AIRFIX SM.79 Vintage Classics 1/72 scale model kit - how to make it

[@BobMuir100]

Gary, you have made this kit look better than the adverts and box art, no small achievement!!!! Bob England

[@Slycockney]

The finished product really did look first class

[@adandap]

I built that one back in the 1970s and it was one of my better (read: least bad) efforts at the time, so I think you're right that it's a pretty nice kit for its day.

[@HootOwl513]

I enjoyed your build sequence. I built an SM 79 in 1/72 back in the '80s. Similar camo, [what I call ,,Pizza Crust''] only it was a khaki base and light green spots, shot on from spray cans thru a perforated mask. Prickly pear cactus leaf-size in scale. I didn't do the proper research, and sprayed the undersurface with light blue instead of the Regia Aeronautica grey. In the US, the kit was marketed by AMT, and had a goofy ''custom'' parts tree -- chromed, so you could knock yourself out making a bizarre unhistorical model, if so desired. A nose spinner for a P-40, a Hamilton Std hydraulic prop, extra machine guns, various exhaust ports, and other stuff were on the Custom bit. I ignored it but it went into the spares box.

[@kkirkcaldy]

Very nice work on the figures Gary, you’ve turned them from jelly babies into usable (and very decent) crew figures.

[@julianmhall]

Agreed, but at least they were realistic poses instead of the standard hands on knees and both legs bent equally.

[@markfranks1329]

​@@julianmhall I think the figures in the SM79 were also used in the Do 217 and He 177 and also the Stirling. Standard Airfix 'bomber crews' of the time.

[@julianmhall]

@@markfranks1329 pity they're no longer standard.

[@markfranks1329]

@@julianmhall Yes, fair point. Inclusion of figures seems to have gained traction of late. I remember a time they were often discarded in order to highlight the cockpit area of a model. The best figures, imo, are those from Monogram. Ok, they're 1/48 but that's my preferred scale.

[@julianmhall]

@@markfranks1329 I think the biggest problem comes for those who want a flying aircraft or other pose when a pilot or crew /should/ be in an aircraft. An empty cockpit / aircraft just looks wrong

[@markfranks1329]

Belisimo, Gary! Just goes to show that with a little care, models of this vintage can still be made to look more than presentable. Some, not all modelers, will turn their noses up at such offerings but certain folk of a certain vintage, like me, will have fond memories, because that was all that was available back in the day. All you need now is the FIAT G50 'Freccia' to go with the 'Spaviero'. I believe that's also a 'Vintage Classic'.

[@garys_stuff]

You are right it is - I think that's one where the reprint of the decal sheet cost more than the rest of the kit!

[@markfranks1329]

​@@garys_stuff I made the FIAT a couple of times, never the SM79. That was way out of my league. It required Birthday money for that! Usually from an 'Aunt Agatha'. I normally had to be satisfied with a Red Stripe Series 1 in a polythene bag for 2' 11d.....if I was lucky. 😄

[@newbymick1]

Is anyone else shouting, "Gary needs a Dremel". The finished result is incredible, considering it's an old Vintage Kit.

[@garys_stuff]

Gary's got a Dremel but it gets clogged with plastic...

[@glenchapman3899]

Over the last year I have found myself gravitating to these older kits. While they have problems, the core build is a lot simpler than modern kits. I agree with putting both torpedoes on. I build to make my kits look cool rather than operationally accurate. As for senior moments, welcome to my world lol

[@thesecretlaboratory4192]

I was building vintage classics as a kid before they were vintage classics!!

[@emmabird9745]

