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I-153 WWII China Guomindang AF Fighter ICM 1:32 (32012) The Polikarpov I-153 was the last of Nikolai Polikarpov's biplane fighter aircraft to enter service and despite being the most advanced entry in the series was already obsolete when it first entered service in 1939. 0The I-153 was developed as a result of a misreading of the results of the aerial combat during the Spanish Civil War. In July 1937 a meeting chaired by Stalin concluded that the Fiat CR.32 biplane was superior to the Polikarpov I-16 monoplane. The nimble Fiat fighter had achieved impressive results against the Soviet fighter, but partly because the I-16 pilots had attempted to dogfight rather than use their superior speed to break off combat. The successful introduction of the Bf 109 was ignored, and instead of focusing on producing a superior monoplane the Soviet authorities decided to work on an improved biplane. The new aircraft needed to maintain the manoeuvrability of the I-15 and I-152 while also increasing in speed. This presented Polikarpov with a problem, for he had already argued that any increase in speed came at the cost of an increase in weight (from the heavier more powerful engine and stronger fuselage needed to support it). The heavier aircraft would then be less manoeuvrable. Work on the I-153 was officially approved on 11 October 1937. Polikarpov's main aim was to reduce drag and weight in an attempt to compensate for the weight of a heavier engine. He did this in two main ways - first by introducing a retractable undercarriage, and second by returning to the 'gull wing' configuration of the I-15, in which the upper wing was linked to the fuselage by diagonal sections, eliminating its central section. This had worked on the I-15, but had been unpopular with some pilots and higher authorities, and had been removed from the I-152. As a result that aircraft had been less manoeuvrable than its precursor. The 'gull wing' on the I-152 was an improved version of that on the I-15, with a bigger gap between the wing roots, which improved the pilot's forward view when landing and taking off. The fuselage and wings of the I-153 were similar to those of the I-15 and I-152, with a steel tube framework, covered by metal at the front of the fuselage and fabric elsewhere. The manually operated retractable undercarriage rotated through 90 degrees before folding backwards into the fuselage. The first prototype was powered by a 750hp M-25V engine. Its maiden flight is variously reported as having taken place in May or August 1938, with A.I. Zhukov at the controls. Tests that began on 27 September are variously described as state acceptance or factory trials. These tests weren't entirely satisfactory and production was delayed while some of the problems were solved. In June-August 1939 state acceptance trials were conducted using an I-153 powered by the new Shvetsov M-62 engine, a version of the M-25V with a two-stage supercharger. These trials were not officially concluded until January 1941, long after the type had been superseded. Next in line was a version powered by the 900hp M-63, and this version passed its trials on 30 September 1939. Only a handful of aircraft were produced with the M-25 engine. The 800hp M-62 was used in the largest number of aircraft, around 3,018 in total. The 1,100hp (at take-off) M-63 was used in 409 aircraft. A total of 3,437 I-153s were produced, beginning in 1938. 1,011 aircraft had been completed by the end of 1939, and a massive 2,362 were built in 1940, at a time when the Soviet Union desperately needed more modern monoplanes. Production came to an end early in 1941 and only 64 aircraft were completed that year. The standard I-153 was armed with four ShKAS machine guns. These replaced the PV-1 guns used on the I-15 and I-152, and had a much higher rate of fire (1,800 compared to 750 rounds per minute) as well as being much lighter. The four under wing bomb racks could carry up to 441lb of bombs. In 1940 93 of these aircraft were delivered to the Chinese nationalists for their fight against the Japanese. They served until 1943. The Model This is a new boxing of the original kit from 2018, this has decals for the Chinese Nationalist Forces and a small extra spure with a cowling. All the parts are superbly moulded, with no sign of flash or other imperfections and only a few noticeable moulding pips. There are a few swirl marks in the plastic, but nothing to worry about and will easily be covered when the kit is primed and painted. Since the aircraft was mostly wood there are very few panel lines, where fabric was used in the construction, the kit shows the underlying structure, but in a nicely restrained way. Construction begins with the lower wing and the two upper sections being attached to the single piece lower section, after which there are two insets that fit into the main undercarriage bay roof. The cockpit is assembled next, and is a very nicely detailed area. The two seat supports are attached to the seat back and glued to the cockpit floor, followed by the seat base. The two piece control column is glued into place along with its separate control rod and rudder pedals. The tubular framework of the cockpit is quite delicate, and care should be taken when removing from the sprues and assembling. Side tubular structures are fitted with ancillary instruments, levers, radio controls, throttle lever and flare pistol. The side sections are then glued to the front and rear sections. The whole assembly is then attached to the cockpit floor assembly and the whole lot glued to the lower wing assembly.The fuselage sides are then detailed with an oxygen bottle, and side access doors before being glued together. The fuselage is then slid over the cockpit structure and glued to the lower wing. The horizontal tailplanes, elevators and rudder all come in two halves. When glued together they are attached to the rear fuselage. The upper wing comes as single piece upper section and two piece lower sections. Once joined, the assembly is attached to the forward fuselage and the two interplane struts glued into position. The engine is quite a simple affair, being moulded in two halves, to which the valve rods are attached, followed by the exhausts. The cooling shutter ring is then fitted to the inside of the nose cowling, followed by the engine assembly, rear bulkhead, and separate exhaust stubs and five piece propeller. The engine/nose cowling assembly is then attached to the front fuselage, followed by the two side panels, top panel, windshield, gunsight and oil cooler duct. Each of the main undercarriage is made from five parts, once assembled they are glued into their respective positions. The tailplane struts are then added, along with the undercarriage bay doors and two piece tail wheel. You then have the option of adding wither eight rockets, each of three pieces, two small bombs, also three parts or four larger bombs also three parts. The bombs have separate crutches while the rockets are fitted to rails. Then it’s just a bit of very light rigging and the model is done. Decals The decal sheet is printed by ICM themselves. The decals are quite glossy, well printed, in register and nicely opaque, particularly useful for the large white numbers. There are three different options for unknown aircraft from the Chinese Nationalist Air Force. Conclusion As with the I-16, this is a very cute and recognisable little aeroplane. The biplane design, whilst out of date, makes this aircraft look a nicer design then the I-16. It’s certainly great that ICM are catering to those of us who like the larger scales and there is still plenty that could be done with the interior should you wish t go to town on it. Review sample courtesy of

