Polikarpov I-16 Control Surfaces

Published on
October 28, 2015
Review Author(s)
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$13.50
Product / Stock #
4651
Base Kit
Eduard
Company: Aires Hobby Models - Website: Visit Site
Provided by: Aires Hobby Models - Website: Visit Site
Product packaging

Looking at all those photos of Polikarpov I-16s sitting on the grass and noting that the elevators are both drooping? Aires has come to the rescue with a beautiful set to replace the horizontal tail surfaces for the Polikarpov I-16. There are no supplied instructions; you simply swap out the kit provided plastic parts with the new Aires replacements. These Aires parts are specific replacements for the kit parts found in the Eduard series of I-16 kits.

Aires has molded the stabilizer and elevator perfectly in light grey resin with no apparent bubbles. The Aires stabilizer and elevator are supplied on a single resin sprue with thin resin attachments to the parts that should minimize any cleanup.

Although most paints will adhere to resin alone, I would recommend that you wash the parts to remove any remaining mold release and prime them first. They will need to be installed with your favorite CA (super glue) or epoxy, as the normal plastic glues or solvents will not react with the resin.

I’ve also included comparisons with the other 1/48 I-16 kits available on the market. The photo below shows, from left to right, the Aires, Eduard, ARK, and HobbyCraft (Academy) horizontal stabilizer. ICM has also threatened to release an I-16 kit for the last several years, so it probably would also benefit from this set. The Aires horizontal stabilizer easily fits on to the Eduard fuselage. The Aires stabilizer fits the ARK kit, but the ARK horizontal stabilizer and its fuselage mount is a bit thicker and longer and will require some modification to fit well. The HobbyCraft kit will take more surgery since it uses two pins to mount. The HobbyCraft stabilizer is also thinner than the Aires stabilizer and will require modification to fit properly.

As with the Aires QuickBoost pitot tube and gun set, the Aires horizontal stabilizers are readily seen as opposed to almost anything inside the tiny cockpit or under the cowling. Highly recommended.

Thanks to Quickboost and IPMS/USA for the opportunity to review this set.

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