TAURO MODEL TORINO - MACCHI 202

[spiralcity]

This model has been around for many years. On the surface, it looks to be a rather detailed and interesting kit, but what lies beneath is the hidden monster of a build that it is. I used to have Czech models rated as my #1 most difficult builds, but I do believe Tauro has taken the crown.

I have 6 of these kits in my stash and have just now decided to put one together.

1. Forget about a good fit, as nothing fits as it should.

2. The panel lines and lack of good engraving stands out on this kit like a sore thumb.

3. Flashing is all over small parts making it difficult to clean and fit them.

4. The plastic feels to be slick and rubbery, truly an odd feel to the material.

Having said all that, I must admit I am having a good time trying to shape this model into something presentable. It's nice to have a model that basically builds itself, but being a modeler, I find a challenge excites me and pushes me to work harder. After all, we are modelers, correct?

So, this is a heads-up on this kit. If you see one going cheap on eBay and you're up for a challenge, then this is your kit.

 

[spiralcity]

Some pics of progress.

 

[spiralcity]

I knew straight away from looking at the parts that the nose of this plane would be a huge problem. The exhaust ports are misshaped on one side and sag a bit inward. None of the parts fit correctly on the nose. The engine cover and gun covers are all misshaped and misaligned. I had to start shaping the nose by hand with a round file. I also have 2 small holes below the cowling with no apparent parts to cap them off, so I will have to make my own. Once I get this thing shaped to some degree of acceptance, I will have to give this plane a very good wet sanding to smooth it out.

 

[spiralcity]

OK, so I mounted the gun covers. WOW! This kit truly is a straight up nightmare. I fit the covers the best I could but the misalignment is so noticeable I just about made this kit a closet queen. I do have an option that should make it look somewhat better. I will cut 2 rectangle pieces of .01 styrene and glue the rectangle over the applied gun covers. Once the correction pieces are mounted, I will engrave around them to make some panel lines. Once that is done, I can smooth the styrene back to the surface. It's a tedious task, but if I want to finish this thing, I must correct the covers. It's embarrassing to show this progress, but this is actually how this kit fits together. The engineering of this kit is awful.

I always wondered why I never seen anyone post a build progress of the Tauro kit; now I know why. I would imagine many of these kits ended up in the closet.

 

[wjbrandel]

I have actually never heard of Tauro brand

 

[spiralcity]

I have actually never heard of Tauro brand

This kit has been around for many years; I would guess since the mid to late 80's. I have 2 copies of the Veltro 205 and 4 boxes of the 202. I have had these in my stash for so long I do not remember purchasing them. These are manufactured in Italy.