Hi Gary, fit for Il Duce. You have done wonders. This build looks superb. You've done a marvelous job on the crew. In period, in my ignorance I would have used them as is, but now seeing your treatment, such an improvement. I might use a dremmel on low speed with a tiny cutter, but in principal I think I would copy your effort. Well done top draw. I wonder if the "one torpedo" operation was to save weight for fuel for long range over water missions. On the landing gear front, I suspect that the square bosses represent forked lugs for the actuator/brace rods to rotate in so straight on to the boss is probably correct. A flat filed on the ends of the brace would give a bit of area to glue to. Was there flash on the braces or was that a representation of pipe work etc. I could wish to look at one of the survivors but Italy is a long way to go for that. I wonder if one of your Italian viewers might help out there. The rods on the tail are struts, or sometime bracing struts. The "hooks" on the national markings are axe heads. The shape represents the ceremonial axe bound in sticks or rods (I've heard of them called fascines but?) that were carried ahead of the consuls of ancient Rome. I don't remember varnishing before adding transfers. Why do I see everyone doing it now? Is it something to do with modern paint? I don't remember matt varnish being very matt so I generally didn't use it. Is the modern stuff better? I do like your idea of doing a full interia but that leaves me wondering what it would look like. Italy is a long way to go. The raised panel lines don't show up at all in the vid. Interesting. It would have been interesting to see how you straightened the bent prop. In conclusion a marvellous build and an inspiration.

[@garys_stuff]

Thanks Emma. Just on the matter of pre-decal varnish, I find it helps the decals set better to the surface if it is glossy. As for matt varnish, as usual some is better than others, I've been using Galeria by Windsor & Newton thinned down and it seems to do a reasonably decent job.

[@emmabird9745]

@@garys_stuff Thanks Gary, I'll try that.

[@juliantolley2191]

About to watch this with great interest. As a kid my father brought home that kit without instructions. It went together well but I had 2 grilles left over....so 50 years later I might get an answer

[@wojciechkoska3515]

I stared with Airfix Do-217. Wonderful trip down the memory lane. Excellent build👍. I myself recently started the cycle "Then & now". First one was Bf-109 E from 1974, and second from 2020. Came out great.

[@vicparratt7523]

Hi Gary, it just goes to prove you don't have to have a modern kit to turn out an excellent quality model, well done sir. Love the colour scheme. Best wishes Vic

[@WaRn00b85]

I remember building this exact kit when I was a lad (early 90s). Quite nostalgic to see!

[@davidmccann9811]

Nice build and aircraft. During the 70s I built most of the Airfix aircraft, as I used to buy one every week with my pocket money, but I never purchased this one (even though I saw it for sale many times.) It may have been because it was Italian and as a child I was more excited by British, US or German aircraft models.

[@willwoods6466]

Great Job Gary. I'm always a little nervous about older kits or less known manufacturers. As I've gotten older I seem to be able to tackle these with less frustration and more patients. I do love the Seniors Moment, I have experienced these on occasion and tend to keep them to myself. Great to be able to laugh at ourselves.

[@MrHrannsi]

About the parts around the rear gunner section: the Sparviero was originally designed as a passenger and transport aircraft but then got converted into a combat aircraft. Nice touch from Airfix to give the builder an option for both versions.

[@jimbyrne1844]

Indeed - watch Gary's accompanying video for more info on this! 👍🏻

[@joseluiscastanorestrepo]

Very good job with a classic like the SM.79. It seemed to me that it didn't have that many complications for a kit from the sixties. I have it in my stash but I had not dared to put it together yet because being from an old tooling it could have certain problems, but you have shown that it can be put together in a simple way, a few adjustments and that's it.

[@Acme633]

I have this Airfix model too. Bought and built this around 2005.

[@lesgl]

Lovely looking model..great job amazing to think it was first on the market in '67

[@davidbenson3931]

Lovely kit great job Gary . One of my favourite models ah we all love Airfix the classic brand. Still like them bought their 1.35 Austin K2 ambulance lovely kit. Time for tea and a biscuit .Happy modelling.

[@ThreenaddiesRexMegistus]

I built this around 1971. It’s quite a nice model. Great job!

[@hyperboy990]

This brings back memories! The first model kit i built with the help of my dad in the early 90's. Great job and thanks for sharing it with us

[@barrybarry9714]

Always fancied making this kit - mainly for the chance to do the fantastic paint scheme

[@jimbraiden2094]

Morning Gary, a really good recovery on the figures, I'm sure this will inspire some oc to take the knife to the figures in the future, when this kit was released, we all thought great and it is still not a bad kit, these classics push our skills, which is never bad thing, Gary a brilliant job.

[@hannibal884]

Talking of senior moments Gary, I have returned to building at the age of 73! Very enjoyable

[@garys_stuff]

Good for you, welcome back to the hobby!

