Fiat CR.42 B Biposti

Classic Airframes

Reviewed by Steven "Modeldad" Eisenman

Classic Airframes' 1/48 scale Fiat CR.42 B Biposti is available online from Squadron

Like the sorcerer’s apprentice, Classic Airframes keeps on producing CR. 42 Falcos. But, also like the sorcerer’s apprentice, it must come to an end, and so it does with the CR. 42 Biposti (two-seater).  But, does it end there? There is still the CR. 42 DB with the Daimler Benz 601 engine.  Only the sorcerer knows.

This Classic Airframes CR 42 B (Biposti) contains a new sprue that has the lengthened two-place fuselage along with a lengthened intake fairing.

There is also a new forward fuselage top and insert for the forward lower wing to fuselage join.  This underside piece will require some cutting of the forward fuselage portion of the lower wing.

You also get two complete sets of etch metal, to make both cockpits.  There is also an additional windshield.  But care must be taken, as one windshield is packed separately, while the other is included in the bag of parts.  So look for both.

With the exception of the Fuselage, all the parts are the same as those in the CR 42 fighter.

As was the case with previous CR. 42s, make sure the cabine struts, parts B5 and 17 are in their correct “V” shape position. They should not be an inverted V.

There is but one set of markings. These are for an aircraft of 1^st Zona Aerea Territoriale, Milano-Linate Airport, circa 1946. The aircraft is coded Z-I*6 with post-war roundels, and is in basic, over-all Aluminum.

Now this does not mean this is the “only option”.  While the CR. 42 B was primarily a post war product, being used to 1950 in the training role, the first B model was produced in 1943; it was a stretch conversion done by Agusta.

Click the thumbnails below to view larger images:

It is rumored that perhaps a B model was in Northern Italy at the time of the September 1943 armistice, and that it was put in service with the ANR.   Although it appears that there are no pictures of any CR. 42s in ANR service, one can surmise the scheme it may have worn.

Based on the information contained in the new D’Amico and Valentini volume on the ANR, it might have been painted in Dark Olive Green with a Light Blue-Gray underside.  The wings would have had the square fasces with a white background.  On the fuselage and on the fin or rudder the tri-color flag would have been applied.  At best, the only embellishment would have been a number on the fuselage.  It might be worth tracking down a set of after market ANR decals for something different.  I understand that decals for ANR marking for the Fiat G. 55 are still available from Aeromaster.

Over the past several years modelers of Italian aircraft have been handsomely rewarded for pursuing their interest.  We have come a long, long way from the days of the SMER and Tauro models.  This new release form Classic Airframes is yet another precious jewel in the crown.

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to Classic Airframes for the review sample.

Classic Airframes kits are available worldwide through hobby retailers and from Squadron.com

Review and Images Copyright © 2005 by Steven "Modeldad" Eisenman
Page Created 23 May, 2005
Last updated 23 May, 2005

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