Recently there have been two 1/33 scale models of the Polikarpov I-16 coming out. They are the Modele Kartonowe version, which is downloadable for free and also comes in a 1/48 version for those so inclined; and Kartonowy Arsenal 3/2004, one of the most recent Halinski kits.
Comparing them is both interesting and unfair, since the MK (Modele Kartonowe) is offered for free and still of very good quality (better than many a commercially offered model); while the Halinski is absolutely outstandingly superb and of museum quality in both detail and finish (compare for the images below).
Both kits come in four print sheets. The MK version is typically Illustrator coloured, with no shading at all, and very black contour and panel lines. The Halinski kit is a new artistic high in shading and weathering.
Both models have interior cockpits, and you can compare the level of detail for yourself here:
• Modele Kartonowe I-16
• Halinski I-16
Note how the Halinski model has a very detailed engine, probably useful as a prototype for many other models with radial engines. Also note the completeness of the interior, including the fuel tank, which just begs for building a cut-away model on one side, to show both the detailed engine and the detailed interior.
Get the models here:
• Download the Modele Kartonowe Polikarpov I-16 for free from here. (The 1/48 version is here.)
• Buy the Halinski Polikarpov I-16 here: In North America from Lighthouse; and in Europe from Spishop.
Read more about the fascinating Polikarpov I-16 here (New Zealand site, with flight review of a number of new replicas built in Russia). Stunning pictures; now I know where Halinski got all those details and their correct colouring from! (Thanks for the tips, Roman and "Peter the ingrate".)
Leif
Comparing them is both interesting and unfair, since the MK (Modele Kartonowe) is offered for free and still of very good quality (better than many a commercially offered model); while the Halinski is absolutely outstandingly superb and of museum quality in both detail and finish (compare for the images below).
Both kits come in four print sheets. The MK version is typically Illustrator coloured, with no shading at all, and very black contour and panel lines. The Halinski kit is a new artistic high in shading and weathering.
Both models have interior cockpits, and you can compare the level of detail for yourself here:
• Modele Kartonowe I-16
• Halinski I-16
Note how the Halinski model has a very detailed engine, probably useful as a prototype for many other models with radial engines. Also note the completeness of the interior, including the fuel tank, which just begs for building a cut-away model on one side, to show both the detailed engine and the detailed interior.
Get the models here:
• Download the Modele Kartonowe Polikarpov I-16 for free from here. (The 1/48 version is here.)
• Buy the Halinski Polikarpov I-16 here: In North America from Lighthouse; and in Europe from Spishop.
Read more about the fascinating Polikarpov I-16 here (New Zealand site, with flight review of a number of new replicas built in Russia). Stunning pictures; now I know where Halinski got all those details and their correct colouring from! (Thanks for the tips, Roman and "Peter the ingrate".)
Leif