U-2/Po-2VS with Soviet Pilots and GP (48254) 1:48 ICM The Polikarpov Po-2 or U-2 in the training role, was a standard training bi-plane developed to replace the U-1 which was a copy of the Avro 504. The prototype first flew in 1928. The aircraft would also later find roles in crop dusting, light attack, reconnaissance, liaison and even psychological warfare, The Russian forces used the aircraft very successfully in the night bomber role where the Germans nicknamed it the Sewing Machine due to the note from its engine. The aircraft would also go on to fire some of the first shots in the Korean War. American forces would nickname the aircraft "Bedcheck Charlie" due to its nocturnal raids. Due to its low radar signature the aircraft was very hard to detect by allied forces in Korea. In what was fast becoming the Jet age the Po-2 was credited with a kill on an F-94 when it stalled trying to shoot down the Po-2, and a USMC would score the Skyraiders only Air-2-Air victory against a Po-2. It is estimated that upto 30,000 aircraft were built and it was in production longer than any other soviet era aircraft. The Albanian Air Force only retired the type in 1985! The Kit This is now the forth boxing since 2014 from ICM of the Po-2VS/U-2. This issue features the same plastic but with the addition of a sprue containing pilot figures and ground personnel. The kit arrives on three main sprues, two smaller sprues of armaments, and a small clear sprue. Construction starts in the fairly basic cockpits. Instrument panels are built up and installed into the fuselage as well a some flight controls. The fuselage is then closed up and the front added on to mount the engine. Once this is finished work can start on the wings. For the lower wing holes are opened up then the seats and their frames can be installed in the centre section which also forms the cockpit floor. one on this can then be added to the main fuselage. Next up the engine is made up and installed on the front of the fuselage. The tail planes and the rudder are then added. Underneath the main wing now the undercarriage is built up and added as are the bomb racks and bombs if using them. The struts are then added and the upper wing can be added. The observers rear mounted machine gun can then be made up and fitted. A basic rigging diagram is provided to rig the bi-plane. Markings There are three decal options included in the box. From the box you can build one of the following: U-2VS from 213rd Night Bomber Air Division, Soviet Air Force Summer 1943. Po-2CV from 46th Tamansky GvNBAP, Spring 1945. Po-2VS from 2nd Polish NBAP, Lubin Area, Summer 1944. Decals are printed by ICM, with good registration, sharpness and colour density, with a thin gloss carrier film cut close to the printed areas. Figures The kit comes with a set of 7 figures which are all well moulded. There are two what look like pilots, a senior office figure, 3 ground crew, and female figure. Conclusion It is good to see an important historical aircraft like this kitted, and its good to see the ICM kit on release again. The inclusion of a figure set makes for a ready made airfield diorama. Very highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

