Contact-Résine 1/32
Polikarpov I-16 Exterior 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 rear flight controls are molded straight and level (not typical for an old tail-dragger) and the landing gear could use a bit of an improvement.

Contact-Résine to the rescue. They've produced an elegantly simple enhancement to the airframe. First, they've provided new horizontal stabilizers which do not have the elevators pre-molded in position. Then they've provided separate elevators and rudder, all with nice representations of fabric covering.

When modeling a tail dragger like the I-16, unless the aircraft had a wind gust lock in the cockpit, the crew chief might use an external lock to keep the flight controls from flapping around in the wind. When an aircraft is ready to go, these locks are usually released in advance. Therefore, the elevators will droop to the down stop and the control stick in the cockpit will likewise be all the way forward. Sometimes a crew chief or pilot will use the seat belts to lock the elevators, so you'll see the stick all the way back to the seat pan with the seat belt locked around it. In this case, the elevators are all the way up to the up stop. The rudder may be deflected in the wind as well. Don't forget to position your rudder pedals to match the position of your rudder!

In addition to the tail feathers, this set provides completely new main gear doors with some nice internal structural detailing, new main gear struts and new main wheels.

If you couple this set with CK32005 and CK32006, 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 cockpit 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!