Contact-Résine 1/32
Polikarpov I-16 Engine Set

I was overjoyed when Special Hobby and Azur released the 1/32 Polikarpov I-16 'Rata' kits in several different types. These kits are the best (same molds) I-16 produced in any scale. Even so, the inside of the cowling is empty. The kit was made more affordable by molding the cooling shutters closed and not messing with an engine. Of course AMS modelers couldn't live with that...

Contact-Résine to the rescue. They've produced the nine-cylinder engine in resin, complete with nine cylinder heads mounted on a core. The ignition ring is also provided so you can use some wire (you provide) to hook up your dual magnetos to the two spark plugs on each cylinder head. What isn't provided in this set is the exhaust manifold and engine mount, but this would be a waste of detail as you cannot see either with the cowling closed. The purpose of this set to give you something to see when you open up the cooling shutters.

Speaking of cooling shutters, this detail set provides a replacement cowling face with the shutter holes fully open. A separate photo-etched part sits behind the cowling face to rotate open or closed as set by a lever in the cockpit. If you should choose to leave the shutters closed, you won't need the engine, but you'll still have more detail and depth in the shutter details. On the other hand, if you pose the shutters open, you'll have a nice-looking engine in view.

Another photo-etched part is included that is the locking strap that keeps the cowling closed.

If you couple this set with CK32005 and CK32007, you've given the Azur/Special Hobby kit quite the improvement!

This is an excellent addition to either 1/32 I-16 kit and will provide some stunning detail for the front end of your next masterpiece. This set is definitely recommended!

You can purchase this set online from Design & Marketing International.

My sincere thanks to Design & Marketing International for this review sample!