I-153 WWII China Guomindang AF Fighter 1:72 ICM The Polikarpov I-153 Chaika (Seagull), was the ultimate incarnation of the Soviet biplane fighter to find its way into service with the VVS (and other airforces). The aircraft was of mixed wood and metal construction, with a gull wing, manually retractable undercarriage and armed with four shKAS machine guns. It entered service in 1939, and was first blooded in the border skirmishes that took place between Soviet and Japanese forces that year. The combination of biplane maneuverability and modern fighter performance made the I-153 a competitive design, albeit hampered by an unreliable supercharger design and the lack of a firewall between the fuel tank and the cockpit. The type soldiered on into the 1940s, mainly due to the lack of modern alternatives in sufficient numbers. Inside ICM's typically robust box is a large sprue of grey plastic which holds all of the main parts of the diminutive fighter, as well as a much smaller sprue which holds the new parts for the engine and cowling used for this version. A tiny clear sprue, instructions and decals complete the package. Moulding is clean and crisp, with plenty of fine detail. There are 85 parts in total, although one or two (wheels) aren't used in this boxing. Construction on the cockpit begins with the internal framework, onto which the instrument panel, four-part seat, control column, rudder pedals and floor all fit. The oveall impression should be reasonably good for the scale, which is just as well as the cockpit is not enclosed by glazing. The whole sub-assembly fits onto the single span of the lower wing, which in turn fits into the two halves of the fuselage. The engine and propellor are comprised six parts, with an optional spinner hub. As with the lower wing, the upper wing is a nicely-moulded solid piece of plastic, onto which the two sturdy struts fit. Alignment shouldn't be a problem, as the gull wing section fits directly onto the front upper fuselage. The horizontal stabilisers are solid parts. The undercarriage legs and skis are accurately represented, with the same excellent level of detail as the rest of the kit. Each assembly is made up from five parts including the landing gear doors. The tail wheel is a single part on its own. A surprisingly good selection of ordnance is included, with a choice of four small bombs or four larger bombs. The supplied rockets are not used with this version of the kit. The rigging is fairly simple and should therefore be within the capabilities of the biplane averse. Decal options are provided for four different aircraft of the Chinese Kuomintang Air Force which are dated to between 1940 and 1971. The schemes are all very similar, with two displaying white codes on the fuselage sides and one without the blue and white markings on the rudder. The decals look nicely printed. Conclusion ICM's I-153 is a well-regarded kit and this Chinese version is a welcome addition to the range. Detail is good and construction is not overly complex. Overall, it looks as though this should be an enjoyable and rewarding build. Review sample courtesy of

Following in the footsteps of the iL-400b is another Soviet corrugated metal fighter, this time, the Tupolev AHT-5, the prototype of the I-4. The kit is originally by Latvian company Nakotne and has since been boxed by Encore, and most recently, by Zvezda. It allows for 3 versions of the I-4 to be built, the AHT-5 Prototype, early type I-4 with full size lower wing, and I-4Z, with reduced span lower wing. Some scratch building could yield the I-4bis, which lacked a lower wing altogether. The kit allows for overwing rockets and underwing bombs to be fitted, but such options would not be appropriate for the AHT-5. Other differences include a flatter or more pointed spinner, and the vertical stabilizer & rudder shape, and engine cylinder covers. Although I have seen the Encore and Zvezda boxings receive some criticisms, the only issue I have had with this original molding is the hardness of the plastic, which makes it difficult to remove and clean parts. Here, some of the engine detail has been added to the left fuselage half. The exhausts still need to be glued in their proper position. The interior is not the most detailed I or you have ever seen of course, but includes a floor, seat, control stick, rudder pedals, and instrument panel. I've yet to paint the seat cushion on. Once that is done, the two halves will be joined. Dry fitting reveals a perfect fit. Hopefully this will remain the case. Thanks for looking, Tweener