[@delcatto60]

Lovely job. I built this kit earlier this year as I love that era of Italian aircraft. I had to buy an after market cockpit screen as that part was missing and I opted to brush paint the kit. I also added the two torpedoes as I read somewhere one of the Italian aces did carry two torpedoes on one mission.

[@bamibal001]

The words "silk purse"and "sow's ear come to mind 😃. Nice one Gary, a beautiful model of a beautiful aircraft.

[@alanheaven2589]

Great build and video! My understanding is that the SM.79 only carried one torpedo during a combat patrol on the port set of shackles. It could fly with two but only as a transport. The starboard shackles were simpler to allow the aircraft to carry an additional reload weapon when transiting to a forward operating base.

[@garys_stuff]

Indeed so, I've made this as a parade ground special for Il Duce, hence the two torpedoes and the aligned propellers!

[@MiKeMiDNiTe-77]

This kit is like the actual plane itself...legend

[@johnblessing2642]

Very nice build.

[@Adam_Boots]

Really nice build, especially the figures. I can't believe they are the same blobs from the kit. We all get senior moments when modelling. I spent 5 minutes the other day looking for a black line decal. I knew I'd cut them all out and I'd already put 3 on. It was only when I rechecked the instructions that I realised there were only meant to be 3. I'd spent 5 minutes looking for a none existant decal.

[@garys_stuff]

Glad I'm not alone then...!

[@George-pp2hr]

That is a very nice build. It does look attractive onence completed. I'm doing the version with the light grey forward fuselage and with that behind the cockpit section open to show some details. Only thing is I painted the interior close to RAF green as I got the impression from somewhere. Can't do anything about that as I've already closed the fuselage up. I didn't ad the crew although I like to most times.. good work on that model. It looks great with camoflauge.👍🇭🇲🦘🐨🦈✌️

[@randlerobbertson8792]

That's a very nice build. I distinctly remember building one back in my teen years. Nowhere near as good as that though. A great colour scheme too - love it !!!!

[@garys_stuff]

Thanks Randle!

[@DutchDaveModels]

Nice job on this classic oldie. Love the mottling scheme. Italian planes are known for their fantastic camouflages. ✨👍✨

[@chicosbailbonds9764]

Nicely done! It brought back memories of the days when model kits straddled that line with toys, so they needed lots of moving parts.

[@garys_stuff]

The worst I've built was the original 1/72 Blackburn NA.39 (what because the Buccaneer S.1) - now that was a toy!

[@chicosbailbonds9764]

@@garys_stuff My favorite kit from my youth was the old 1/48 Monogram Spitfire with retractable landing gear and spinning wheels/prop. I remember heating a kitchen knife to keep the wheels on and spinning. The kit had about 20 parts. :)

[@randytaylor1258]

Same with their Me-109 and Zero.

[@lrutubeusername]

Got this one couple of months ago, it was missing the door, which I made, the windows fit badly so I had to fix that, but at the end it was fun to build, more memorable the more issue you have to fix I think.

[@NicholasWells]

Hi Gary, I like your no fuss style. Me: Getting back to kits 40 years on. Many tubers set high bars. Intimidating. Some of their kits end up looking like they flew into an oil gusher, cartwheeled through a chicken coop, hit a saw mill before flopping in the pig stye just to get that weathered effect. I think getting younger people to engage is important. I reckon you and one or two others are in the sweet spot. Ottimo lavoro (Well done) 😊

[@garys_stuff]

Thanks so much, man. It's exactly the way I want my videos to come across.

[@mikeshivers9922]

Considering age of kit a very good outcome. Makes you wonder about effort to complete modern cockpit areas.....

[@Gpandr78]

I built one of these a couple months ago and i think its a great kit

[@ianwilliamson6615]

Great job Gary, I really enjoyed your video and the finished SM79 looks stunning. Although it's an old kit you've done a great job. Keep up the good work 👏

[@jimbyrne1844]

Informative and s helpful as ever! Loved the music, as well! I've got a red stripe version of this and it doesn't have the original kit didn't have the dashboard decal. Thanks, Gary! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@garys_stuff]

That's where much of the cost comes for these re-issues - designing and printing new decal sheets!

[@Twirlyhead]

Lovely job of a very interesting old kit.

