Reggiane Re 2006

Aviolibri - IBN Editore

Reviewed by Brett Green

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The recent release of several mainstream and limited-run Italian WWII aircraft models has rekindled a broad interest in aircraft of the Regia Aeronautica.

One aircraft that has not had much exposure is the Reggiane Re 2006.

The Re 2006 was intended to be the ultimate Reggiane fighter, powered by the DB603 engine. One prototype was built, but it never flew and was never photographed. Jerry Boucher has assembled the details of the aircraft and created a "virtual colourised" image of the sleek Re 2006 for the cover of the book.

Alessandro Barteletti's book comprises 128 page. Text is presented in both Italian and English on alternate facing pages. Despite the scarcity of resources and records, the author has assembled enough data and documents to put forward his ideas about the aircraft. The text is supported by first-hand accounts of key figures who were associated with the single Re 2006 prototype. A further chapter explains the delays and frustrations associated with obtaining the DB603 powerplant.

Surprisingly, despite the lack of photographs of the real aircraft, two 1/72 scale models have been released. One is from a company called "Old Wings" (the name probably loses something in the translation) and the other from Polish firm, "RS Models". Both kits are resin. The book describes the contents of the kits and makes some observations about potential colours and markings.

An Appendix comprising extracts from the Italian document, "Directives for the Planning of New Prototypes" completes this book.

The pages are scattered with photographs, line drawings, technical document facsimiles and a few colour profiles.
 

These books will be of interest to aviation history fans, modellers of Italian WWII aircraft and Regia Aeronautica buffs.

Recommended.

Thanks to Ken from Pacific Coast Models for the review samples