ABM is to release a 1/72nd PolikarpovTB-2 resin kit. Source: https://propjet.ucoz.ru/forum/2-74-32692-16-1522582502 Box art V.P.

AirKits is working on a 1/72nd Polikarpov SPB resin kit Source: https://propjet.ucoz.ru/forum/14-268-1 V.P.

Picked up a cheap kit online to verify my Uni address, the ICM 1/72 Polikarpov I-1 in a Maquette Box. For 6$, it looks a treat so far, with the exception of the wings that are far more complicated than need be. For whichever reason, it was decided to split the wing lengthwise, and that means an unfillable line is created. At least it fits well. The plan is to finish it in plain Aluminum - Green over Blue looks nice but I haven't either color on hand. Little has been done so far other than the construction of one wing and the mounting of the top of the engine block to the left fuselage. The interior is simple so it shouldn't take long to close her up. More to come tomorrow. Thanks, Tweener

Small Stuff (http://www.smallstuffmodels.com/) is to release a 1/72nd Polikarpov I-3 resin kit - ref.72003 Source: http://www.smallstuffmodels.com/2016/01/172I3WorkinProgress.html V.P.

In all honesty I bought this kit to optimise the transport costs for my kid's Christmas present - and this one happened to be on sale: Special Hobby 1/72 Polikarpov I-15, 'Red army'. I had never heard of this plane before, but I found it strangely attractive with its gull wings and short fuselage. The only thing that appears full size is the engine. A summary of the history of the airplane can be found for example [url=https://www.militaryfactory.com/aircraft/detail.asp?aircraft_id=631] HERE[/Url]. In 1928 Polikarpov was assigned to develop the I-6 biplane within 2 years. For the heinous crime of not the making the apparently literal deadline, Polikarpov was sentenced to death. Before the sentence was carried out however, it was reduced to a decade of hard labour and he was assigned to work on the I-5 project. After its successful completion, Polikarpov was pardoned and handed the I-15 project, which was developed from the I-5. Production started in 1934 and a total of 671 were built, more than a third license-built in Republican Spain. The airplane saw service in the Spanish Civil War, the Sino-Japanese war and in Khalkin Gol, as well as in the Second World War (if one chooses not the count the previously mentioned conflicts as part of that). Further development led to the I-15bis and I-153, of which about 6000 were produced and saw service in the early war. As for Polikarpov himself, upon returning from ordered trip to Germany in 1939, found his design bureau couped and emptied and his career as designer was over. Here is the scalemates entry on the model - I have no picture of the box: https://www.scalemates.com/kits/112449-special-hobby-sh72085-polikarpov-i-15-red-army Scalemates has it released in "200x" with unknown pedigree, but after opening the contents I suspect the tooling is older than that and is inherited from who knows where (edit: or maybe just shortrun kit - I mean it feels seems either old or unrefined, elaboration later). For about 6 British pounds I'm more than happy though. The kit contains two bags of resin parts for cockpit interiors, skis and engine. Apart from the skis, two more sets of landing gears are included (with and without wheel covers - forgot the technical term). PE details for the cockpit and telescope sight are included. As the kit name suggests, decals for 3 different Soviet airforce planes are included, plus decals for the prototype and an acetate sheet for the instrument board. One rather sprue containing fuselage, winds and odds and ends make up the rest of the plane.

ICM is to release in Q4 2016 a new tool 1/48th Polikarpov I-16 Type 24 kit - ref. 48097 Source: https://www.hannants.co.uk/product/ICM48097 Box art V.P.