[@johnchettleburgh6055]

Propeller trivia - 3 bladed props are normally positioned in a 'Y' configuration, with a blade pointing straight down, because it hurts less when one walks into it. If the blades are in in an inverted 'Y', then you are likely to get the sharp tip contacting your head. I didn't walk into the blade tip on a C47 while doing leak down tests on the port engine, and I didn't need stiches in the resulting wound 😇(or 'Don't ask me how I know, I just know ok?').

[@garys_stuff]

The archive image in my history video at about 3:00 shows them with the inverted 'Y' - probably didn't much care about ground crews if Il Duce thought it looked nice that way.

[@graemejwsmith]

If you look at prototypical operational pics - the props stopped where the props stopped. Generally all over the place (subject to which cylinder compression they were on). But yes - otherwise they tend to get set to "Y".

[@marksinthehouse1968]

Very nice mate ,as for the tail fin’in one ear out of the Rudder’,take care bud Mark😊😊

[@rohanhayes613]

Lovely build Gary. I last made this kit in around 1974, it was a blue plastic if I remember correctly. Your figure work was outstanding considering what you started with. Entertaining video too. 👍

[@Gloomendoom]

I made it in 74 or 75. It was light blue plastic.

[@Backwardlooking]

My father’s ship H.M.S. Nelson was torpedoed by one of these. His Tank style watch was forever stopped at that moment as it flooded his personal locker. I think it was shot down. 👍🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@garys_stuff]

HMSs Nelson and Rodney were my favourite battleships - even if they looked like the rear had been truncated for treaty reasons. I mean, keep the natural flow of the hull going and you'd fit two more triple turrets at the back - fifteen big guns! Fabulous ships that did a superb job - your Dad is a hero my friend.

[@jameshenderson4876]

That's a blast from the past! Wonderful aircraft and very nice job putting it together. Thank you.

[@colinmiles1052]

Really enjoyed that - thanks! I had one of these made from wood, purchased at a jumble sale. Wish I still had it!

[@StevenPotts-ij9ue]

Hi Gary , what a lovely build of a very old kit, I see you sorted the cossack dancers out too. The painting really brings the model to life, very well done.

[@jaws666]

Fantastic result Gary...you really did the figures justice.

[@jerryrichards8172]

Being a modler since the 60s these old kits or kits with flash or parts that refuse to get along. Well for me thats just modeling. Majority of the kits back in the dark ages of plastics came that way. Probably why you never hear us old builders kit complaining. There all fun. ❤

[@garys_stuff]

You're right Jerry. This is how it was, at least at any kind of affordable level. Still turns out something that looks pretty much like how it's supposed to!

[@lesthiele4921]

Hi Gary, that was a superb build, you have done the 'vintage' kit great justice, congratulations a the great job, bedt regards from a Kiwi living in Australia 👍👍👍👍

[@Jelly-B]

You should be well chuffed mate. You've worked wonders with those figures and finished off the build with a beautifully painted scheme

[@garys_stuff]

I tried my best! They looked well wrapped up...

[@billclarke5916]

Re the the landing gear actuator, maybe there's pictures on line.

[@rodneypayne4827]

I picked up the original kit at a swap meet, blue plastic and original decals. The transparencies are so old that they have crystallised and gone brown. It has remained unbuilt and has gone into my kit archive collection of historic kits( Frog Firefly being another for example). I've built the Italeri kit as a replacement.

[@garys_stuff]

I think it a pity Airfix can't organise selling the new decal sheets at a sensible price when they re-issue a Vintage Classic for those who have the kit already. Sensible price being the thing (although they are often the most expensive part of a VC rebox).

[@johnnoble01]

I did exactly the same with the crew figures in the vintage classic p61 black widow. This turned out ok as well.

[@bougeac]

The camo job is superb Gary, definitely gives the kit a boost!

[@Davshady]

Well done Gary, a really great build and you really nailed it...makes me want to try a classic like that...like you say skill and patience.

[@baymodels]

Good job. Enjoyment is where it's at, vintage or new :). Ian

[@PanzermansBunker]

Restoration of the poor aircrew figures is a miracle. Great job on the Italian bomber. I like the paintwork camo. Keep having fun. Bill

[@peterthomas9919]

Skilled paint job u did there nice model

[@overdosegaming4288]

very nice job, Gary!

