TFC Fiat CR.42 Updates

Do take into account that some enlisted in WW2 were colour blind ! Not a joke….with a push for recruits there were aspects overlooked which seem odd today, we even screened people applying for an airfield driving permit with test cards in the 1970s..
as for the subject, brilliant, and neat to see mentions of some of my fellow AAA researchers. An aspect of aviation archaeology overlooked when critics sound off .is that, fabric samples can be found especially in damp peaty places and they can help with research.

BeaufighterVI;

Thanks for the reply!

I must admit that I have found the issue of the colour schemes a bit daunting with so many arguments and counter arguments to be found on the internet. But photographic evidence usually wins the day, although the author of this article seems to think it’s just the density of the paint that gives the effect of a three tone scheme;

http://www.stormomagazine.com/Articles/Re-evalatuating_RA_Camo_1940_EditorsNote.html

It does make me wonder how the crash investigators decided on a two tone scheme for two separate aircraft, when seemingly they were actually three tone.

Make me glad I didn’t have a CR 42 that needed painting!

Steve

Not so much stumbling blocks, just normal difficulties. Some of the larger companies who have facilities we require see the jobs we want done as not worth getting out of bed for. The other problem as soon as you mention “aircraft” their legal beagles tell them to leave it alone. We recently had a flexible fuel pump drive manufactured, beautiful job put together by three guys who came to the project. “Sorry you can’t have it, its being fitted to an a/c!”

UGH!!
Pretty soon lawyers will sue God for the weather and other natural disasters!

Looking FAN-TASTIC!

Maybe someone can provide layout, or even make, skins for this game?
https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?q=#CR42

All surfaces are three tone. The crash investigator stated there were two colours but photographic evidence provide by our Italian friends of the aircraft in Belgium before the attack, clearly show three. When you see the aircraft in the real you will see the the third colour is quite subtle and shows up differently depending on camera/angle/light etc. Even so you will see the patterns vary between upper and lower wings.
As stated there are many examples of schemes on the web, modelling books, etc. TFC a/c is based on 85-16 of 85a Squadriglia.

original photos (looking at the elevators in particular) look 3 tone to me, as do the photos of the restored machine. I really cant wait to see the finished article, something really different and it looked mightily impressive in TFC’s hangar a few years ago, when it was “just” a frame.

This is easily going to be one of the most impressive warbirds on the circuit. Can’t wait to see it.

Quick question on the upper surface camo scheme. Is this a two or three tone scheme? I remember a long running argument on a popular modelling site about whether or not the upper colours consisted of two or three colours, the argument being that one of the colours wasn’t showing up on the black and white images. I’m no expert on Italian Air Force colour schemes, but a lot of profiles in many books (and on the interweb) show both. Just curious.

I am so glad that I am heading to Duxford and may be able to see this machine. Have been on the edge of my seat since the pic shown by Beaufighter VI in mid June.

Bob and I have been in touch with each other since the early days of Aviation Archaeology which is now over half a lifetime away. Would still welcome sight of your negatives after your house move.

Unfortunately I can’t access them at the moment as they are in storage for a house move! But this may be helpful?
http://www.lowestoftjournal.co.uk/news/italian-pilot-s-war-capture-is-recalled-by-historian-in-lowestoft-1-4314082

Sicobra its a shame you could not share your images with us to ensure authenticity with our paint scheme which will be unveiled to all in the coming days.

“At 1345 hours on November 11, 1940 two formations of Italian bombers escorted by fighters were intercepted by the RAF off the Suffolk coast. Approximately eight German and seven Italian aircraft were brought down in the sea, and three aircraft made forced landings in Suffolk, including a Fiat CR.42 biplane – the pilot was arrested and taken to force headquarters at Ipswich.

Sergente Antonio Lazzari of the 85a Squadriglia crashed with MM6976 (‘16’) near Corton Railway Station and was taken prisoner.

So representing the one that landed virtually complete in a certain field, in a certain east of England county flown by a certain Italian pilot who was captured, that is very cool as I have original glass plate negatives taken at the time of that aircraft in the field with guards on duty around it.

In response to your question Jason, still looking for bits, unlike P-51’s hard to find.

Markings are of this aircraft, taken in Belgium probably just before it’s last sortie to England.

Congratulations Peter she looks absolutely stunning.

Have you found all the missing bits yet?

Jason

Restoration is at Duxford.

Completion date is a Thursday.

Where is this restoration be carried out and any ideas of completion dates

Quote “Markings are of aircraft brought down on the same day as the aircraft in the RAF Museum.”

Ah! So technically a Battle of Britain scheme then. Beautiful work. Can’t wait to see this one in her element.

What a sight that would be with a Gladiator, Hurricane, Spitfire 1a, Emil, P36 and Blenheim!

Beaufighter VI. Thank you VERY much. She looks beautiful. Cannot wait to see her in the flesh with some ‘companions’.

Hi All,
Looks like another fabulous restoration from the TFC crowd is nearing completion just a lovely job all around well done all the team….:eagerness:

Geoff.