Definitely out of my comfort zone, since I build mostly WWI subjects: it`s Safonov`s number 10. The missing starboard decal was printed and designed by Melius Manu, thanks a lot Kajetan! The model was painted with Hataka Red Line colours (camo) and Gunze, Tamiya. I know it`s far from perfect but still a joy to build. I`m going to build another one in the future and hope to build it with more details and fewer mistakes. This is what I used for reference when it comes to the paint scheme: And the rest of the pictures:

Prop&Jet is to release a 1/72nd Polikarpov TsKB-12 resin kit - ref.7227 Source: http://propjet.ucoz.ru/forum/9-214-1 V.P.

Another one off the production line.... Polikarpov I-16, Type 10, 1. Squadron, Lina Base, Spain, April 1938. The kit is somewhat daunting when you're first presented with the sprues and care will be needed throughout the build, there are no major problems it's just a bit of an old school build, meaning filler on every join and wing roots with a large gap etc. I used super glue as a filler which worked quite well, the few panel lines were then re-scribed and I added a few rivets around the engine cowling. The cockpit is sparse, as the real thing and you can't really see anything other than the chair. Seatbelts are supplied in etch metal and resin exhausts are included. For the silver ring on the cowling I used a thin strip of foil tape which works from stand off scale but would have been better painted. Painting was quite straightforward and done in a day with MRP standard soviet colours from WW2. There are decals for the fin but I chose to paint this instead, the rest of the decals are nice, maybe slightly thick for the scale. For finishing I used a different method by buffing the paint back with a cloth and sanding sticks, then I rubbed pigments lightly all over the airframe to give a dusty look. I'm trying to get a bit of realism from my larger models and I've started experimenting with techniques such as not having dead straight lines on paint finishes, building in imperfections in the finish and trying not to use the conversational gloss coat, matt coat etc. and instead buff the paint back with a cloth and fine sanding sticks. I would have preferred paint masks for the markings on this build so I may move to that for future builds over 1/48. Anyway hope you can see what I'm trying to achieve Kit: Azur Polikarpov I-16, Type 10, Super Mosca Scale: 1/32 Built: OOB Paints used: MRP RLM 62, MRP-024 A II G Light Blue, Xf 7, MRP White, MRP Black, Xf 58 Weathering: Mig pigments European Earth, Desert Sand, Flory Dark Dirt Wash

AirKits is to release a 1/72nd Polikarpov ARK-5/LP-5 resin kit - ref. Sources: http://propjet.ucoz.ru/forum/14-215-30588-16-1490381280 http://www.greenmats.club/topic/3091-airkits-каюк-готовит-смоляной-арк-5-в-72-м-масштабе/ V.P.

i Second I-16 variant done recently by me. It is a two seater, unarmed UTI-4 in Chineese markings (on profile I followed it was said "1938", on second of the same machine it was "1940"). I found photo of her as well... Anyway - she looks like this: Comments welcome Regards J-W

Riich Models is to release a 1/32nd Polikarpov I-16 Type 10 kit - ref. RA32001 Source: http://www.moxingfans.com/new/news/2017/0324/3454.html V.P.