[@ThePhosphater]

Sounds like you could do with a holiday Gary The kit looks good,

[@garys_stuff]

Got one planned mate - Albania here we come.. soon-ish...!!

[@FinsburyPhil]

If I find myself putting together a really old kit with little or no cockpit detail, I might try painting the inside of the glazing gloss black (maybe translucent if there is such a paint) - if you look at the box art, that's how some of the glazing appears at a distance. Well done with the crew figures!

[@garys_stuff]

There is a smoke paint in the Tamiya range...

[@antartis73]

Brilliant work just wish you could show how you painted that so distinctive and sexy looking camouflage. I love the modifying and improving of kit parts

[@johnmarley6695]

Nice! Looks great Gary. I’ve not actually seen one built before. The colour choices make it pop!

[@sneakyfildy]

wow that's a very interesting challenge! Also nicely done

[@robertoorsi5771]

Beautiful kit. But in the book of the pilot Martino Aichner ("Il gruppo Buscaglia" Buscaglia's Squadron) it's said that the two torpedo set was abandoned for only one torpedo and it was preferred to have more gasoline because the distance was too long for go and go back. The configuration with only one torpedo is more realistic.

[@barrythatcher9349]

Gary, well done. For an older kit, no one would know it's an old kit unless they took a really close look at the finished product.

[@alancrowley7991]

Great job Gary!!

[@petercoghlan8896]

Great result!

[@blackcat62]

Thanks again Gary. Do you please have a link to the air craft modelling stand you use for painting? Thanks 👍

[@jmatch3744]

Incredible work Gary. I’ve been looking forward to a build video of this bird since Monday. Great job!

[@modelnut]

Brilliant job, Gary it came out very well. As mentioned, the rear gunner looks as if he needs some privacy curtains. 😊

[@barrywalker8790]

Very well done Gary l think you did great the crew turned out really well considering what they looked like and your airbrush skills looked alright to me not an easy camouflage scheme but for me what really set off was the red and white engine cowlings and the propellers, glad you straighten that blade out 😊 and that's a 👍

[@garys_stuff]

Thanks Barry - maybe a benefit to the slightly soft plastic is that these errors can be corrected with relative ease!

[@normansmith8184]

You're too modest Gary, I thought you turned an ugly duckling into a swan quite brilliantly. Bravo mate.

[@garys_stuff]

Thanks mate, my favourite kit build of 2023!

[@hueyJoe135]

Excellent build son 👍 you've dine a fantastic job on a classic vintage model 👏 I'm looking forward to seeing your next vintage build. Those figures are outstanding 👏 Keep up the great work son 👍

[@garys_stuff]

Thanks Joe, appreciate it mate!

[@AdamAttwood2.0]

It turned out great!

[@garryprettyman8927]

Great build, you have really done this kit justice. One thing I would suggest is turning down the your air pressure a bit more and perhaps thinning your paint a little more, and get in close when spraying those difficult shapes. We can see that the camouflage pattern is not tight enough, not a criticism just an observation to improve your painting skills. I’m not the best as I am still learning.

[@garys_stuff]

Good tip, thanks man! I've also been playing with smaller needles/nozzles too.

[@sericono9077]

Thanks for making the video and sharing your skills. I bought this kit a few months ago and look forward to build it soon. I can tell you that the amount of putty and adjustment on this kit is nothing compare to the 1:72 scale Amodel Dornier Do 26 I am trying to finish right now.

[@julianmhall]

Ref decal alignment I noticed on the wing roundels that the inner 'I' of the three was exactly aligned to the fourth rib in from the end of the aileron. Hope that helps too :)

[@Claymore5]

Lovely build Gary - I've got one of these to do. I can't wait now! Thank you.

[@eddyjohan8650]

I remembered my older brother build the old airfix 1/72 lancaster in 1978. The crews were really terribly sculptured (being generous with the choice of word).

[@Mark-vq5dz]

Would have loved to see you paint it

[@llqvz116]

Very impressive. You certainly transformed those figures. I would have liked to see how you did the camouflage, but another excellent video. Might see you on Saturday in Worthing.

