Rudy Frasca

[6trn4brn]

I don't see Rudy mentioned on here much at all. Does he still own his late model Spitfire and P-40? Does he take them out and show them anymore? Did he purchase one of the first new-build FW-190s and if he did does anyone know where he is in getting it into the air?

Lotta questions I know, but am interested as I think a lot of us here would be, especially in seeing that 190 flying!

Thanks for any help at all

[ww2John]

first hit off google gave me: http://www.frasca.com/pdf/CAT03article.pdf

plenty more where that info came from...


I haven't spoken with Rudy for at least two years (generally see him at OSH). A real gentleman and always generous with his time to me anyway.

[Bill Greenwood]

Rudy is one of the great guys of warbirds. He still has the Spit MkXVIII, I think the 190 is a kit and has to be constructed. I don't know where they are on that project.

[6trn4brn]

Thanx for the link WW2John...I tried to Google Rudy to see if there were any updates on the 190 project and got that link. Problem is that as a pdf file, my computer opens it up with a bunch of numbers and jibberish

Is his operation out of the same airport as the B-17E project? Is that Urbana, Illinois also? Thought maybe one of the fellas from that project might be on this site somewhere and could give some info on Rudy's 190 kit project.

I worked with an engineer that used to work for Rudy and said that he was/is a heck of a nice guy also Bill...something about you Spitfire guys or what?

[ww2John]

Rudy Frasca's business is in Urbana, IL.

The B17-G project is in Urbana, OH (a bit North & East of Dayton).

Mike Kellner's B17-E project is in Marengo, IL (a bit West of Chicago).

[6trn4brn]

Thank you ww2John...one more example of why I like coming in here so much...you guys are all so much smarter about all of this stuff than I am and you are willing to share your info. Thanks a million

[kalamazookid]

Didn't Rudy own a Fiat G.59 at one time? Anyone know if he still owns it?

[Jack Cook]

No, it was a Fiat but a smaller trainer type.

[Matt Martin]

This is my first post here, but I'm not really involved with aviation. I'm just an artist and a fan of warbirds. Years ago I stopped by to ask Mr. Frasca if I could take some pictures for reference on a 3D model I was building for a flight simulator. He was very kind and let me wander around.

I've wondered about the state of Mr. Frasca's 190 project in the years since then. I took these pictures of it in 2002, but I no longer live in the area to check in.





Below is the airplane I went to visit and the model I built using it as reference.

[Jack Cook]

Very Cool!
Welcome aboard!!

[airnutz]

No, it was a Fiat but a smaller trainer type.

It's former FIAT G.46, cn#-97, MM 53097, N46FG.
It's got a single cockpit and appears is re-engined with a radial, still an attractive bird.
Registered as a FIAT G46 Special. "La Bella Lucilla" is not in the Scott's Registry..Scroll down for pic..
www.frasca.com/web_pages/information/museum.htm

I sure wouldn't mind seeing some photos of this birds restoration and conversion by Mr. Rapp, and
what engine they went with.
ID detail on fin
http://therossewaniukfamily.photosite.c ... um/?page=4


EDIT: for correction and add another link


.

[Yak 11 Fan]

From memory its an engine from a Yak 50/52.

[6trn4brn]

Welcome to WIX Matt and thanx for the pix of Rudy's 190. I wonder how close he is to getting her flying...five years on now.

[Jack Cook]

The Fiat originally was a 2 seat trainer with an Rangers type engine of around 240 hp. I liked the way it looked originally much better

[Chad Veich]

The Fiat originally was a 2 seat trainer with an Rangers type engine of around 240 hp. I liked the way it looked originally much better

I concur, the aircraft in original form is quite attractive to my eye. Can't say the same for Rudy's.