Polikarpov I-16
1/32 scale Multimedia Detail Sets

Contact Résine
 

Reviewed by Brett Green

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If you have Azur's or Special Hobby's 1/32 scale Polikarpov I-16 kit, and you have a hankering to build a super Super Mosca, then Contact Résine has come to your rescue!

Contact Résine has released three detail sets for MPM's family of I-16s. They will all be suitable for either Azur's Type 10 and Special Hobby's Type 10/17 Super Mosca kits.

Each set includes resin and photo etched parts. As with all of Contact Resine's previous releases, cleanup of the resin parts is minimal, and casting is jut superb. Instructions are excellent in all sets. They are by way of colour photos illustrating assembly, plus text in both French and English.

The specific sets are as follows:

CK32005 - I-16 Cockpit Set

This cockpit is simple in parts breakdown but beautifully detailed.

Resin and photo-etched parts replace the entire kit cockpit. Sidewalls feature deeply cast structural detail and electrical wiring, while the seat with its cast-on cushion and harness is another highlight. The instrument panel comprises a sandwich of resin, brass and printed instrument dials, and smaller details are also supplied in photo-etch.

This is a lovely little front office which will make an immediate impact on your Super Mosca.

CK32006 - I-16 Engine and Cooler

The Azur / Special Hobby I-16 kits do not include an engine. The problem is avoided by moulding the vents on the front of the kit cowling closed.

If you would like to catch a glimpse of the engine, however, Contact Résine now offers a well detailed motor and engine cowl. 12 parts in resin plus three in photo-etched brass make up this simple but well detailed assembly.

CK32007 - I-16 Upgrade Set

This final set will spruce up the rest of the airframe.

A full replacement main undercarriage is supplied in brass and resin, including subtly bulged wheels. Separate tail control surfaces complete this exterior upgrade set.

Azur's and Special Hobby's 1/32 scale I-16s are undoubtedly nice kits, but Contact Resine's multimedia detail sets will transform them into mini-masterpieces. Actually, in this scale they are not so mini!

Detail is very good, construction does not look difficult, casting is world class and, with the positionable access doors, the cockpit set will be highly visible through the large opening.

If you are planning to build a 1/32 scale Super Mosca, Contact Resine's detail sets will be welcome enhancements.

Highly Recommended.