Special Hobby 72371 Fouga CM.170 Magister 'French, Belgian & Irish Service' 1/72 – Plastic Aircraft Model Kit

The Fouga CM.170 Magister training aircraft model in 1/72 scale is an offering from the renowned Czech brand Special Hobby, aimed at enthusiasts of 20th-century military aviation. The product includes painting and marking variants used by three countries – France, Belgium, and Ireland, making it especially attractive for collectors interested in historical diversity.

Model Details

• Scale: 1/72
• Material: plastic (polystyrene)
• Category: plastic model kit
• Manufacturer: Special Hobby
• Contents: sprues in grey and clear plastic, decals for three painting variants, clear instructions

History of the Fouga CM.170 Magister Aircraft

The Fouga CM.170 Magister is a French jet trainer aircraft that first flew in 1952. Designed as a machine for basic pilot training for both day and night flights, it became one of the most recognizable types of its class during the Cold War era. The aircraft was widely used in the air forces of France, Belgium, and Ireland, serving amongst other roles in French pilot schools and as an aerobatic plane with the "Patrouille de France" demonstration team. Its relatively simple design and distinctive shape make it stand out among classic training planes of the period.

Model Additions and Details

• The set includes precise decals by Special Hobby, allowing accurate depiction of markings used by France, Belgium, and Ireland
• Sprues feature finely engraved panel lines, pilot seats, and a detailed cockpit interior
• Clear parts allow for realistic construction of the canopy

Difficulty Level and Product Recommendation

Difficulty rating: 3/5 – a model intended for intermediate modellers. It requires a basic skillset in working with plastic, part fitting, sanding, and applying detailed decals. We recommend this set to those wishing to expand their collection with an iconic Cold War trainer and who value the option of choosing among operator variants. The Fouga Magister 1/72 from Special Hobby will particularly appeal to military aviation history enthusiasts, modellers specializing in the post-war era, as well as collectors of aircraft in markings of various countries.