CR.42 Restoration

Really hope those parts turn up somewhere

I read a book some 3 – 5 decades agoregarding the airwar in Africa. I do not remember the title nor who was cited. But -if I remember correctly- a former German ace from that theater said: “The Italian biplane pilots (CR-32 and CR-42) were more famous for their aerobatic than for their gunnery skills.” Maybe it just seemed to be like this, due to few guns per plane.

Michael

How wonderful it will be to see this in the air with a gladiator – especially one in Malta colours.

I for one cannot wait!

Beau, Many thanks for the detailed data. I have always had an affinity for this type due to its ops against Oz pilots in North Africa. Such an amazing machine. I think it was Winkle Brown who described it as, “… remarkably fast, brilliantly manoeuvrable, an aerobatic gem but under gunned…” That quote has always stuck in my mind and those to whom I have spoken here who had them as adversaries had a very great respect for them. I look forward to more news in future and hope that your search for parts is fruitful.

I read a book some 3 – 5 decades ago regarding the airwar in Africa. I do not remember the title nor who was cited. But -if I remember correctly- a former German ace from that theater said: “The Italian biplane pilots (CR-32 and CR-42) were more famous for their aerobatic than for their gunnery skills.” Maybe it just seemed to be like this, due to few guns per plane.

Michael

Beau, Many thanks for the detailed data. I have always had an affinity for this type due to its ops against Oz pilots in North Africa. Such an amazing machine. I think it was Winkle Brown who described it as, “… remarkably fast, brilliantly manoeuvrable, an aerobatic gem but under gunned…” That quote has always stuck in my mind and those to whom I have spoken here who had them as adversaries had a very great respect for them. I look forward to more news in future and hope that your search for parts is fruitful.

Great to have news of this exciting project!

Thanks Beau!

The re-assembly of the Fiat A-74 engine has begun at Vintech. The rudder and elevators have been covered, work is ongoing with the ailerons with the first lower wing to follow. The main oil tank has been manufactured along with the decanting oil tank. Oil coolers are fitted and the rest of the oil system is being assembled. Manufacture of the main and reserve tank fuel cocks is about to start as is the assembly of the reserve fuel tank. Form blocks have been made for pressing out the diaphragms for the main fuel tank.
The search still goes on for spare parts, patterns will do! Oil filter, fuel filters, generator and control equipment, propeller spares, in fact anything CR-42.
Most of our parts have been found in Italy and Sweden, the Swedes operated them as the J-11. Anybody have contacts in Hungary, they operated them too.