The Falco entered service with the Italian Air Force in May 1939 and was the last biplane fighter to be used by the Italian Forces.

When Italy entered WW2 in June 1940, 300 were in service. Slightly more than 1800 were built.

The aircraft was strong and very manoeuvrable however had light armaments and was slow compared to opposing monoplane fighters and bombers.

By the end of 1940s, Falcos had been involved in combat in France, Britain, Malta, North Africa and Greece.

Falcos could out turn most opposing aircraft and it achieved several victories against Hurricanes and Dewoitine fighters.

Allied pilots soon learnt not to try and dogfight a Falco but to attack using the greater speed of their fighters

The Falco remained in service until the end of the war. As their usefulness as a fighter decreased, they were used for training, night fighter and ground attack roles.

When Italy capitulated in Sept 1943 only 60 remained in flyable condition

Matchbox 1/72 kit completed by Steve Pulbrook in 2011.