Polikarpov I-16 Type 24, Eduard in 1/48 scale
Hi, i would like to share the pictures of my I-16 from Eduard with you. It was the “Profi Pack”
version of this kit and it was a delight to build. It is way better than the Hobbycraft/Academy
kit. Soviet aviation is somewhat underrated. This little fighter was clearly state of the
art when introduced. Getting into service, the western airforces are still using biplanes.
My aircraft was build as an aircraft from a soviet naval unit, the 72.SAP, deployed in
the north in 1942. It was the same unit, where the soviet ace, Boris Safonov gained fame.
As said, this kit is a little gem, i run into selfmade problems. At first, while building, it falls out of my hand, that forced the instrument panel to “defect”.
But on the closed cockpit, it can t be seen. The clear parts are very thin and brittle, i managed to crack it, while masking 🙁
It is a small fighter, compare the I-16 with a P-47 !
I hope you like it
Bernd
6 additional images. Click to enlarge.
AL HOFFMAN said on September 8, 2014
Good build Bernd. Glad you added that last comparison shot. The stubby appearance of this aircraft kinda reminds me of the Gee Bee racer.
Craig Abrahamson said on September 8, 2014
Now how did you know what I was thinkin’, Al…that’s uncanny! 🙁
Bernd Müller said on September 8, 2014
Hi Al, you are right, the appearance was very similar, the flying
characteristics were similar as well. To mate a powerful radial
in the smallest possible airframe, the outcome will look like this one.
At the start of its service live, soviet pilots were not so keen about this aircraft. It lacks the upper wing. they dislike the closed canopy of the early variants and the plane was not easy to fly, but with more experience they learned how maneuverable this plane was.And is was rugged and easy to maintain too. A true classic !
Thank you for your kind comment 🙂
Gregor d said on September 8, 2014
Nice Rata Bernd. The P-47 is big compared to most WW2 fighters.
Bernd Müller said on September 8, 2014
Thank you Gregor, i am glad you like it ! This compare shot was a must for me, it is hard to believe, they share the same scale.
Korolev Vlad said on September 8, 2014
Bernd, great job, beautiful I-16.
A small note. Fairing wing was made of wood.
quote: “It is a small fighter, compare the I-16 with a P-47 !”
I compared with the Wild Cat http://scalemodels.ru/modules/forum/img_1046188_1409736032_ww41.jpg.html
http://scalemodels.ru/modules/forum/img_1046188_1409736035_ww42.jpg.html
Sincerely yours, Vlad.
Bernd Müller said on September 9, 2014
ooooooooooops, good to learn about, but this glith is easy to
solve !
Your I-16 in these special colors is great, as well the F4F !
Morne Meyer said on September 8, 2014
A very good looking Rata. Great finish on her. Now what about doing a Mig 3 next. Arguably the best looking Russian fighter!! Sehr gut!!!
Bernd Müller said on September 8, 2014
Danke Morne, my “early” MiG-3 need a little TLC and some clear
for the canopy, later marks will come as well. And you are right
the lines of the MiG-3 are beautiful.
Milan D. said on September 8, 2014
Great build and great photos! Well done Bernd
Bernd Müller said on September 8, 2014
Thank you very much, Milan. The photos were taken on a grey
cardbord in the bright sun. The light is very similar to a photo
studio.
Bernard E. Hackett, Jr. said on September 8, 2014
Any idea what the slogan on the fuselage side says?
Thinking of home and Mother on the collective farm?
I always wonder, given I have no idea. I wasn’t too good with vietnamese, either, what with conversational ice breakers as “Halt”, “Drop your weapon”, and “Hi, honey”. Luckily, I never had to practice my skills.
Bernd Müller said on September 9, 2014
Hi Bernhard, it reads “destroy faschism” but our friends from
this part of the world can bring some light into this
Simon Whitney said on September 8, 2014
Great build of one of the rarer planes.
And you are right it`s a stubby little plane.
Well done Bernd.
Bernd Müller said on September 9, 2014
Thank you Simon, it wasn t the last one of these.
California Steve said on September 8, 2014
Really nice Bernd. I love the comparison photo.
California Steve
Bernd Müller said on September 9, 2014
Thank you Steve, this pic was a must.
George Williams said on September 8, 2014
It’s tiny, must have made it a difficult target for enemy pilots! Beautiful model, Bernd, and an interesting write up.
Bernd Müller said on September 9, 2014
Thank you very much for your kind comment, George. Yes it
was, if the I-16 pilot could fight it out on his own terms. The
archenemy was the 109 and it was superior in climb and speed
but the I-16 could turn on a dime. German pilots were caught by surprise, that the target, turned and attacked from the front.
Soviet fighter formations are big and the pilots were ordered
to keep the formation very tight, they were busy to keep up with their comrades, attcked from the rear they were shot down at will
Frank Cronin said on September 11, 2014
Bernd,
Beautifully done. YouTube has a clip of a restored I-16 flying and it is interesting to see it in the air. It has a clunky sounding engine but it does the trick.
Bernd Müller said on September 11, 2014
Thank you Frank, VVS birds are a great subject to do. There is
i flyable I-16 here in Germany, it is tricky to fly.
I am not quite sure, but the USSR produced license build radials
from the U.S.A
Rick Wilkes said on September 12, 2014
Excellent Rata Bernd. The comparison photo really brings home how small these early monoplane fighters were.
Bernd Müller said on September 15, 2014
Thanks Rick, small and stubby. Note these wires going from the
wheel wells to the wheel strut, the pilot operates the undercarriage
with a crank in the cockpit !