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P-40F and L had a Packard Merlin engine, versus
the Alison engine that powered the other P-40s.
So we assumed that there would be a different
cowling on the F/L and we needed to verify that.
The museum at Pianna delle Orme is dedicated
to the history of the Allied landings at Anzio, but
also has a section dedicated to the development
of agricultural technology and a section
dedicated to post-war aviation with a large
proportion of aircraft of the Italian Financial
Guard (Guardia di Finanza), an armed branch
in Italy with significant air and naval assets.
The exhibits dedicated to the Anzio landings are
interestingly designed as dioramas and contain
a number of significant exhibits, of which we
were, of course, particularly interested in the
aforementioned P-40L. It is also displayed as
part of a diorama. This is a wreck recovered
from the sea in very good condition.
The exhibitions in the Piana delle Orme museum are designed as large dioramas. Such is the case for the halls dedicated to the Anzio landings.
The outdoor display features aircraft of the
post-war Italian Air Force. The aircraft are
in very good condition, this licensed Fiat
F-86K Sabre serial number MM53-8299
is beautifully restored. Before becoming
a museum exhibit, it served for many
years as a gate guard at Milano-Bergamo
Orio Airport.
The diorama also incorporates the P-40L. A P-40L-15CU, serial number 42-10857,
with tactical designation X49, belonging to the 86th FS/ 79th FG (12th AF), named
"Gipsy Rose Lee," landed for engine failure on the beach at Capoportiere on
31 January 1944. The pilot, Lt. M. Mauritz was captured. The aircraft laid in the
sea off the coast for many decades. In 1998 it was recovered from the sea,
and is now the only surviving example of the P-40L.
ARTICLES
INFO Eduard
19
April 2024