Nieuport 11.C  N.2123 

 The Nieuport type 10 was a two seater multipurpose machine using variously the 80hp - 110hp LeRhône rotaries.  The company’s type 11 ‘Bebe’ was the single seat version and specifically used the lower rated rotary engine, the 80hp LeRhône 9C. The sesquiplane layout proved itself in the Nieuport 11 & 16 (80 hp & 120 hp motors.) Built originally for the Gordon Bennett Speed Race the military production type 11 was designated for scout and two-seater protection duties, it was naturally required to have armament.  Due to the lack of a reliable synchronizing gear the choice was the stripped down Lewis Mk.I on a post mount stabilized by either a second post or a semi circular metal rod with a holding clip. The first type 11 appeared at the front in about early 1915 and it became the mainstay of the French fighter Escadrilles serving well into early 1916 for low altitude operations. The Nieuport 11 and licensed built versions were flown operationally by Belgium (1 example), France, Italy, Russia.  The British RFC or RNAS did not use the type 11.

This is the Eduard kit # 8070 Profipack. The forward  I replaced the plastic aileron actuation rods with painted brass rods.  The rigging is monofilament.  The national markings are painted decal film. The serials are from the Microscale HO scale Rail Road Sheet.  The Personal marking was drawn on a computer and printed on decal film.

This kit represents a Maachi built Nieuport 11, N.2123 of the 80a Squadriglia, Italian Air Service in May 1917.  Evidently based on the Italian version of ‘Happy Hooligan’ the charter was called ‘Fortunello.’  Very reminiscent of the more modern ‘Homer Simpson’ character.  Ni 2123  became the personal mount of Sgt. Alvaro Leonardi, who survived the war with a score of

8 confirmed victories.  It was with that unit in The first (and only) of those kills gained at the