Museum Models of Italy Please see the build review in Scale Aircraft Modeling International, volume 6, issue 6 of June, 2000 for good building tips on the CR.32. For a great reference source, please see "Ali D'Italia" AD04 in our catalog. MU 72006 Fiat Cr.32 quater A.S. Fiat CR.32 Quater A.S. This is the "tropicalized" version made for use in North Africa as a fighter/bomber. Equipped with sand filters, provisions were made to carry various bombloads (12 X 2.2Kg anti-personnel or 1 X 100Kg or 2 X 50Kg bombs). In this configuration, the CR.32 was used extensively throughout North Africa. This kit does not include decals. Tauro numbers 72-521 and 72-522 can be used. This kit consists of 50 resin pieces, 31 photo-etch pieces and 2 clear windscreens. $39.90 MU 72005 Fiat CR.32 Bis. The main differences between the first production version, the "Chirri" and this second version were the armament and the engine. The addition of 2 wing mounted 7.7 mm machine guns proved to reduce the performance enough that in most aircraft, they were removed. The engine had been upgraded with a new carburetor and engine bearings. In addition the structure was strengthened to improve rough field operating ability and combat maneuvering. $39.90 MU 72004 Fiat CR.32 "Chirri". The first production version of this fighter made famous during the Spanish Civil War, when its' exploits helped defeat the Communist led forces of the Left. Its' very success led to the continuation of the development of biplane fighters by the Regia Aeronautica, notably the CR.42. The "Chirri" was then built under license by Hispano-Suiza(sweeza). A sweet and nimble plane to fly, it was loved by its' pilots. $39.90 MU 72007 Fiat CR.32 Radio. Although many of the CR.32 fighters were built to carry radios, most did not. The failure to develop and use long range plane to plane radios was a major flaw for the RA. Depending on hand signals and wing wagging signals at 300 plus miles per hour was out of the question in the air combat of WWII, but the RA never properly addressed this. Air to air and ground to air communications became essential elements of successful air combat. A start without a finish. $39.90 MU 72003 Macchi M.39 Schneider Cup Racer. Piloted by the famous Mario De Bernardi, the M.39 was the winner of the 1926 Schneider Cup Race. Bringing glory to Italy and attention to its' designer, Engineer Castoldi, the M.39 was the first in a series of successful Macchi floatplane racers. Designed, built and test flown in 10 months, on November 13, 1926 Macchi M.39's took the first and third places in the Cup races. Four days later, with De Bernardi at the controls, the M.39 set an absolute world speed record of 416.62 kph (258.873 mph) over a 3 km (1.86 mile) course. This kit consist of photo-etch, vacuform windscreen and 16 resin pieces. $39.90 MU 72001 Ro.57 Pre serie. Initially produced in small quantities as a single-seat interceptor, the Ro.57 was assigned to home-based squadrons. Due to its' under-powered engines, its' performance was lacking with a top speed of slightly over 300mph. The armament consisted again of only 2 x 12.7mm machine guns. Due to these inadequacies, the concept was re-thought and the Bis version was developed. $39.90 MU 72002 Ro.57 Bis. Changed to be used as a fighter-bomber and dive-bomber, the Ro.57 Bis was more successful. Armed with 2 x 12.7mm machine guns and 2 x 20mm cannons, it could also carry a 500 kg bomb. It was fitted with dive brakes. Although it was delivered in too small a quantity to make a difference in the war, it has interesting lines and will make an attractive model. $39.90