Polikarpov I-16 Type 24 1:48 ICM The I-16 was a Soviet fighter of revolutionary design. It was the worlds first low wing cantilever monoplane fighter with retractable landing gear to achieve operational status. The designer Nikolai Nikoleavich Polikarpov designed the aircraft optimised for speed with a short stubby fuselage similar to the Gee Bee racer. It was to feature cutting edge items such as a fully retractable landing gear and an enclosed cockpit. Work began in June 1933 and full scale production began in November of the same year. The aircraft was designed around the Wright Cyclone SR-1820-F-3 nine cylinder engine. The construction was a mix of wooden monocoque and wings based around chrome-molybdenum steel alloy wing spar. Original armament was a par of 7.62mm machine guns mounted outboard of the main wheels. The Type 24 aircraft featured Four machine guns, two in the original wing positions and two synchronised in the fuselage. Landing flaps replaced the original drooping ailerons, a tail wheel was also added. This variant was powered by a Shvetsov M-63 engine developing 900hp. At the start of WWII Russian had 1635 I-16 variants. During the first 48 hours of Operation Barbarossa Luftwaffe attacks on I-16 bases reduced this to only 937 aircraft. The I-16 was surprisingly good in combat against the Bf 109E with Russian pilots using its superior horizontal manoeuvrability. However later versions of the 109 would prove to be much faster, and more heavily armed. One advantage in the Russian winter was the I-16 had an aircooled engine and were more reliable. In all over half of the produced aircraft were still in service when they were replaced in 1943. The I-16 would also serve overseas with China. Germany, Romania and Finland would operate captured examples. The Spanish Republican Air Force used I-16s supplied by Russia, and after the Civil war these would be used by Spanish State Air Force, amazingly only being retired in 1952. The Kit This new tool kit arrives on two sprues with one small clear sprue containing the front windscreen, in a robust box with a lid under the outer cover. The parts are all very well moulded with nice engraved detail. There is no evidence of flash anywhere on the parts. Construction starts surprisingly enough not in the cockpit but with the wings! The bottom wing is one piece with upper left & right parts being added. The ailerons can then be added to each side. Now construction moves to the cockpit and interior. The rear cockpit bulkhead is attached and is placed inside the left fuselage half along with the front bulkhead. The cockpit floor has the seat base and rudder pedals attached and is slid into the bulkheads. The instrument panel is built up and fitted along with the pilots control column. Other controls and the lower part of the seat are then added. The engine bulkhead is then attached and the main fuselage can be closed up. The front decking with gun troughs is then added in front of the cockpit, and the rudder is now added along with the cockpit side doors. The main fuselage is now mated to the wings. The tailplanes are also added. Construction now moves to the front of the aircraft with the engine being built up. The main bearer has the engine mounting ring attached which is followed by the gear box and intake manifold. The cylinder bank is now added along with the front push rods and exhaust pipes. The engine is then fitted. The propeller then has its boss fitted and is attached to front engine cover through the vents which control cooling air to the engine. This assembly can then be fitted to the front of the fuselage along with ths side and top engine covers (these can be left open if required). The main landing gear struts and doors can now be attached along with the tail wheel . Finally the main wheels are attached. Decals A medium sized decal sheet printed by ICM is supplied with the kit. The decals are in register and appear colour dense. These aircraft did not carry many markings and this is reflected in the kit. There are enough national markings for all 4 decal options provided; 13th Sqn Baltic Fleet Aviaion, Summer 1940. 16th Fighter Regiment, South Front, Summer 1941. 72nd Mixed Regiment Northern Fleet Aviation, Summer 1941. 4th Guard Fighter Regiment, Baltic Fleet Aviation, Winter-Spring 1942. Conclusion There is no doubt this will build up to make a good looking model. I for one am a fan of this stubby looking aircraft. Recommended. Review sample courtesy of

Hello fellow modellers, I hope you are having a pleasant weekend. I am building a 1/72nd scale Amodel Polikarpov I-16 Type 5. Unfortunately something strange happened to the canopy. It is no longer clear, it has gone a milky white and is now opaque. I live in Queensland Australia and had stored it in a little parts tin. I feel maybe humidity or some other factor related to heat caused this change, as it hasn't happened to canopies stored in normal kit boxes or zip-lock bags. It has probably been cooked! I have tried emailing Amodel and they cannot provide a canopy, only complete kits. I then found out that Falcon list an I-16 canopy in their Russian canopy 1/72 set. Unfortunately it isn't listed as an individual item in the Squadron range, so I would have to buy the complete Falcon set. It would be better value for money to buy this set than another I-16 kit, but I can't find any pictures of the Falcon set and wondered if the canopy included is the correct early type I need? It needs to be quite 'tent' shaped and fully enclosed. Does anyone know what type is in the set? Finally, I am hoping to model a Spanish Civil War Example (I know the kit has probably the wrong type of wings. I can live with this - this time ). I did wonder if anyone knows of a picture showing a SCW Polikarpov Type 5 (6?) with the later, open, round windshield rather than canopy? So far I have only seen this on type 10's, but if any type 5's like this existed my problem is solved. I have a good non-fogged one as I left it in the kit box rather than in the 'cooking' tin! I wonder why it became so fogged in that little tin, was it really that warm in there? Thank you for reading All best regards Tony

