 Folgore, or MC.202. This is the expanded second edition of this title, and contains some new information not in the first printing.

The MC.202 is probably the most famous and recognizable Italian fighter of WWII. The aircraft was used in combat from its introduction in 1941 through the end of hostilities. It served with the Italian Air Force (Regia Aeronautica) and also with the German Luftwaffe, as well as a few other countries. This book mainly deals with the fighter in Italian service but does include a small section on the aircraft’s use with other countries.

This publication is entirely in English, with many photos, profiles, and drawings. The book describes the design, development, and operations of the Folgore. Included here are many period photographs (some in color) which detail the MC.202 during WWII. Line drawings of the aircraft in 1/48 scale are dispersed throughout the text, and a loose page with 1/72 plans is also included.

To me the most interesting feature of this title is the abundance of color profiles contained within. There are dozens of color profile illustrations showing the Folgore in just about every camouflage scheme used for this aircraft type – including some captured machines in Luftwaffe markings, as well as several British marked aircraft, and a profile of the example in the National Air and Space Museum. The plastic modeler may find these sufficiently inspiring to build more than one example of this Italian fighter, as the camouflage schemes are some of the most interesting one will find throughout the War.

The period photographs are well done and nicely reproduced. They do a fine job of showing the operational history of the aircraft type, as well as some detail images the plastic modeler can use. Some of these are vintage color photographs, but most are black and white. Also included are drawings and illustrations from the aircraft’s technical manual detailing some of the inner components of the aircraft.

There is also a large section of color detail photos of the two surviving and restored aircraft. The modeler will also find these very useful in making a better plastic model kit, as they are presented in more of a walk-around format by section for those searching for detail on a particular segment of the aircraft and airframe.

I recommend this book to anyone interested in aviation history, Italian WWII aircraft, or a plastic modeler looking for some detailed information on this famous fighter. It is a fine edition to anyone’s reference section.

Thank you to Mushroom Models Publications for the review sample and IPMS-USA for the review opportunity.