Special Hobby's 1/32 scale
Polikarpov I-16 Type 10

by Roland Sachsenhofer

Special Hobby's 1/32 scale Polikarpov I-16 is available online from Squadron.com

The sturdy I-16 possesses the distinction to be the first low-wing interceptor monoplane with a retractable undercarriage to enter service anywhere in the world. Being flown by the Republicans, who called the distinctive machine “Mosca” (Fly), it achieved a formidable reputation in the Spanish Civil War.

In total, the Soviets -being eager to evaluate their fighter under serious circumstances- delivered 475 I-16 to Spain. The nationalist opponents named it “Rata” (Rat), a denomination that survived to the days of operation “Barbarossa” in 1942, where the I-16 bore the brunt of Luftwaffe operations against the Soviet Union. At this time the I-16 was obviously outclassed. It served in first-line squadrons until 1943. The total production is estimated at 7000.

My I-16 depicts a Type 10, equipped with non retractable skis in the winter 1941. The colouring was done by Alclad II “White Aluminium” as an undercoat for the metal parts, Gunze acrylics and watercolours for the staining.

Remarks will be appreciated: ro.sachsenhofer@asn-linz.ac.at

References:

http://www.warbirdpix.com/

http://www.brushfirewars.org/aircraft/polikarpov_i-16/polikarpov_i-16_1.htm

http://www.nzfpm.co.nz/aircraft/i16.htm

http://usuarios.lycos.es/SANMARCA/iindex.htm

 

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Model, Images and Text Copyright © 2006 by Roland Sachsenhofer
Page Created 30 October, 2006
Last Updated 30 October, 2006

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