[@ronaldbyrne3320]

Hey Gary, those pilot figures looked like Airfix was modelling the elephant man until you worked your magic on them. And ye olde Sparviero turned out really well. Sometimes I think a decent looking model with few parts is what we need to get a break from today’s superkits. 😊

[@BigAndTall666]

John Merrick was his name, google it for more... 😆

[@Leavemealone9099]

Nice take on the sm79 vintage classic. It would go great with the fiat g50.

[@allanrichards3752]

I think the model looks good as well as the overall paint job. I did notice a fair bit of spatter on the "blobs" of colour that formed the camo scheme. Having fought with this in the past I can offer the following. First off a really cheap single action airbrush is not going to cut it, you need a good quality dual action airbrush. I had most success with Tamiya acrylic paint thinned to the point of almost being too thin with Iso Propyl alcohol (IPA). With this as a thinner the paint dries really quickly. To paint a spot on the aircraft first point the airbrush away from the model and then push down and pull back on the trigger for max paint flow. Keep the air going and shut off the paint and then point the airbrush at the bit of the model too be painted. Quite slowly pull back on the trigger until the paint just begins to flow then hold it at that and create the spot of colour you need. Avoid too much paint at all costs as it will look like a splat of paint on the model with the paint being so thin. Repeat this process for each spot of colour and go over each spot several times until the colour density looks right. It is a long winded paint scheme to spray.

[@garys_stuff]

Hi Allan, that's very good advice, thanks for taking the time! By lucky chance I have a big bottle of IPA hanging around so I can play around, and get a better airbrush at some poi t too!

[@allanrichards3752]

@@garys_stuff Sounds like a good start. Perhaps I should say that I have an Iwata Eclipse airbrush with a Fengda AS-186 airbrush compressor. This set up will cost around £230 but whilst it sounds a lot it has brought me a lot of pleasure in being able to do much better paint jobs on my models.

[@simonjohn8904]

A very good end result there Gary. As you mention, a "Vintage Classic" kit can be a bit of a challenge in comparison to a modern kit as the mould process etc was completely different 56 years ago, but at the end of the day if you can finish any kit build with a pleasing end result then that's what its all about. Glad you never had too many fit issues with the kit and what an amazing job you did with those pilot figures plus that camo scheme looks great. Im sure Im not alone in looking forward to the possibility of you building further vintage classics kits, but the one Im really looking forward to is the Fairey Rotodyne kit when its released. 👍

[@andrewsearson9802]

The tooling is old not the injection moulding equipment or plastics used which have moved on considerably, so long as the tooling is refurbished and properly maintained we should expect reasonable parts from that tooling with minimal to no flash.

[@stephenmcdonald7908]

Nice one Gary.🖒

[@iannicholls7476]

Wow, that really comes up a treat! Congratulations Gary. I’ve got the Vintage Classic P-61 Black Widow on the “naughty shelf” temporarily. The transparencies (and there are a lot on the P-61) fit where they touch but the crew figures are a bit better than yours. I think these kits need a bit of patience and maybe putting them down for a while and relaxing when you get to a particularly awkward bit. You’re not going to get a competition winner but you will have lots of fun.

[@kenhanson1819]

What an excellent result, Gary! Thanks for making this video. If I can ever get the clear parts for my kit, I would really love to build it.

[@FreelancerND]

Nice job! One thing about the assembly, have you tried Mr. Hobby Mr. Cement S glue? I really suggest, once I bought it, I've never looked back at Tamiya =) Expecially when Tamiya is selling you their airbrush cleaner in much smaller bottles at a higher prices and calls it "super thin glue".

[@garys_stuff]

I haven't seen that glue but I will check it out!

[@anfieldroadlayoutintheloft5204]

nice build looks a nice kit thanks lee

[@petermerz2704]

Nice kit Gary! Thanks for sharing. 😎🇨🇦

[@chuckoneill8847]

I never put time into crew figs when working on the air craft of old kits I leave crew out

[@gillkitten1]

I don't know if you intended it or not but those pilots have turned out with a more than fair representation of the Italian flight suits of the period. Well done!

[@chrismawson4185]

Beautiful job gary great skills😂

[@petesmodelcarcustoms584]

Great looking model,Gary 👍. You've tempted me into looking for one🤔😃. Thanks for another great video and best wishes from jolly old Norfolkshire 👍😎Pete 🤓