Fiat CR.32 (oz12064)

About this Plan

Fiat CR.32. Radio control scale model WWII Italian fighter biplane.

Quote: "Fiat CR.32, by Jack Swift. This Italian biplane fighter debuted in 1932, and remained in service until the outbreak of WWII. The model is powered by an OS four-stroke, and was scaled from Pete Westburg drawings.

a The Fiat CR 32 was a pugnacious biplane fighter produced in Italy from 1932, finishing its career at the very beginning of World War II. Technically a sesquiplane (1-1/2 wings), it saw service in Spain during the Civil War and was quite plentiful in different gruppos (groups) and squadriglia (squadrons). The V12 engine had to have a special mix of fuel which was not readily available, and this was one of the factors which led to its demise. Ruggedly constructed, it was easily maintained in the field and was a pilot's airplane. It went where it was pointed, and did as it was told. Warren truss struts gave girder-like strength to the wings.

The model was on my list of things to build for about 9 years, during which time I collected all the data I could relative to the prototype. The catalyst was the acquisition of a 120 four-stroke with its beautiful exhaust sound. A 1/5th scale model seemed good, the engine could be fully cowled and other benefits would be easier radio installation and a more realistic flying model.

The plans were scaled from Westburg drawings and as much construction as could be designed into the model done at that time. Wire trailing edges were detailed and construction started so the gray areas could be finalized.

CONSTRUCTION: The fuselage is the old-fashioned, built-up box with formers added to give the shape. Build two fuse sides using 1/4-in sq spruce. When dry, place upside down on a flat surface and add the spacers. Former F1 is cut from 1/8 ply and glued in place on the upper longerons. The bottom longerons should be held by clamps to ensure they don't pull away from the spacers. Rubber bands are looped around the front ends of the bottom longerons and a solution of ammonia and water painted where the bend is. Keep wetting this area and maybe add more rubber bands until the longerons bend into the cutouts on former #1 where they are glued and gusseted in place.

The cabane is made of 1/8-inch welding rod. Bind with copper wire and solder together. This unit is then bound and glued to the top of top longeron at the sta #0. A piece of 3/16-inch steel tube (brake line) is
bound and glued below the cabane to the underside of the longerons. Use gussets to give rigidity to this area. The rear cabane is bent and fastened in place on the top longerons, bind and solder to the front cabane.

The 1/4-inch birch ply firewall is built in place using 1/8-inch birch ply sides and gusseted. The 1/4-inch ply u/c keel is cut and securely glued using epoxy. Then 1/8-inch ply is glued to each side of keel at the angle shown in the side view. This helps to get the warm air out of the cowl. The 1/8-inch ply top is added later.

The u/c is bent now and assembled. The main leg slides into a 3/16-inch steel tube and the veer are fastened to the keel and F2. Do not fasten them in place yet. The tailwheel can be assembled and installed. I don't use a steerable tailwheel, rather a semi-castering arrangement..."

Direct submission to Outerzone.

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