[Minairons] 1:144 Polikarpov I-16 fighter

[Lluis of Minairons]

We're expanding our range of 1:144^th scale Spanish Civil War aircraft as fast as possible, this week with a real must for any respectable Republican force - the legendary Polikarpov I-16 fighter (nicknamed 'Mosca' by the Republicans and 'Rata' by the Nationalists).



Model kit itself is sold in box as a single piece DLP 3D-printed model, so requiring no assembly at all. It is inclusive of a pilot bust seated in cockpit.



This new model is born thanks to the co-operation with Plane Printer designer through Patreon, as already explained before.

Best regards,

Lluís Vilalta
minairons.eu
Minairons blog
Minairons facebook

[Grey Heron]

Beautiful looking plane. Thanks for the release.

Kind regards,
Helen

[Sean Clark]

I like this!

[Colonel Kilgore]

That's a nice-looking plane, with lots of crisp clean detail.

I hope you're onto another winner here, Lluis!

Simon

[Lluis of Minairons]

Thanks for your so encouraging comments 

I'd like to share now a section of Polikarpov I-16s from an obscure japanese brand known as Kamide Koro Koro. I purchased them from a japanese webstore some years ago - quite before Zvezda released their own plastic I-16. Those are resin cast in one single piece, and honestly they do not look bad either.



Yes it may seem rather counterproductive to show a model from another brand, right after having announced a Minairons release on that same subject. But, you know, as a hobbyist I'm deeply brand agnostic - I pick what I like, no matter who makes it; and I suspect that many are of that same philosophy. I would betray that philosophy if, as a manufacturer, I jealously hid products compatible with those of mine.



To paint all the I-16s upper surfaces I've used Vallejo's 70.894 Russian Green, while 70.961 Sky Blue for the lower surfaces. Then, after a black wash I highlighted it all using those same colours (or, in the case of green surfaces, Russian Green was added now a tiny drop of 70.857 Golden Olive to make it brighter). As for the tail rudder tricolor, it is painted with 70.908 Carmine Red, 70.915 Deep Yellow as well as a mix of 70.810 Royal Purple and 70.958 Pink. In the end I coated it all with satin varnish by brush.



Here you have one of these Kamide Koro Koro planes, for you to compare with mine own. Worth to comment that cockpit glasses were painted 70.857 Golden Olive and then added some tiny shining effects. So as to increase the glassy effect, I ended up by applying a couple layers of glossy varnish there.

As soon as possible, I shall share some pictures of a second Polikarpov I-16s section - but these from Minairons and Zvezda instead. I'm not showing these yet because of lack of appropriate home made decals. I've already drawn them, but have to find the time for bringing them to a professional printing service.

Cheers,
Lluís

[Smoking gun]

The I-16 is a lovely looking plane, it reminds of the Red Bull and other racing planes with the large radial engine and short fuselage. You have made a very nice model.

best wishes,
Martin Buck