Hi. Just finished my Polikarpov this morning so obviously, thought i’d share. Straight out of the box in the colours of Borsi Safonov. Finished with some olive green i had left over over from my Hunter and some UK Azure for the bottom. Lost the wee thingy on the side unfortunately but apart from the small spaz i had over losing that, has been most enjoyable. So enjoyable that I’m going to attempt it 1/32 next. Hope you enjoy the pictures. Cheers (Temporary pics due to Photobucket) Thanks for looking! Simon

Amodel is to release in September 2016 a 1/72nd Zveno-1A (Tupolev TB-1 & Polikarpov I-5) kit - ref. 72290 Sources: http://www.aviationmegastore.com/zveno-1a-tb-1--i-5-expected-september-2016-72290-a-model-amdl72290-aircraft-scale-modelling/product/?action=prodinfo&art=139619 https://www.scalemates.com/kits/1000291-amodel-72290-zveno-1a Box art V.P.

Hi all, I finally gathered the courage and decided I'd join the group build. Common sense prevailed and I stuck with a project that would not take up too much space. Namely, I'm going to clean my stash of all remaining Hobbycraft I-16s. I made a few of these in my youth, unfortunately they were dumped in the bin by Mother dear after I left home . Only one survives and that's because it was being refurbished. Unnecessary bits from the Eduard and Ark kits ought to simplify things and improve accuracy. Unfortunately it seems I'm already off to a rocky start and today's work will be mostly undoing the damage I've done yesterday. The first specimen is meant to be a Type 5 and has had some work done on it, well below the 25% threshold I'd say: (In the background you can see the lone survivor, but it will not enter this GB). Reinforcements from the rear: the Eduard type 29 does not need these. I still need to raid the Ark kit for any piece it can shed. Now for my own embarrassment:undersurfaces from the other kit which I mean to build as a rocket-armed Type 24. I must have been modelling DUI because I thought at first that I could move the entire exhaust area to its correct location and only later I saw the folly of my actions. So I blanked the existing exhaustes and drilled holes in the new wrong position! I have plugged the holes with stretched sprue, now I'm left with the reinforcement and rescribing of the port side. In short I made a dog's meal of the piece. I'd like to say things can only improve from here, but I know myself...

Academy has just re-boxed as limited edition the Hobbycraft 1/48th Polikarpov I-16 Type 24 kit - ref. 12314 Source: http://www.academy.co.kr/6q/board_news_main.asp?pMenuId=BOARD00012&pCode=9486 V.P.

AModel is to release a 1/72nd Polikarpov UTI-4 kit - ref. AM72314 Sources: http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10305833 http://www.hannants.co.uk/product/AMU72314 Box art V.P.

Just finished another project. Polikarpov I-152 (I-15bis) from Special Hobby in 1/48 scale. Building process and more pictures you can see here: https://goo.gl/photos/EWb28Anj2Hx8CUZ77 The model is not for beginners. There were some difficulties, but overall positive experience. The result - one box became less Hope you like it Regards Ivan.

Ark Models is to rebox in 2015 it's 1/48th Polikarpov I-16 (http://www.ark-models.org/catalog.php?cid=10)with resin parts and or PE parts and turned metal parts. Source: http://www.ark-models.org/news.php - ref.AK48003 - Polikarpov I-16 Russian fighter. The kit includes resin parts. The kit for an assembly of two models of the Polikarpov I-16 fighter on a scale of 1:48 includes plastic parts and resin parts (a cockpit interior, a tail, figures of an aviatrix and a technician). ref.AK48006 - Polikarpov I-16 Russian fighter. The kit includes PE parts and turned metal parts. The kit for an assembly of two models of the Polikarpov I-16 fighter on a scale of 1:48 includes plastic parts, photo-etched parts and turned metal parts (RS-82 rockets, a Pitot tube, ShKAS machine gun barrels and ShVAK cannon barrels). V.P.